Spirits 8
EDRINGTON UK MIXES UP LONDON COCKTAIL WEEK
EDRINGTON UK TO HOST A MONTH OF EVENTS FOR THE TRADE AS PART OF LONDON COCKTAIL WEEK
As the hospitality industry continues to open back up, Edrington UK and London Cocktail Week will host a series of unique events dedicated to the hospitality industry throughout October.
London, UK., Tuesday 14th September 2021 – Edrington UK has announced a series of unique workshops and events dedicated to the trade across London this October as part of London Cocktail Week. With the hospitality industry continuing to open, the workshops and events have been designed for those working at the forefront of the bar and hospitality industry. The programme will champion the incredible world-class skill at the heart of UK bartending, host training sessions and insights from industry experts, and provide support during what continues to be a tricky time in hospitality.
Events include:
Tending to the Tenders: Lyaness
This year, Tending to the Tenders will move from Shoreditch to the South Bank, but the message to the trade remains the same – ‘come hang out!’. Maker’s Mark and the team at Lyaness, Sea Containers London, have partnered to create a community space that’s focused on great food, delicious cocktails, wellness, and mental health.
Overlooking the Thames in the heart of the city, Tending to the Tenders will offer a beautiful setting to escape, relax and recharge during this hectic month. And, most importantly, it’s all FREE; the cocktails, the food, the massages, the interactive sessions, the yoga and the cinema nights.
Open every Monday from 12pm to 4pm throughout October, guests are encouraged to swing by to grab some lunch, a drink and a chill at any time. There will also be different activities taking place in the hotel throughout the month which are bookable via the London Cocktail Week website.
Location: Lyaness, 20 Upper Ground, SE1 9PD
Dates: 1st October – 31st October, every Monday 12-4pm
Booking link: https://londoncocktailweek.
Laphroaig at The Gibson
Since 1815, Laphroaig has cemented its place as one of the world’s most iconic single malts, epitomised by its intensely smoky characteristics and legions of steadfast fans.
Laphroaig’s no.1 fan and all-round whisky specialist, David Miles, will be talking all things Peat, Heat, Sour and Sweet alongside Marian Beke at the world-famous The Gibson bar. Guests will taste delicious Laphroaig drams and cocktails paired with some of the world’s weirdest tropical fruits for an intense and interesting tasting experience.
For the duration of each tasting, Marian will impart knowledge and answer questions about his role heading up this world-famous cocktail bar.
Location: The Gibson, 44 Old Street, EC1V 9AQ
Dates: 1st October – 31st October, every Tuesday 12-2pm
Booking link: https://londoncocktailweek.
Maker’s Mark x Tayēr + Elementary Workshops
Tayēr + Elementary, a bar of two halves from a world-famous duo, will be joined by Maker’s Mark over the course of London Cocktail Week to provide unique, one-off trade workshops.
Starting with a masterful workshop on Wednesday 6 October, guests will be able to purchase tickets and join the world-renowned bar team at Tayēr + Elementary and Maker’s Mark to introduce how to use the rotary evaporator and learn first-hand how to achieve more delicate flavour profiles and aromas.
The following week, a practical workshop on how to upcycle glassware. This workshop will offer trade tips and tricks on the best way to fix glassware in a mission to reduce waste. For businesses looking to make moves towards becoming more sustainable, this session, hosted on Wednesday 13 October between 1-3pm, is not one to miss.
With an optimistic look ahead for the hospitality industry, during the third week of London Cocktail Week, bartenders are invited to introduce bar economics. From costing to price strategy and bar finances, this insightful workshop is geared towards helping the trade prepare for a normal return.
Rounding off the four-week event, Tayēr + Elementary and Maker’s Mark are offering an introduction to fermentation. With the ability to change and preserve ingredients, this workshop will demonstrate the most common methods used for drinks and showcase how fermentation can transform flavours.
Location: Tayēr + Elementary, 152 Old St, EC1V 9BW
Dates: Wednesday 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th October, 1-3pm
Booking links: https://resy.com/cities/ldn/
London Cocktail Week is running from Friday 1 – Sunday 31 October.
