Cardrona Distillery names UK brand ambassador
New Zealand-based Cardrona Distillery has appointed Tom Sutton as its new brand ambassador in the UK.
Sutton began his bartending career by accident, after working in the kitchen of a small hotel in South Wales, where he had to cover for a bartender who didn’t turn up for his Saturday shift.
That one bartending stint saw Sutton become hooked on the industry for the next decade, with Sutton managing bars across Australia and New Zealand.
Sutton met the team behind Cardrona Distillery while working as bar manager at Stranges Lane in Christchurch, New Zealand, and became fascinated by the producer’s story and products.
After returning to the UK to work at Bristol bar Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Sutton began competing in cocktail competitions and then moved into events and brand consultation.
Cardrona Distillery said it was ‘delighted to have someone with Tom’s knowledge, skill set and calibre’ to take its brand to the next level in the UK and globally.
Sutton will act as the host for the regional finals of Cardrona’s inaugural cocktail competition across the UK, including Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, London and Brighton.
The 2022 Cardrona Club Competition invites UK and New Zealand-based bartenders to submit a signature cocktail using 25ml of any of Cardrona’s spirits, including its vodka, gin, liqueurs and single malt whisky.
Cardrona Distillery was founded by Wanaka businesswoman Desiree Reid-Whitaker, who made our list of top female-founded drinks brands.
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