The week in pictures

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has teamed up with food ‘futurologist’ Dr Morgaine Gaye and three ‘Flavour Fanatic’ experts from cheese, coffee and foraging to stage a special event that explores the world of flavour, called the ‘Flavour Fanatics Sensory Symposium’. Host and SMWS ambassador John McCheyne will introduce the concept of exploring whisky by flavour while the audience samples a dram of the Society’s rare single cask single malt whisky.

The Balvenie has unveiled the second instalment of The Craftsmen’s Dinner, which tells the stories of four skilled craftspeople through a series of short films. Hosted once again by renowned Michelin-starred chef, Michel Roux Jr (pictured left), the online series showcases the dedication to British craftsmanship through a group of specialists who use traditional techniques to craft their product.

Yesterday Whyte and Mackay launched new blended Scotch malt whisky brand Shackleton at the Royal Institute of British Architects in London. The brand is inspired by charismatic British explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, who led the very first expedition to set foot on the South Polar Plateau. The new expression was introduced through a presentation led by environmental scientist, explorer, and Shackleton’s global brand ambassador Tim Jarvis, who four years ago emulated the journey Shackleton undertook, ensuring the conditions were as closely matched to the original expedition as possible.

On Tuesday, SB headed to the Shangri-La hotel’s Gong bar, located atop London’s The Shard, for the launch of the bar’s new Director’s Cut menu. The menu, created by head bartender Christian Maspes and his bar team, is inspired by some of the greatest film directors of all time. The event kicked off with live music, plenty of cocktails and an Audrey Hepburn lookalike.

Jonathan Arthur of Edinburgh’s Bramble Bar (pictured left) has been chosen as the UK finalist in Courvoisier’s Toast of Paris International Cocktail competition. Arthur will compete for the prize of a bespoke blend of Courvoisier presented in an engraved crystal decanter. Finalists will travel to the Courvoisier Chateau in Jarnac, France, and visit the centuries-old Paradis Cellar to meet with Courvoisier master blender, Patrice Pinet.

Last week London Cocktail Club, the cocktail bar group owned by bartending entrepreneur JJ Goodman, launched its seventh venue in London’s Monument. The latest venture – a basement bar – is inspired by old-school Savile Row style tailors, reminiscent of the building’s former purpose as a traditional men’s suit shop. The focus here is on Scotch whisky, so expect secret menus including Rob Roys; whisky fountains, and top hat sharing cocktails.

Sagamore Spirit officially opened its doors last Friday with a ribbon cutting and media preview of the the distillery and visitor center in Port Covington, in Maryland. Sitting on five acres of waterfront property, the new rye whiskey distillery includes three tasting venues, a visitor center, two-story restaurant and event space.

Vikram K.U of Blue Bar, Taj Palace Hotel, in New Delhi, emerged as the winner of the inaugural North American Whiskey Cocktail Championship held in India. Forr winning, he will go on a guided tour of the Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee and the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky. Vikram impressed the judges with his cocktail The Amazing Grace which combines walnut and fig infused Woodford Reserve, spice syrup, homemade spice bitters and homemade lemon bitter.

Japanese restaurant Roka is celebrating Cherry Blossom season with the return of a Sakura installation this spring. From 26 April – 7 June, Londoners can visit the fully-immersive cherry blossom installation with a Suntory whisky cocktail in hand, and honour the Japanese practice of Hanami – the enjoyment and viewing of the transient beauty of flowers.

Greg Dillon, founder of whisky blog GreatDrams.com, has grabbed the top spot in the Food & Drink category at The UK Blog Awards 2017, held at Park Plaza in London, last Friday. “The UK Blog Awards really celebrates why it’s a great time for us bloggers who love all things digital and put the time in to build an audience using multiple social channels,” said Dillon. “I’m really thankful for every single one of my 19,000 readers and 50,000 social media followers, affectionately known as GreatDrammers. Cheers to you guys because every comment, tweet, ‘gram, tag and question makes me proud and excited about doing what I do.”

Three Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival devotees who have supported and promoted the festival were honoured when the 2017 event kicked off on Wednesday. Walkers Shortbread boss Jim Walker, Glen Moray Distillery manager Graham Coull and Dutch whisky writer Hans Offringa were each singled out for contribution they have made to the Festival and to Speyside. Pictured is Offringa (eft) presented with the International Ambassador of the Year Award by last year’s winner, Dave Broom.

Alcohol education charity Drinkaware has reached an important milestone – its 10-year anniversary. The charity has developed on the ground support and initiatives such as the Drinkaware Crew scheme whereby trained bar and venue staff interact with clubbers and support young people who might be vulnerable as a result of drinking too much. Currently the Drinkaware Crew is operating in 13 cities across the UK, including London, following a recent launch in Shoreditch.