Exclusive Bar Training With House of Suntory
HOUSE OF SUNTORY ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF EXCLUSIVE TRAINING PROGRAM LED BY UK BRAND AMBASSADOR JAMES BOWKER
The DOJO program will return for a second year and aims to educate select bartenders on the art of Japanese bartending
London, 2nd July 2021 – House of Suntory has announced the return of its advocacy programme which will educate bartenders on their premium portfolio of craft spirits: Roku Gin, Haku Vodka, Toki Whisky, and Hibiki Whisky.
DOJO, which translates as ‘a place to master the way’, is a first-of-its kind program that seeks to engage with bartenders to not only improve their skillset, but deepen their understanding of the philosophy and customs that embody The House of Suntory’s roots in Japanese craftsmanship.
Led by House of Suntory’s Brand Ambassador, James Bowker, the DOJO programme will be supported by traditional Japanese Craft Masters. Together they will provide best-in-class education in Japanese culture, craft and bartending, centring on the three key pillars of House of Suntory: Hibiki, Omotenashi and Monozukuri.
Between June and September, the Japanese Craft Masters will each present an online masterclass with James Bowker:
- Hosted by renowned Ikebana Artist, Keiko Smith, the Ikebana Masterclass took place on 21st June 2021, focusing on Japanese aesthetics and beauty. In addition, participants tasted each botanical distillate of Roku individually in a special Roku tasting experience
- On the 19th of July 2021, Master Sushi Instructor Izumi Nakamura and Japanese seasoning expert Stuart Turner will host a Sushi Masterclass exploring balance and seasoning, which will include a Haku tasting of rice spirits at different stages of distillation
- 23rd August 2021 will see Sake Sommelier, Erika Haigh, owner of Bar Moto, and Head Sommelier of Restaurant Story, Jonathan Kleeman, combine forces to teach the art of flavour matching during the Pairing Masterclass, which will also include a tasting of the blending components of Toki
- To conclude the DOJO Masterclass Series on 20th September 2021, House of Suntory are collaborating with leading Urasenke Tea Master, Genshitsu Sen, to curate a Tea Ceremony Masterclass, centring on hospitality and guest experience. In addition, James Bowker and Zoran Peric will host a tasting of Hibiki components following an advanced ice carving tutorial
In addition to this and in the spirit of traditional DOJO training, participants will also be able to take part in Kaizen Challenges, inspired by the idea of Kaizen – continual refinement – wherein participants will demonstrate their newfound skills and apply them to a classic cocktail. The participants who display the most commitment and personal development will be invited to a grand finale where House of Suntory will select the strongest DOJO apprentices to join them for a one-of-a-kind trip to Japan.
Commenting on the re-launch, James Bowker, UK Brand Ambassador for the House of Suntory said: “We are extremely proud to bring back DOJO for a second year. The programme is a great opportunity to engage with bartenders across the country and share with them the three pillars behind the House of Suntory brand that makes it so unique. Educating bartenders on Japanese culture has always been a passion of mine and I cannot wait to welcome the next cohort of Dojo ambassadors.”
For more information on DOJO, please visit www.suntorydojo.com
New Premium Naked Malt Whisky Brand
NEW “NAKED MALT” IDENTITY AND PACKAGING REVEALED
Blended malt credentials boosted by fresh identity & packaging, showcasing ‘Naked’ first-fill sherry casks to appeal to a new generation of whisky drinkers
London, 13th May 2021: Ultra-premium spirits company, Edrington, is re-presenting its Naked brand with a new identity. Embracing its independent spirit and honouring the liquid by placing a first-fill sherry cask centre stage on the bottle, the brand will also evolve to Naked Malt to reinforce its quality credentials and reflect the blend of some of Scotland’s finest single malts.
The launch of Naked Malt, formerly Naked Grouse, will see no change to the award-winning liquid. However, the brand is revealing a new, contemporary design and 100% recyclable packaging. The bottle – which remains transparent to showcase the liquid – will now be embossed with a stunning “Naked” first-fill sherry cask, a homage to the unique process and the delicious flavour it embodies. Each bottle will also carry a signature from Naked Malt Master Blender, Diane Stuart, to acknowledge the meticulous blending, care & craftsmanship that goes into every specially selected cask.
Comprised of world-renowned single malts, Naked Malt’s exceptional flavour is enhanced when the unique blend is extra-matured in first-fill (or naked) Oloroso sherry casks for at least six months. As they’ve never held whisky before, this imparts the best flavour and cask character to create a distinctive taste that is rich and fruity yet versatile for any preferred serve. The brand wants to inspire a new generation of whisky drinkers to celebrate the freedom to drink whisky their way, and ultimately Live Naked, free from traditional constraints.
