On Monday 19 September, seven of the UK’s most creative talent from behind top city bars went head-to-head to prove they have what it takes to become a founding member of Auchentoshan’s new global bartender club; New Malt Order.
This is no ordinary bartender competition; it’s so much more. The prize? To create the very first of its kind, a new limited edition Auchentoshan® expression for distribution in the on-trade in 2017. Created by bartenders, for bartenders.
Seven went behind the industrial chic bar of London’s experimental Peg + Patriot, two were left standing.
Jack Wareing from the capital’s award-winning Dandelyan and Georgia Billing from Plateau in the heart of the city’s business district proved victorious.
Welcome to your UK bartenders. Welcome to the New Malt Order.
UK FINALS
Shortlisted bartenders from across the UK unleashed their fearless ingenuity to create the refreshingly different Auchentoshan & Ale, using their own bespoke bitters created to give a new spin to the single malt’s signature serve.
Mike Aikman; Owner of Bramble, Last Word Saloon and Lucky Liquor Co, John Cashman; International Brand Ambassador for Beam Suntory, and Amanda Humphrey; Mixxit Brand Ambassador scored each serve against three criteria; Artisanal, Alternative and Approachable.
The bartenders went on to let their individuality run riot to create a bespoke cocktail that enhances the smooth and versatile single malt – triple-distilled to every last drop.
Jack Wareing and Georgia Billing demonstrated their flair for shaking up the world of single malts with inventive bitters recipes and whisky cocktails that saw them triumph in the first annual New Malt Order competition.
This year, they will join 10 exceptional bartenders from around the world to form the Auchentoshan® New Malt Order 2016.
Georgia Billing said of her win; “I entered Auchentoshan’s New Malt Order competition to meet other bartenders who experiment with the chemistry involved in making bitters. It’s inspiring to see what drives like-minded people. Not all botanicals react in the same way to spirits, infusion techniques, ABV and other variables; any discussion can only aid progression. This competition is a fantastic opportunity to learn about manufacturing techniques like blending and distillation. I’m looking forward to being a part of it and meeting the other New Malt Order bartenders. I hope I can give back as much as I can learn!”
Mike Aikman commented; “To involve bartenders in the creation of a new whisky is an innovative idea and one which I will follow with interest. It’s an incredible honour for the New Malt Order winners to get to spend time with the Auchentoshan Master Blender, Rachel Barrie, and have their own product on back bars in the future.
“Jack’s presentation was very well thought out and he used interesting ingredients. His was the only ‘savoury’ drink we saw, which was an excellent showcase for the tasting profile of Auchentoshan Three Wood. Georgia’s scientific approach was unique. Her bitters were excellent and her second drink was proof that sometimes keeping drinks simple is the best tactic.”
John Cashman added; “As Auchentoshan is the only single malt triple-distilled to every last drop, we are looking for bartenders who also like to do things differently, are not afraid to challenge the status quo and use our whisky to make exceptional drinks. Jack brings a classic modern bartending skill, while Georgia brings a scientific approach to her bartending.
“I was impressed with Jack’s foraging approach for his bitters and this theme continued with his cocktail, which was influenced by druids and mythical times. Georgia’s style was more matter-of-fact but her innate understanding of flavour summarised in her own words, ‘what grows together, goes together’, took her drinks to a higher level. I’m excited by the prospect of Jack and Georgia joining our other 10 finalists from around the world to helping us create a brand new Auchentoshan expression; by bartenders, for bartenders.”
The Winning Entrants;
Georgia Billing, Plateau
“I entered Auchentoshan’s New Malt Order competition to meet other bartenders who experiment with the chemistry involved in making bitters. It’s inspiring to see what drives like-minded people. Not all botanicals react in the same way to spirits, infusion techniques, ABV and other variables; any discussion can only aid progression. This competition is a fantastic opportunity to learn about manufacturing techniques like blending and distillation. I’m looking forward to being a part of it and meeting the other New Malt Order bartenders. I hope I can give back as much as I can learn!”
Butter Scotch 1800
Ingredients:
45ml Auchentoshan American Oak
5ml Demerara Salt and Pepper rich syrup (Georgia’s own recipe)
2 dashes citrus spice bitters (Georgia’s own recipe)
Method:
Add all ingredients in to a cocktail shaker, shake well and serve over an ice block in to a rocks glass. Add a drop of bitters on to the ice block for aroma and colour. Serve with a lemon peel (oil is optional) and butterscotch candy on the side to be sucked alongside the drink for added buttery taste
Jack Wareing, Dandelyan
“New Malt Order is my first real competition and I entered because I love whisky and wanted to push myself to create something special, on a different scale than I had ever worked before. It’s the chance to make friends with some of the most engaging and passionate people on the planet, as well as tapping into a knowledge base I otherwise would not have been able to get close to. It’s great to see brands as prestigious as Auchentoshan making whisky fun and accessible again.”
Jackie Bird
Half a melon baller of Jack’s homemade raspberry and Campari sorbet (made with fresh raspberries and Campari with Xanthan gum)
Method:
Add all ingredients in to a cocktail shaker. Shake well and serve over ice in an old-fashioned glass.
UK Shortlist:
Andrei Marian, Four Sisters
Ernest Reid, Smith and Wollensky
Georgia Billing, Plateau
Harrison Knox, Archer Street
Jack Wareing, Dandelyan
Michele Raina, Skylon
Sam Mathieson, Dine
DRINKS ENTHUSIAST 