William Grant & Sons UK has invited 26 up-and-coming bartenders from around the UK to join its on-trade advocacy programme, the 1887 Collective.
The twelve-month programme equips bartenders from the likes of The Artesian, Nocturnal Animals, Bar Swift, Panda & Sons and Callooh Callay with tailored career building opportunities, brand training and access to industry expertise beyond the bar.
It offers the opportunity to partner with William Grant & Sons UK’s brands and ambassadors through distillery visits and exclusive events throughout the year.
Kelsie Hamilton from Nightcap in Edinburgh, is one of the new 1887 Collective members. She said: “When I was nominated for this year’s 1887 Collective I was absolutely over the moon.
“However, it wasn’t until my time spent away with the other bartenders from across the country that I really realised what a privilege it was to be involved with such an incredible initiative.
“I’m genuinely excited for our future events and feel like I’ve already made lasting relationships with my industry peers – both personal and professional.”
Previously the 1887 Collective have enjoyed industry experiences such as visiting the Hendrick’s Gin Palace in Scotland to learn from master distiller Lesley Gracie, joining a private wellness day hosted by Healthy Hospo, and learning all about the art of “Adventurivity” from UK Reyka Vodka brand ambassador Fabiano Latham.
Now in its fourth year, the advocacy program has enrolled over 70 bartenders from across the UK, and has already seen expansion with the recent launch of the Nordics 1887 Collective.
Bryony Ritchie, events & advocacy manager at William Grant & Sons UK, said: “We are genuine supporters of the industry and always looking to take alternative approaches to working with bartenders and equipping them with skills and knowledge for the future.
“The 1887 Collective has been hugely successful over the last few years and we are proud of how it has grown from strength to strength to create such an incredible community of industry characters that we consider as family.”
