THE AUCHENTOSHAN SWITCH

A unique mixology programme like no other with Auchentoshan – The only triple distilled Single Malt whisky

This summer, Auchentoshan, the only Single Malt that triple distills every drop, has launched a cocktail competition that will offer two outstanding bartenders – one from the UK and one from the US – a career-changing, 14 day switch across the Atlantic, to work in one of the world’s leading bars – The Auchentoshan Switch.

Rising to fame in the cocktail world, Auchentoshan Three Wood is quickly gaining cult status among bartenders globally due to its unique complexity, having been matured in three different casks. The Auchentoshan Switch competition will see the brand collaborate with the award-winning den for the thinking drinker, London institution 69 Colebrooke Row and New York’s Apotheke, who will act as the host bars for the winning mixologists. The winners will experience world leading molecular mixology as they work in one of the world’s leading experimental cocktail bars.

Auchentoshan is a brand that likes to do things differently, by being the only single malt scotch to triple distil its spirit to make it arguably the smoothest and most versatile malt. This ethos is carried through to the selection criteria for the competition. The judging panel will be looking for something different and extra special from contestants. Whilst much of the attention will be focussed on the drinks, service and theatre is of equal importance, so applicants will be judged on how friendly, approachable and charismatic they are as well as the drink itself.

With this in mind only video entries will be accepted for the competition. Contestants will be asked to film themselves making two simple yet integral drinks: firstly a lemonade from scratch and secondly an Old Fashioned made with the unique Auchentoshan Three Wood.

Individual competitions in the UK and US will run simultaneously to find a winner in each country. Following the initial entry process, twenty finalists will be invited to a one-day final round, which is set to take place in central London during October 2011. The switch itself will take place in early 2012.

Hannah Fisher, brand manager for Auchentoshan, commented; “As Auchentoshan Three Wood continues to grow in popularity with bartenders, it’s great to be able to give them something back. As the first whisky brand to offer an internship that crosses the Atlantic, we’re excited to see the results and proud to be working with two of the best bars in the world.”

As part of the transatlantic switch the US winner will work at 69 Colebrooke Row and learn first hand the world of cocktail and food science in the only bar related drinks lab in the World – The Drinks Factory. They will have the opportunity to work with this team of hand- picked, leading mixologists, in a lab dedicated to furthering the craft of the cocktail and fully realising projects as they filter into the bar. Importantly they will also become incorporated into the daily procedures ofopening-up and working in the bar at 69 Colebrooke Row, visiting producers and sourcing of quality ingredients.

Marcis Dzelzainis, Operations Manager at 69 Colebrooke Row, commented on the programme, “The Switch programme is a very innovative way of promoting a brand that really thinks outside the box. At the bar, we enjoy using Auchentoshan Three Wood as its flavour profile lends itself to mixability and that it would nice to see Single Malts used more in cocktails!”

The winner of the UK competition will head to Apotheke in New York City, the hottest cocktail bar on the underground scene. Managed under the watchful eye of bar manager and USA judge, David Clelland. The winner will be able to learn from and work side by side with highly experienced bar chefs. With no menus, bar chefs cook up individually prescribed concoctions for the taste of the cocktail enthusiasts according to their mood. At Apotheke, the presentation of the cocktail is as dramatic as the cocktail itself. The winner will be simultaneously part of both a theatre performance and a chemistry lab in the mixology heart of the USA – NYC.

Candidates will be able to apply online from 1st July – 31st August 2011 through www.auchentoshan.com/switch