The finished Naked Malt blend features hints of buttery toffee and sweet spice on the nose, notes of vanilla, stewed fruit and raisins on the palate with a rich and sherried spice finish, creating a contemporary spirit that gives consumers the freedom to enjoy their way – whether that be neat, on the rocks or as part of a cocktail. The brand’s signature serve is a simple Naked Sour which reflects the versatility of the liquid.
Naked Malt will be available to purchase on Amazon, Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange from July 2021 and will cost £27.
Elaine Miller, Global Brand Controller at Naked Malt, said: “For our consumers, the whisky category can be difficult to navigate and bound with conventions they don’t want to be constrained by, so for us, it’s about making whisky more accessible. We want to give a new generation the freedom to try whisky their way, whilst providing the reassurance of a great quality, versatile liquid.
“The new bottle design reinforces our ‘Naked’ cask story, and our ‘Naked’ bottle itself is stripped back because we want to liberate the whisky and let the quality shine through. We also took this opportunity to ensure that all packaging components are 100% recyclable, a key consideration for our consumers.”
Diane Stuart, Naked Malt Master Blender, added: “Naked Malt is blended using some of the finest Scottish single malts, each selected for its quality and individual flavour. Every cask of Single Malt Scotch whisky selected for our blend is nosed to ensure it meets our exacting standard.
“By extra maturing Naked Malt in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks, we deliver quality and intensity of flavour enviable in the contemporary whisky category. We create the perfect balance of sweet, fruity character from the American oak with the rich, dried fruit and spicy notes from the European oak to produce Naked Malts signature flavour. But what matters most is that you enjoy it whichever way you like.”
Celebrate With Style This World Whisky Day
Courtesy of Edrington-Beam Suntory
Like with all occasions to celebrate with style, World Whisky Day is no different. This World Whisky Day on Saturday 15 May, why not explore a little further and find a whisky that represents exactly who you are. As with any considered purchase, the time taken in making a selection is more often than not rewarded later and with selecting the right whisky it is no different.
Toki
Meaning ‘time’ in Japanese, Toki brings together old and new – the House of Suntory’s proud heritage and its innovative spirit. A blended Japanese whisky that is both ground-breaking and timeless, the finish is subtly sweet and spicy with a hint of vanilla oak, white pepper and ginger.
RRP: £35
Stockists: Tesco and Master of Malt
Highland Park 10 YO
Highland Park 10 YO is matured predominantly in sherry seasoned European and American oak casks. This particular whisky has notes of oranges, vanilla cream and smoky heather peat.
RRP: £44.95
Stockist: Master of Malt
The Macallan 12 Year Old Double Cask
The Macallan 12 Year Old Double Cask has been aged in a combination of American oak and ex-sherry casks. This is a rich whisky which combines fruity citrus and caramel with spicy ginger and nutmeg.
RRP: £55
Stockists: The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt
Bowmore 12 YO
Bowmore is Islay’s oldest distillery, and home to the world’s oldest whisky maturation warehouse, the No. 1 Vaults. The most perfectly balanced 12 Year Old which embodies Bowmore’s signature style. Bowmore 12 YO is both complex and perfectly balanced, with Bowmore’s trademark peat smoke, leading to a delicious, long and mellow finish.
RRP: £38
Stockist: Waitrose
Laphroaig Lore
By maturing the liquid in small batches in five unique casks, Laphroaig has created a liquid that is rich, complex, varied and above all, storied. Laphroaig Lore uses different aged liquids ranging from 7 to 21 years, which allows the richest possible flavour. As the name suggests, this offering from Laphroaig is inspired by the knowledge and traditions passed down from generation to generation of its distillery managers, blenders and craftsmen.
RRP: £70
Stockists: The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt
The Famous Grouse
First produced in 1860, The Famous Grouse has been the No.1 whisky in Scotland since 1980. The Famous Grouse is a nicely balanced, malty blend with notes of toffee apples and hints of biscuity barley. The blend was awarded a Royal Warrant and represents great value for money.
