The week in pictures
A video created by The Famous Grouse Experience at Glenturret Distillery, Scots Wha Hae, has gone viral on social media. The video features former Red Hot Chilli Pipers frontman, Stuart Cassells – now general manager of The Famous Grouse Experience in Crieff – accompanied by current Chill Piper, Dougie McCance. The two are filmed greeting travelers at Edinburgh Airport, piping them to an awaiting taxi, then entertaining them with whisky tastings, shortbread and rendition of The Proclaimers’ 500 Miles before dropping them off at their destination.
Following a four-day battle in Miami, Jennifer Le Nechet has just been crowned the world’s best bartender at the World Class Bartender of the Year Global Final 2016. The French bartender, hailing from Café Moderne in Paris, wowed the judges with a spectacular range of vibrant drinks at her Steampunk themed pop-up bar.
Ballantine’s unveiled its innovative ‘Call the Shots’ film series featuring 2014 Ryder Cup-winning captain, Paul McGinley. The interactive concept allows viewers to control the shot selection of McGinley from tee to green through a “gamified learning experience”. The interactive video series is designed to test users’ course management abilities by only allowing players to shoot the lowest score possible if they make the right call for every stroke.
Moët Hennessy supported the grand opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). During the celebrations, Hennessy, Belvedere and Moët & Chandon, along with a selection of other Moët Hennessy USA products, were featured and served at all of the museum’s festivities including the Donor’s Gala, The Smithsonian National Board Gala, and The Official After Party. Additionally, Moët Hennessy will be permanently recognised as a major contributor of the NMAAHC – and in homage the company’s name will be etched in the building.
Angostura’s master distiller, John Georges, is mid-way through a European tour celebrating the launch of the brand’s new rum, Angostura 1787. This week John Georges brought the first bottles over from Trinidad & Tobago to present showcases of the range with UK brand ambassador Sean Duprey, hosting masterclasses and tastings for one thousand bartenders and consumers.
England and Middlesex cricket star Nick Compton – the grandson of legend Denis Compton – was suitably bowled over by gin brand Pinkster at Jim and Tonic’s mobile gin van.
Berkeley Square Gin was the official gin at the LAPADA Arts and Antiques Fair held in the centre of Berkeley Square, London, and visited by over 20,000 people. Classic Martinis and G&Ts garnished with basil were served to visitors, while Berkeley Square Gin cocktails were on the menu at Mr Fogg’s pop up charity evening attended by VIPs and royalty.
A week-long Cognac-filled ‘pop up’ from private member’s club La Maison Rémy Martin hit Manchester this week, offering a plethora of experiences from culinary pairings to masterclasses. La Maison Rémy Martin Manchester House also boasted a Cognathèque – a space housing a series of Rémy Martin’s finest expressions which are unavailable to purchase elsewhere.
Pickering’s Gin founders Marcus Pickering and Matt Gammell teamed up with social enterprise entrepreneur Chris Thewlis, Dave Mullen of marketing agency Story, and drinks industry and export specialist David Moore to produce new spirit Ginerosity – the profits of which will be poured into good causes. The team launched the gin at Pickering’s distillery in Edinburgh’s Summerhall earlier this week.
The ‘wildlife’ of the Cairngorms was taken to central London for an exhibition at the prestigious Saatchi Gallery. Wildlife images created by Speyside Distillery’s artist in residence Joanna McDonough were hanging at the Kings Road gallery and museum, bringing “a flavour of the Cairngorms to the heart of the capital city”. McDonough’s work is inspired by flora and fauna around the distillery, set near Kingussie in the Cairngorm National Park.
Four Roses master distiller, Brent Elliott, is visiting the UK for the first time to mark his first anniversary in the role of heading up the distilling team at the Bourbon brand. Elliott is set to unveil new Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch 2016 at Harrods during the first week of October, followed by an exclusive press tasting at The Soho Whisky Club, and a series of trade masterclasses.
SB‘s Amy Hopkins attended to launch of master mixologist Simone Caporale’s new residency at Sartoria’s Libare Bar in London, enjoying a plethora of cocktails and snacks – created as part of a collaboration between Caporale and chef patron Francesco Mazzei. Former bartender at the world famous Artesian at The Langham hotel, Caporale will run Libare Bar over the autumn period.
SB hightailed it down to Milroy’s of Soho this week to join the retailer’s celebrations as it released its “own-label” Scotch whiskies. From the delights of a lively six-year-old single malt to an elegantly refined 28-year-old expression, the new collection drew in the crowds for the official launch on Thursday.
London-based Soho House & Co and New York’s Sydell Group have joined forces to create The Ned: a hotel, club and collection of restaurants set in the City of London – so team SB headed down to take a sneak peek at the development. The heritage building will open in early 2017, hosting nine restaurants, 252 bedrooms, a range of men’s and women’s grooming services (Cowshed, Cheeky and Neville) and ‘Ned’s Club’, where members have access to a rooftop pool, gym, spa, hamam and late night lounge bar.