For more information or tickets, visit londoncocktailweek.com.
INTERNATIONAL WINS FOR SUNTORY PORTFOLIO
THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY WINS JAPANESE WHISKY DISTILLER OF THE YEAR AT THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS CHALLENGE
Among Best in Category Trophy, Hibiki® 21 Wins Double Gold, Yamazaki® and Hakushu® Score Several Gold Awards in Prestigious Global Tasting Event
London, 14 July 2021: – The House of Suntory, the founding house and pioneer of Japanese Whisky, received its latest wave of industry accolades from this year’s 2021 International Spirits Challenge across its core portfolio of premium whiskies, including a category win for Japanese Whisky Distiller of the Year, and a Double Gold win for Hibiki® 21 – one of only 11 Double Golds awarded in the entire competition.
HIBIKI LOGO
Other Gold wins for the House of Suntory went to Hibiki, Yamazaki® and Hakushu® expressions. The House of Suntory received 21 medals in total across the brands, including 13 Gold medals. Held in London in June, the International Spirits Challenge recognises outstanding quality, excellence and achievement in spirits around the world.
“We are honored to continue receiving this level of outstanding recognition year over year by one of the most prestigious industry competitions in the world,” says Jon Potter, Managing Director for the House of Suntory at Beam Suntory. “These awards are a testament to our company’s commitment to quality, precision and excellence. We congratulate our Chief Blender, Shinji Fukuyo, and his diligent team across our distilleries who exhibit the highest level of skill and passion for their craft. This hard-working group commit themselves daily to producing nothing but the best spirits.”
Hibiki 21YO 70cl w carton JPG
The full list of House of Suntory competition results:
DOUBLE GOLD
Hibiki 21 Year Old
GOLD
Hibiki Blender’s Choice
Hibiki Japanese Harmony
Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master’s Select
Hibiki 30 Year Old
Yamazaki Single Malt 12 Year Old
Yamazaki Single Malt 18 Year Old
Yamazaki Single Malt 25 Year Old
Yamazaki Single Malt Mizunara 2020 Edition
Yamazaki Single Malt Spanish Oak 2020 Edition
Yamazaki Single Malt Bordeaux Wine Cask 2020 Edition
Hakushu Single Malt 12 Year Old
Hakushu Single Malt 18 Year Old
Hakushu Single Malt 25 Year Old
SILVER
Suntory Whisky Chita
Suntory World Whisky AO
The Hakushu Single Malt Whisky
The Hakushu Single Malt Whisky Peated Malt 2021 Edition
The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky
The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky Puncheon 2020 Edition
The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky Peated Malt 2020 Edition
Hibiki 21YO 70cl JPG
ABOUT THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY
Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as the pioneer of Japanese whisky for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. The founding father of Japanese whisky Shinjiro Torii, built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Torii’s son, Keizo Saji, Suntory’s second master blender who continued to establish distilleries including the Hakushu distillery. As the generations of Suntory’s master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory Whisky has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014).
whisky.suntory.com @suntorywhisky #suntorywhisky
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.”
Home Grown – Maker’s Mark Grow Your Own Garnish Kits
Maker’s Mark has launched its new Grow Your Own Garnish bottle, including mint seeds so you can get growing at home.
The iconic bourbon is now available to purchase for a limited time with a paper envelope tied round the neck of the bottle containing mint seeds, so you can grow your own mint garnish and create the classic Maker’s Mark signature serve – the Mint Julep. Printed on the envelope itself is the Mint Julep recipe, which brings together all of the key ingredients to create a refreshing cocktail at home.
The Maker’s Mark ‘Growing for Good’ mission statement highlights the importance of sustainability within the production of the whisky itself. The distillery is the only one in Kentucky that owns and controls the water source for its whisky, which reflects its commitment to improving plant diversity and providing wildlife habitat. Launching the new Grow Your Own Garnish Kits builds on Maker’s Mark’s passion for conservation and looking after the environment.
Bottles are available to purchase now in-store at Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons for the price of £32.
