The week in pictures
Chambord launch Chapter Eight Games at Hothouse Rooftop overlooking London Fields, inspired by the eighth chapter of Alice in Wonderland, where Alice plays an odd game of flamingo croquet. Highlights include a Chambord bar serving two bespoke cocktails, French-American burgers from Le Bun and and a Chambord croquet lawn.
On Monday night, the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) held its first ever Insight Series for Alumni evening, and opportunity to learn and network alongside other Level 4 Diploma graduates. The London event – the first in an initial series of three, taking in San Francisco on 21 September and Toronto on 28 September – was the largest gathering of WSET alumni in the Trust’s history. Speaking at the event, Ian Harris, WSET chief executive, said he wants the alumni body to “continue to learn, continue to come to events like this”.
Lats night, SB joined The Famous Grouse master blender Gordon Motion and Edrington master of wood Stuart MacPherson for a tasting of the whole “Famous Family” including recent release Mellow Gold, and a repack of The Black Grouse, which is now known as Smoky Black. The event coincided with a Mixxit campaign to promote blended whisky – and in particular, The Naked Grouse – as a versatile base for premium cocktails.
Pusser’s Rum has donated £20,000 to charity The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC), which works to enhance the health and wellbeing of naval service personnel, past and present, including their relatives. The donation was presented by Gary Rogalski, president and CEO of Pusser’s Rum and was accepted on behalf of the foundation by Lauren Wileman, head of community fundraising.
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2015 later this month, William Grant & Sons hosted a Legends Ball dinner at the Jumeirah Carlton Hotel, London. A mix of drinks trade professionals and England players from the 2003 World Cup winning team were in attendance, including Lewis Moody and Kyran Bracken. Entertainment on the night included a 14-year-old budding opera singer, a silent auction, a live band and cocktails.
Belvedere Vodka has launched a global advertising campaign to celebrate its partnership with the 24th James Bond film, Spectre. Starring in the TV advert is Mexican actress Stephanie Sigman, who plays Estrella in the opening scene of the film.
The Teeling Whiskey Distillery celebrated a milestone achievement as it welcomed the 10,000th guest to its visitors’ centre last weekend. The facility was officially launched back in June, and is the first new distillery in Dublin in 125 years.
Cognac house Martell is celebrating its 300th anniversary with a series of events from local celebrations to a party at the Château de Versailles. The celebrations were also a tribute to the firm’s employees and winegrower partners, with more than 3,200 guests gathering at Château de Chanteloup – the birthplace of the Cognac house.
The staple Ibizan sun may have been demonstrably absent, but Gin Mare’s Mediterranean Inspirations cocktail competition was bigger and better then ever before in 2015. SB‘s Amy Hopkins attended the global final of the event earlier this week, which was held at the brand’s beautiful home of Villa Mare. Six finalists battled for the winning title, which was eventually awarded to Spain’s Manel Vehí.
The highly coveted title of Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year 2015 was awarded to Michito Kaneko, of Japan. In a close final hosted in Cape Town, the final round required entrants to create their own pop-up bar representative of their personality and bartending style. The six finalists in this year’s contest included bartenders representing Australia, Czech Republic, Great Britain, Greece, Israel and Japan.
Rademon Estate Distillery, makers of Shortcross Gin, revealed plans to begin production of a new Irish malt whiskey. The first batch of Irish whiskey has been sealed and production is now getting underway with 100 barrels forecast to be laid to rest within the first year.
SB‘s Annie Hayes hopped on a train to Chichester to attend “festival of speed”the Goodwood Revival for a day of racing, whisky and 40s, 50s and 60s dress. William Grant & Sons used the event to debut its new Glenfiddich The Original expression, which is inspired by the brand’s 1963 Glenfiddich Straight Malt.
