Glasgow bartender wins Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind 2015

Glasgow-based bartender Michael Cameron has fought off competition from nine other finalists to be crowned winner of Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind 2015.

Michael Cameron, of Guy’s Restaurant & Bar in Glasgow, has been named winner of Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind 2015

During the grand final of the competition, held at London’s Voltaire bar, Cameron impressed a panel of judges with his “Ours is the Fury” cocktail – a mix of Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera Vat, Drambuie, saffron-infused golden Muscat smoked with hickory chips & powdered orange zest, walnut bitters, sea salt and dehydrated candied orange.

Cameron, who works at Guy’s Restaurant & Bar in Glasgow, has won a VIP trip to the Glenfiddich distillery and £1,000. He will also work with Glenfiddich to showcase his serve at brand events throughout 2016.

The 10 finalists showcased a signature serve using a choice of Glenfiddich 12 Year Old, Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera Vat or Glenfiddich 18 Year Old.

The bartenders then had to take part in a quick fire buzzer round which tested their knowledge of the malt whisky category.

“It’s heart-warming to be working with such talent,” said Mark Thomson, UK brand ambassador for Glenfiddich. “The respect, yet playful take on our brand was both exciting to judge and kept all the judges entertained, whilst making the winning decision extremely tough to call this year.”

In addition to Thomson, Kirsten Grant Meikle, director of prestige and William Grant & Sons family member; Gary Sharpen, editor of The Cocktail Lovers; and Ali Reynolds, 2014 Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind winner, judged the final.

The panel based their scores on innovation, taste, technique, performance, presentation and knowledge.

“Once again we were blown away by the high standard of the competitors in this much anticipated contest,” said Sarah Harding, senior brand manager for Glenfiddich.

“All of the finalists showcased wonderful examples of innovative whisky cocktails and we hope the competition inspires other bartenders to experiment with Glenfiddich, driving category interest and consumer recruitment.”