Whisky Focus - Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind 2013

Glenfiddich have announced the winner of its Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind 2013 competition. The competition which is now in its fourth year was set up to encourage bartenders to experiment with malt whisky and showcase its versatility. The competition attracts the UK's top bartenders who have a passion for malt whisky and it sees them pit their malt whisky knowledge and innovative serves against each other in a bid to be crowned Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind.

This year amidst stiff competition, Till Britze who you would normally find tending the bar at The Last Word in Edinburgh took the crown after wowing the judges with his creative drink making skills and impressive whisky knowledge.

For the first time in the competition’s history, the final was held at the Glenfiddich distillery where the judging panel was led by Brian Kinsman, Master Blender for William Grant & Sons. The other judges were whisky consultant, Mark Thomson and last year’s winner, Lee Potter Cavanagh. The finalists included:

• Till Britze - The Last Word, Edinburgh
• Gareth Evans - Social Eating House, London
• Evan Rage – London Cocktail Club, London
• Marcis Dzelzainis – Satan’s Whiskers, London
• Marco Abreu – Aqua Shard, London
• Henry Yates – Boilermaker, Nottingham
• Jamie Ireland – Hotel Missoni, Edinburgh

In order to impress the judges, the finalists had to showcase their creativity by making their twist on the classic whisky cocktail, the Rob Roy, as well as create their own signature serve using Glenfiddich 12, 15 or 18 Year Old. In addition, all candidates were quizzed on their knowledge of the malt category.

With its beautiful vibrant colour and fruit and spice filled flavours, Britze's Red Stag serve won over the judges with its flavour profile and complementary ingredients which enhanced the Glenfiddich 18 Year Old on which he based his drink.

Sarah Harding, Senior Brand Manager for Glenfiddich, commented, "The Malt Mastermind final was an exciting line-up of some of the finest talent in the bar industry. It was a tough call whittling down the finalists to one winner but Till Britze was a firm favourite with the judges and demonstrated a real passion for malt whisky and an extremely creative flair with his Red Stag serve."

Till Britze winning "Ruadh damh" (The Red Stag) recipe

• 50ml Glenfiddich 18
• 25ml Spiced Damson Reduction
• 15ml Bénédictine
• 2 dashes Boker's Bitters
• Garnish – skewered plum, grapefruit twist

Stir everything over cubed ice, and serve straight up in a tumbler glass. Garnish with a skewered plum and grapefruit twist.

Glenfiddich will be working closely with Till Britze to bring his serve to consumers or why not pop into The Last Word if you find yourself in Edinburgh, I am sure they will be able to rustle you up a Glenfiddich Red Stag.
 

• UK Shops
   
• USA Shops
   
• European Shops
  

Whisky Focus