RRP: £18.50
Stockists: Tesco and Master of Malt
Experience Bowmore at The Savoy
Solas: An Exceptional Al Fresco Dining Experience Launches
A Unique Partnership Between The Savoy and Bowmore Begins
On 21 April, Solas, a glamorous outdoor dining concept launches. For the first time in The Savoy’s history Savoy Court will be transformed into an exclusive short-season ‘pop-up’. This opening marks The Savoy and Bowmore Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky’s new collaboration; the bringing together of two brands, both celebrated for their history and innovation.
Solas, from the Gaelic for light, joy and comfort, will be the perfect place to celebrate this unique moment in time as outdoor hospitality begins to welcome back guests and The Savoy reopens for permitted overnight travellers. Its menu will comprise an array of superlative cocktails and dining will focus around a spectacular raw seafood bar.
Solas will be a feast for the eyes too; inspired by the heritage and legacy of Bowmore whisky creatively combined with the Art Deco and Edwardian elegance of The Savoy, the venue is set to become the ultimate, unforgettable dining experience of 2021.
Guests will be greeted with an incredible view of a shimmering chandelier as they head into Solas, inspired by the 62 grand chandeliers that grace The Savoy, fused with the drama of the black rocks of the Scottish coastline where Bowmore whisky is crafted. This five metre wide artwork will send rays of light from suspended shards of crystal, decanters and stoppers. The seafood bar also reflects the two brands, bringing together natural slate and granite with gleaming brass, and is backed by a presentation of Bowmore bottles aged over time.
The drinks menu will feature expertly crafted cocktails from The Savoy’s talented team which will have guests savouring every sip. Guests can toast with a Timeless cocktail, a serve that celebrates Bowmore’s unique craft which has been refined for over 240 years, or sit back and relax with a Golden Eye, an homage to everyone’s favourite secret agent. Rare Bowmore expressions will also be available to order including Bowmore 27-year-old.
The Savoy’s chefs will prepare the freshest, responsibly-sourced seafood. Alongside the stunning raw seafood bar the menu also includes three oyster selections served in a Bowmore oyster luge, and paired with a choice of whisky, delicious lobster rolls, gravadlax and Blue Shrimp ceviche amongst other mouth-watering dishes.
Solas is open seven days a week until 21 June 2021, and early reservations are strongly recommended.
Solas
Where: The Savoy
Address: Strand, London, WC2R 0EZ
Getting there: Nearest tube stations are Charing Cross, Embankment & Covent Garden
Times: Monday-Thursday, 4pm-10pm & Friday-Sunday, 12pm-10pm
Booking link here
Famous Grouse Support for The British & Irish Lions
THE FAMOUS GROUSE ANNOUNCES NEW LIMITED EDITION BOTTLE TO CELEBRATE ROLE AS OFFICAL SPONSOR OF THE BRITISH & IRISH LIONS
Monday 29th March, London: The Famous Grouse, the no.1 Whisky in the UK, has today announced a limited-edition label to celebrate the brand’s role as the Official Sponsor of The British & Irish Lions.
The one-off design sees the iconic label of The Famous Grouse transformed to read ‘The Famous British & Irish Lions’.
Sold exclusively at Tesco from 30th March, the bottle will be available in three variations (35cl, 70cl and 1L) before being distributed to additional retailers and the on-trade from April.[1]
Following more than 30 years of involvement with the sport of rugby, the limited-edition bottle aims to drive engagement with fans across the UK throughout the tour, championing the games unparalleled sportsmanship and camaraderie. It also forms part of The Famous Grouse The Spirit of Rugby campaign, following the announcement that The Famous Grouse will also be the Official Partner of Premiership Rugby, SA Rugby, and Glasgow Warriors.
Chris Anderson, Head of Edrington Brands, said: “The Famous Grouse has been investing in the sport of rugby for 30 years, and we are very proud to reaffirm our commitment to this great game with the launch of this limited-edition bottle. On sale throughout the British and Irish Lions tour the bottle will enable us to celebrate the pride and camaraderie we see on the rugby pitch every matchday.”
As one of the world’s most popular blended whiskies, The Famous Grouse combines a creamy malt and biscuit flavour with a hint of spice and whisper of smoke to create a truly unique blend.
The Famous British & Irish Lions is best served neat or as part of a ‘Grouse and Ginger’ cocktail made using ginger beer. The Famous British & Irish Lions is the ideal drink to enjoy during The British & Irish Lions tour at home or to toast a try with friends once pubs and bars reopen later this year.
For further information or to join the conversation, please visit @TheFamousGrouseUK on Facebook, @TheFamousGrouse on Twitter and on Instagram @TheFamousGrouseUK
[1] Following a three week exclusivity period at Tesco.
