Whisky Focus - Glasgow Barman Michael Cameron Crowned Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind

Glasgow barman triumphs in Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind 2015 competition.

Glenfiddich have announced that Glasgow barman Michael Cameron from Guy's Restaurant & Bar Candleriggs in the Merchant City, Glasgow has been crowned Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind 2015.

Following a highly contested competition held at the Voltaire bar, London where Michael fought his way through the rigorous judging process and where he outperformed some of the best bartenders from across the UK to be named the winner of the now renowned Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind Competition.

Michael won the competition with his bespoke Glenfiddich cocktail called ‘Ours is the Fury’, which showcased his originality, creativity and in-depth knowledge of the malt whisky category.

The 10 finalists battled it out by showcasing a signature serve using a choice of Glenfiddich 12 Year Old, Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera Vat or Glenfiddich 18 Year Old. The bartenders then had to take part in a quick fire buzzer round which tested their knowledge of the extensive world of malt whisky.

Judging the contest were Glenfiddich UK brand ambassador, Mark Thomson, Director of Prestige and William Grant & Sons family member, Kirsten Grant Meikle, Editor of The Cocktail Lovers, Gary Sharpen and Ali Reynolds, 2014 Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind winner. The judges based their scores on innovation, taste, technique, performance, presentation and knowledge.

Michael Cameron's Winning Cocktail ‘Ours is the Fury’

• 35ml Glenfiddich 15 year old Old Solera Vat
   
• 35ml saffron-infused golden Muscat smoked with hickory chips & powdered orange zest
   
• 15ml Drambuie
   
• 7 drops Fee Bros' Black Walnut bitters
   
• Pinch vanilla sea salt
   
• Dehydrated candied orange zest
   
• Stir and serve in a Branded Maltmaster glass with crossed 'antlers' of dehydrated orange zest.

UK Brand Ambassador, Mark Thomson comments: "It’s heart-warming to be working with such talent. The respect, yet playful take on our brand was both exciting to judge and kept all the judges entertained, whilst making the winning decision extremely tough to call this year."

Sarah Harding, Senior Brand Manager for Glenfiddich, added: "Once again we were blown away by the high standard of the competitors in this much anticipated contest. All of the finalists showcased wonderful examples of innovative whisky cocktails and we hope the competition inspires other bartenders to experiment with Glenfiddich, driving category interest and consumer recruitment."

Michael Cameron has won a VIP trip to the Glenfiddich distillery and £1,000. Glenfiddich will also work with Michael to showcase his serve at brand events throughout 2016.
 

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