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Brugal Rum Appoints UK Brand Ambassador
JAMIE CAMPBELL APPOINTED BRUGAL 1888 UK BRAND AMBASSADOR
Tuesday, 10th August 2021, London: Edrington UK today announces that Jamie Campbell has been appointed Brugal 1888’s UK Brand Ambassador.
With over ten years’ experience in the hospitality industry, Jamie has considerable knowledge working with luxury spirit portfolios as a brand builder.
Through his culinary and cocktail skills, Jamie creates engaging environments for consumers and the trade to thrive in. Now, as UK Brand Ambassador, Jamie will work closely with the on-trade and luxury retail outlets across the country to promote the Brugal brand and the super-premium Rum category, via consumer masterclasses and cocktail workshops to showcase the warm and welcoming nature of Brugal 1888.
Prior to his recent appointment, Jamie was Brand Experience Manager for the Lucas Bols range of Liqueurs and Genever, where he worked to grow the brand to become the No.1 Liqueurs Range in the UK On-Trade.
As the face of the Brugal brand in the UK, Jamie is dedicated to helping the brand achieve its goal of being a leading spirit for all drinking occasions and to becoming the No.1 Super-Premium Rum.
The appointment comes at a critical time for the on-trade as it slowly but surely shifts into pre-pandemic practice. Commenting on the appointment, Chris Anderson, Head of Brands at Edrington UK said: “Consumers in both the on and off-trade are keen to explore exciting categories as well as investing in more premium spirits to mark occasions which were missed during the pandemic. Now is an incredible time for Jamie to enter his new role as he’ll be able to continue shaping this newly established consumer behaviour.”
Commenting on his new role, Jamie stated: “I’m honoured to be appointed as Brugal 1888’s Brand Ambasador for the UK. I’ve always been passionate about Rum and we’re really beginning to see a shift in its popularity and how it is enjoyed in the UK. Although we may relate Rum to hotter climates, I’m excited to show our consumers that it can be both beautifully mixed to create cocktails perfect for all occasions or simply enjoyed neat.”
Jamie’s signature Brugal 1888 serve is the Dominican Double which mixes Brugal 1888, Briotette Crème de Banane and Dry Vermouth to create a balanced, ‘nearly neat’ cocktail that showcases the elegant flavour and complexity of the double aged rum.
For further information visit https://www.brugal-rum.com/en
Whisky News From The House of Suntory
The House of Suntory and Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch Announce Partnership to Mark the Start of Sakura Season
The House of Suntory and Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch have announced their partnership this springtime to celebrate the annual bloom of the Japanese Cherry Blossom, or Sakura, transforming the bar terrace into a tranquil city escape.
Launching on Friday 5th April, Hanami will showcase contemporary Japanese craftsmanship with a menu of exclusive cocktails, bespoke dishes and Afternoon Tea.
Inspired by the ancient practice of dining beneath the blossoming Sakura, Hanami will bring together the two globally recognised luxury brands in celebration of the artistry of modern Japan at the heart of both companies. Hanami will bring the spirit of this tradition to London, inviting guests to step through London’s newest Nobu restaurant into an oasis of calm inspired by Sakura’s distinctive pink foliage, with aromatic scent diffusers adding to the sensory experience.
The bar team at Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch, led by Beverage Manager Wilfried Rique, have worked closely with The House of Suntory to create an exciting original menu inspired by their unique range of premium Japanese Craft Spirits –Toki and Chita Whisky, Roku Gin and the newly-launched Haku Vodka.
Created from Japanese ingredients by the master artisans at the House of Suntory, the range of premium liquids embody Suntory founder Shinjiro Torii’s philosophy of monozukuri craftsmanship: a relentless pursuit of perfection, meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Showcasing a creative range of Japanese ingredients, teas and housemade infusions, the menu of seven bespoke cocktails will draw on a range of inspirations and is split into two sections: JAPANESE”MATIC” and HIGHBALLS.
The menu at Hanami will offer a selection of distinctive new dishes inspired by the creativity and vibrancy of the local area, alongside Nobu-Style bar snacks and world class sushi.
As part of The House of Suntory’s ongoing partnership with the renowned Japanese ink painting artist, OhGushi will be creating a bespoke art installation exclusively for the partnership. OhGushi will work with ink and water to create a free-hand design inspired by the elegance of Roku Gin and the urban landscape of Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch’s surroundings. The piece will be on display throughout April and May.
