The bartenders, which qualified for New Malt Order by winning their national cocktail competitions, were given the opportunity to create their own single malt whiskey alongside master blender Ron Welsh.
“They had two base blends which they spent a while choosing between and last year aa different group had four base blends to choose from so it’s always very different. I think this is what makes the experience unique because it’s never going to be the same,” said Welsh.
“The bartenders showed good teamwork throughout the process and I’m excited to see how the product is received when it’s released next year.”
The international bartenders spent a week in Glasgow not only creating their own whisky alongside Welsh in the Auchentoshan blending rooms, but visiting the distillery and exploring the city by night and day.
The group worked together throughout the experience to come up with the third edition of the Bartender’s Malt, which when bottled has the names of every participating bartender on the label.
“It’s been an amazing week for everyone involved and I’ll never forget this experience. Glasgow is a cool city and I can’t wait to see my name on the bottle,” said one bartender who travelled from North America.
Each of our New Malt Order bartenders have distinct personalities, much like our casks themselves. That's why our Master Blender Ron specially selects a cask for every winner, bringing a touch of their unique character to the final Bartenders Malt. pic.twitter.com/n9HfeGZ4FA
— Auchentoshan Whisky (@Auchentoshan) September 22, 2018
Qualification for the rare experience saw bartenders enter a cocktail consisting of no more than five ingredients, including Auchentoshan, which has been inspired by their home city and then the selected few were invited to enter their regional competition.
From here the regional champions then participated in a live national final where the bartenders were tasked with making two cocktails; one inspired by their city and one inspired by Auchentoshan.
Over the past three years there have been notable bartenders participating in New Malt Order including Georgia Billing, former head bartender at London’s Sexy Fish, Charles Roche who now works at Hercules, London and Jack Wareing of London’s Dandelyan.
Auchentoshan is a triple distilled single malt scotch brand which is made in the city of Glasgow under Beam Suntory. It’s best known for its American Oak expression but has 10 different whiskies under its portfolio – including the annual edition of the Bartender’s Malt.
