Glenfiddich’s Malt Mastermind competition is back for the fourth year running, with the final taking place for the first time in the whisky’s Speyside home in Scotland.
The search for the Malt Mastermind of 2013 calls on bar professionals to showcase their creativity and knowledge in the category by crafting signature Glenfiddich serves that will win over a panel of industry expert judges.
In previous years the competition has attracted some of the UK’s finest bartending talent, and for 2013, the final will take place at the historic Glenfiddich distillery in Dufftown.
Six finalists will battle it out to be named Malt Mastermind, with a prize that includes a return visit to the Glenfiddich distillery for a VIP all-expenses-paid trip where they will get the chance to taste a range of rare expressions and be given access to parts of the distillery not open to the general public.
The winner will also receive £1,000 in cash, a stay in luxury Scottish accommodation and the chance to be on the judging panel for the 2014 competition.
Glenfiddich brand ambassador Jamie Milne (pictured left) said: “The competition is now in its fourth year and the accolade of being named the Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind carries more respect and admiration amongst the trade than ever before.
“Previous winners have gone on to work for some of the best bars in the UK, and we’re expecting a high standard of candidates again this year.
“This year we’re raising the bar and adding a new element to the competition by hosting the final at the Glenfiddich distillery.
“Taking the finalists to Glenfiddich’s homeland will enable the bartenders to fully immerse themselves in the brand, and the 2013 Malt Mastermind will be someone who truly embodies the pioneering spirit of Glenfiddich.
“The winner will understand the complexities of malt whisky and bring it to life for a new audience.”
Entrants in the 2013 competition are asked to complete a questionnaire, which can be found at www.glenfiddich.com/maltmastermind.
Finalists will then be invited to the Glenfiddich distillery in Scotland on October 28, where they will be asked to create two serves: a twist on the classic whisky cocktail, Rob Roy, plus their own innovative serve using Glenfiddich 12 Year Old, 15 Year Old or 18 Year Old.
The judges will include Glenfiddich global brand ambassador Ian Millar, whisky expert Mark Thomson, and last year’s Malt Mastermind competition winner, Lee Potter Cavanagh (pictured right).
The competition will be promoted via digital advertising, trade PR and social media. The deadline for entries is October 11.