Nick Temperley, GM at Edrington-Beam Suntory, says “The House of Suntory is proud to partner with Nobu London to showcase the best of our Japanese Craft Spirits portfolio. We hope that customers will love the new cocktail menu created by The House of Suntory and the talented Wilfried Rique at Nobu. We also look forward to welcoming OhGushi to London for the partnership to capture our premium gin, Roku, and the spirit of Sakura season with his skilled and unique artistry”.
The House of Suntory presents Hanami at Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch will open to the public on Friday 5th April until Sunday 2nd June
The Whisky World Whisky Event Returns to Mayfair
This Year’s Exclusive Whisky Event Showcases the Finest Flavours from Around the World of Whisky
This June, the biggest names in whisky will converge in Central London for The Whisky World Whisky Event. Now in its second year, the evening provides a chance to enjoy the best that the industry has to offer in a luxurious, upmarket setting.
This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than the first, with 55 leading and boutique distilleries converging on the Grosvenor House Hotel in Mayfair. The line-up includes several exciting debutants; distillers from as far afield as India, Taiwan and Israel will all be present for the first time, while Glenfarclas joins a prestigious roster of superstar scotches. The widely-applauded Nikka will also be on hand to demonstrate what’s gotten the industry so excited about the new wave of Japanese whiskies.
All in all, more than 250 bottles have been painstakingly assembled – meaning a dram to appeal to every palate, whether you’re a veteran in search of brave new expressions, or a neophyte who can’t tell a Speyside from an Islay. Eagle-eyed Scotch-lovers will note the fortuitous timing of this year’s event – which falls just after Ardbeg Day. As such, the Caribbean-influenced Ardbeg Drum will be on show; it’s the distillery’s first rum-finished expression, and sure to attract considerable interest.
The evening isn’t just for whisky purists, however! Peureux will be hosting a cocktail bar, where they’ll be showcasing a range of alcoholic fruit garnishes alongside the unique Golden Eight Pear Liqueur.
A particular highlight of the evening will be the official launch of several exclusive whiskies, each carefully selected and bottled for The Whisky World’s Whisky Event. They’ll be served alongside home-style delicacies from specialist kosher chef, Ezri, whose menu comprises Asian, French, Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern style dishes, each crafted to complement the whiskies being showcased.
And of course, alongside the food and drink, there’s the know-how to go with it: a hand-picked panel of world-class experts will lead a series of masterclasses, giving visitors the chance to sample the world’s most sought-after drams alongside some of the industry’s leading lights.
Abe Lubelsky, an organiser of The Whisky World Whisky Event, said: “Whisky is enjoying something of a global renaissance, with interest soaring. We’ve seen a growth not only in demand but also in awareness of the different distilleries, flavour profiles and production techniques. And drinkers are always eager to learn more! The Whisky Event provides an opportunity to do exactly that: there will be a huge range of whiskies to try, and ambassadors from the biggest brands on hand to lend their expertise. This luxurious evening will surely prove one of the highlights of the whisky-drinking calendar!”
The Whisky Event by The Whisky World takes place 02 June 2019 at the exclusive Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London. Tickets are priced at £100 per person, with a 15% early bird discount until the end of March.
To find out more, or to register, visit: http://www.thewhiskyevent.com
About
Now in its second year, The Whisky Event is a celebration of whisky, held in London and organised by The Whisky World. The Whisky World is an upmarket online shopping experience that includes all popular whisky brands and liqueurs as well as premium spirits. The website features outstanding search facilities and a huge selection of special offers and discounts to its customers.
COMPASS BOX WHISKY CO. ANNOUNCES THE WINNER OF THE CIRCLE
COMPASS BOX WHISKY CO. ANNOUNCES THE RECENT WINNER OF ITS INAUGURAL GLOBAL BARTENDER COMPETITION, THE CIRCLE
Rosey Mitchell is revealed as the winner of The Circle after competing against
5 leading bartenders in a three-day final.
London, Thursday 16 August 2018. Compass Box, the Scotch whisky blending house announced Rosey Mitchell as the winner of The Circle at a reveal party in London.
The Circle launched earlier this year and encouraged the most inventive bartenders from around the world to compete for a one-of-a-kind opportunity – a place to work side-by-side with Founder and Whiskymaker, John Glaser to create a Compass Box Limited Edition blend, which will be sold internationally.
THE CIRCLE FINALISTS
Bartenders from Argentina, France, USA, Spain and the UK competed in regional heats, which saw the following six leading bartenders secure a spot in the final.
