Glenfiddich announces Malt Mastermind champion

Scotch whisky brand Glenfiddich has declared Hawksmoor Spitalfields bartender Ali Reynolds the winner of its 2014 Malt Mastermind cocktail competition.

Ali Reynolds of Hawksmoor Spitalfields is the winner of the 2014 Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind competition

With his cocktail creation titled, Family Guy’s Tea, Reynolds beat off stiff competition from 11 other contestants in the final, which took place in Callooh Callay in Shoreditch, London.

The finalists were challenged to create an original cocktail using Glenfiddich 14 Year Old Rich Oak, Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera VAT or Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Distillery Edition, which would then be judged before a panel of expert judges, comprising Mark Thomson, whisky expert, Kirsten Grant Meikle, Willian Grant & Sons family member and director of Prestige at the company, and Roman Foltan, of The Artesian.

“The simplicity of Ali’s Family Guy’s Tea serve was key to its success,” said Thomson. “His ingredients beautifully complemented the Glenfiddich 14 Year Old Rich Oak to create a fresh, clean and light drink which is easily replicable in bars.”

As the winner, Reynolds received £1,000 and will receive a VIP trip to the Glenfiddich distillery.

Furthermore, Glenfiddich will work with him promoting his cocktail at brand events throughout next year.

“We had a seriously impressive competition on our hands this year,” commented Sarah Harding, senior brand manager for Glenfiddich. “The finalists were outstanding and the creations they served up were a wonderful example of the unique ways in which Glenfiddich can be used in the ever experimental world of modern day cocktail making.

“Ali showed a genuine passion and understanding of Scotch malt and his innovative approach to his Family Guy’s Tea serve demonstrated the versatility and enhanced the taste of the Glenfiddich 14 Year Old Rich Oak expression.

“We hope the competition inspires other bartenders to experiment with malt whisky to continue to drive consumer interest and further grow the category in the on-trade.”