Glenfiddich announces Malt Mastermind finalists

Glenfiddich Scotch whisky has announced seven finalists of its Malt Mastermind competition, adding an extra spot due to the caliber of contestants.

Last year’s Malt Mastermind winner Lee Potter Cavanagh has joined whisky expert Mark Thompson and William Grant & Sons master blender Brian Kinsman on the panel of judges

An additional bartender will join the six original finalists to battle it out for the Malt Mastermind title at the Glenfiddich distillery in Dufftown on 28 October.

The finalists are: Gareth Evans, of Social Eating House, London; Evan Rage, of London Cocktail Club, London; Marcis Dzelzainis, of Satan’s Whiskers, London; Marco Abreu, of Aqua Shard, London; Henry Yates, of Boilermaker, Nottingham; Jamie Ireland, of Hotel Missoni, Edinburgh, and Till Britze, of The Last Word, Edinburgh.

The contestants will vie for the winning title with their twist on the classic Rob Roy whisky cocktail and a signature serve of their own using either Glenfiddich 12, 15 or 18 Year Old Single Malt.

They will be judged by Brian Kinsman, master blender for William Grant & Sons limited, whisky expert Mark Thompson, and last year’s Malt Mastermind winner Lee Potter Cavanagh.

“Every year we struggle to whittle the candidates down, but this time it was impossible to choose six finalists,” said Glenfiddich brand ambassador Jamie Milne.

“The knowledge, passion and creativity displayed in their applications were of the highest caliber I’ve seen in four years, and we’re excited to be able to take seven fantastic bartenders to Scotland for the final.”

The champion bartender will win a weekend stay in Dufftown, a VIP distillery experience, £1,000 and a Malt Mastermind trophy.