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Adriano Marcellino | BrukBar, Buenos Aires
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Baptiste Etcheverry | Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos, Barcelona
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Charlotte Pederson | Little Red Door, Paris
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Max Venning | Three Sheets, London
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Meredith Barry | Vol 39, Chicago
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Rosey Mitchell | Three Sheets, London
The Final
The three-day final was designed to encourage the bartenders to cross-boundaries with a series of blending, cocktail and design challenges.
The finalists worked closely with Compass Box Whiskymakers John Glaser and Jill Boyd, experimenting with different aromas and flavours before creating their own bespoke blend.
The bartenders got creative behind the bar, building their own signature serves inspired by their home city and bespoke highball serves featuring their very own blend.
The programme of challenges culminated in a final pitch, which was presented to and judged by a panel of experts including Ryan Chetiyawardana of Super Lyan, Matt Whiley of Scout, Sandrae Lawrence of The Cocktail Lovers, Ivan Dixon of Enotria & Coe and Compass Box’s John Glaser.
THE WINNER
The final pitch saw the bartenders present their blend and signature highball serve as well as a design inspiration for their whisky, with Rosey receiving top-marks and the title of The Circle winner 2018.
Rosey Mitchell from Three Sheets, commented of her win: “It’s been an incredible couple of days, something I am so excited to be a part of. I have never been in a competition quite like it, John Glaser and everyone involved have truly changed the game and I can’t wait to start blending and see where the future holds.”
Commenting on Rosey’s win John Glaser, said: “I’d like to congratulate Rosey and welcome her to the Compass Box circle. The Circle is all about finding like-minded creators who aren’t afraid to do things differently, if it means doing things better, and we’ve certainly found that in all our finalists. Rosey created a blend and serve that I would be proud to put a Compass Box label on, and I’m excited about what we can create together.”
The Circle judge and Founder of Super Lyan, Ryan Chetiyawardana said: “This was such a personal competition and it covered so many different aspects of the craft; all the bartenders should be incredibly proud. Rosey did an amazing job and I’m super excited to see what she will create with John. Compass Box has always been a brand close to my heart, and it’s great to see that The Circle competition is a fittingly progressive challenge to bartender’s passion and creativity.”
The Compass Box Limited Edition blend, created in collaboration with Rosey will be available worldwide from Spring 2019, coinciding with the launch next year’s competition.
THE MACALLAN AND OBLIX
UNVEIL FIRST BESPOKE MACALLAN WHISKY TROLLEY
Luxury single malt whisky, The Macallan today unveils its latest exciting collaboration, with Oblix at The Shard, to create the first ever bespoke Macallan Whisky Trolley serving The Macallan whiskies of all ages and styles.
Oblix, one of London’s most iconic restaurants located on the 32nd floor of The Shard and The Macallan, both industry pioneers, have worked together to offer their guests a new pairing experience designed to demonstrate the outstanding range of The Macallan whiskies, complemented with cheese.
The Macallan Whisky Trolley was designed and handcrafted in Glasgow from a Macallan sherry butt, specifically selected by The Master of Wood Stuart MacPherson from the bodegas in Spain. The Macallan’s meticulous approach to wood and cask selection has such a profound effect on the liquid, it was felt this was a perfect way to showcase one of the casks.
Commenting on how the collaboration came about, Aaron Masonde, Oblix bar manager said: “The Macallan and Oblix share a likeness in that we are both trying to push boundaries and change the way people perceive food and drink. In partnership with The Macallan we have worked together to offer guests a new experience to discover the complexities of The Macallan, perfectly complemented with cheese.”
The whisky trolley will serve a range of The Macallan whiskies of all ages and styles along with a selection of fine Scottish cheeses served on a wooden cheeseboard map, allowing customers to choose a unique whisky pairing. It will also offer a Maxxium Malts cheeseboard and pairing with whiskies such as Auchentoshan, Laphroaig and Highland Park.
Chris Anderson, Luxury Marketing Controller for Maxxium UK, said: “Oblix is a very exclusive London restaurant who we have been working with for a number of years. This partnership provides us with a great opportunity to offer their customers something unique when it comes to tasting The Macallan range.”
Issued by Big Partnership on behalf of Maxxium UK.
For further information regarding The Macallan, please contact:
Gabrielle Roscamp, gabrielle.roscamp@bigpartnership.co.uk, 0131 557 5252
For further information regarding Oblix, please contact:
Sam Carvey at The Communications Store: rokaoblix@tcs-uk.net, 020 7938 1010
