Dandelyan and Plateau bartenders win chance to create new single malt whisky

The pair, who work at London bars Dandelyan and Plateau respectively, will join 10 other bartenders around the world as members of the New Malt Order where they will help to create a new limited edition Auchentoshan expression for distribution in the on-trade next year. 

To win the chance to help create the whisky at Auchentoshan's Glasgow distillery, the competition's finalists had to create an Auchentoshan & Ale using their own bespoke bitters at London bar Peg & Patriot. 

Mike Aikman, owner of Bramble, Last Word Saloon and Lucky Liquor Co, who helped judge the final against the Artisanal, Alternative and Approachable criteria, said: "It's an incredible honour for the New Malt Order winners to get to spend time with the Auchentoshan master blender, Rachel Barrie, and have their own product on back bars in the future.

“Jack’s presentation was very well thought out and he used interesting ingredients. His was the only 'savoury' drink we saw, which was an excellent showcase for the tasting profile of Auchentoshan Three Wood. Georgia’s scientific approach was unique. Her bitters were excellent and her second drink was proof that sometimes keeping drinks simple is the best tactic."

Wareing and Billing will join 10 other bartenders in Glasgow for a masterclass with Barrie before getting to work to create the new expression. The final product will include cask selections to reflect each bartender's character.