AUCHENTOSHAN PRESENTS…The Taste Experiments

Masterclasses that explore taste through

scientific experiments in whisky, cocktails and food

This summer Auchentoshan, Scotland’s only triple distilled Single Malt Scotch Whisky is focusing on taste with a series of masterclasses – The Taste Experiments. The events, which aim to add something unique and unusual to a traditional whisky tasting, have been created by cocktail genius Ryan Chetiyawardana (AKA Mr Lyan), coffee & taste experts DunneFrankowski and food experimentalists Rebel Dining Society, with expertise and guidance from Auchentoshan Master Blender and chemist Rachel Barrie. The masterclasses, which will take place in London on 23-25^th July (with more dates to be confirmed), will take consumers on a journey: First, an education into taste and flavour; Second, how to taste whisky and customise cocktails and thirdly investigating fermentation, distillation and maturation through food.

Consumers will be able to sample amazing cocktails created by the guru Ryan Chetiyawardana (AKA Mr Lyan) each of which will complement different taste profiles. Consumers will be able to experiment and customise the cocktails to their own palate using pipettes of sweet, sour and bitters. One of the creations, the Auchentoshan Classic Julep stands alone as a summer punch cocktail that can be made at home or in the on trade.  This short, fresh serve complements the bright zesty notes of Auchentoshan Classic with fresh mint and floral elderflower liqueur. An ideal cocktail for summer parties the Julep can be served in glass pitchers or from behind the bar in ornate punch bowls.

Auchentoshan Brand Manager, Jennifer Meenan, commented on the series, “The Taste Experiments tap into a growing thirst for experiences that combine the powers of science and imagination. Through this balance of science, craft, fun and flavours the events will provide a greater understanding of how to appreciate and enjoy Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch Whisky.” 

Auchentoshan Classic Julep

This short, fresh serve complements the bright zesty notes of Auchentoshan Classic with fresh mint and floral elderflower liqueur. As the drink dilutes, the vanilla notes of the whisky will begin to unfold.

Ingredients:

1 bottle Auchentoshan Classic

2 bunches mint

40g demerara sugar

200ml St German Elderflower Liqueur

Grapefruit zest

Method:

Take 1 bottle of Auchentoshan Classic, 2 bunches of mint (stems up), demerara sugar and St Germain Elderflower liqueur and mix together in a tall jug. Stir to dissolve the sugar, being careful not to tear the mint. Place in the fridge for 2 hours, along with some small cups (ideally pewter or metal).

After two hours, strain off the mint. Fill each cup with cracked ice, add 50ml

of the mix. Churn, then fill with more ice. Garnish with a zest of grapefruit and a large sprig of mint.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/auchentoshan

Notes:

Auchentoshan Classic available in: Asda, Tesco and Waitrose starting at £27 a bottle.

Also available from all good online stockists.

Rachel Barrie

Rachel Barrie is one of a mere handful of female Master Blenders in the world.

After achieving a 1^st class Honours degree in Chemistry from Edinburgh University, Rachel’s career began in 1991 as a Research Scientist at the Scotch Whisky Research Institute. In 2011, after twenty years in the whisky industry, Rachel joined Morrison Bowmore Distillers as their Master Blender where she influences new product development as well as managing spirit quality operations. Over her 22 year career in Scotch whisky, Rachel has sampled in excess of 120,000 casks, assessing whisky from more than 80 malt distilleries. This intimate knowledge of the diverse range of malt whiskies led to her managing the whisky stocks and cask selection for the Scotch Malt Whisky Society between 2008 and 2011.

Ryan Chetiyawardana

Ryan Chetiyawardana is an expert on flavour and taste perception, award winning bartender and pioneer within the drinks scene. He has run some of the best bars in the UK over the last ten years and has consulted on several projects around the world. He can now be found as Mr Lyan, with pop-ups in London and further afield and with a permanent space soon to open which will host some of the finest bartenders and creative collaborators from the UK.

DunneFrankowski

DunneFrankowski are a creative coffee consultancy who use coffee to connect to other industries. They host workshops and talks on the fundamental understanding of taste as well as tailored coffee training classes. They have a concept coffee bar in Shoreditch within the digital agency Protein and about to open their second with Sharps Barbers in central London.

Auchentoshan – The Modern Classic

–          A traditional and authentic single malt, distilled three times and matured in the finest wood

–          A whisky produced with passion and enriched with heritage

–          Favours the classic but with a nod to the contemporary

–          It’s a combination of two worlds; old and new

–          It’s a throwback to the future

–          It’s style not fashion

–          The very best of the past with the very best of the present…

As Glasgow’s closest Distillery, Auchentoshan is truly unique as it is the only distillery to use a third still in the whisky making process. It means Auchentoshan is the only Single Malt Scotch whisky to triple distil every single drop. This third distillation takes the new spirit to 81.5% ABV (not 70% which is achieved through only distilling twice) making it the highest distillate of any Scottish distillery. The result is a light and delicate single malt of unmistakable smoothness.

Awards 2011

IWSC

* Gold Medal, 1975 Bourbon

* Best in Class Silver, 18YO

* Best in Class Silver, Classic

International Spirits Challenge

* Silver Medal, Valinch

* Silver Medal, Three Wood

Scottish Design Awards

* Best Packaging – Auchentoshan Travel Retail Award

Awards 2012

San Francisco Spirits Competition

* Double Gold Medal, Three Wood

* Silver Medal, Classic

* Silver Medal, 12YO

World Whiskies Awards:

* Best Lowland – Auchentoshan 1999 Wine Matured

Ultimate Spirits Challenge:

* 94 points/Excellent-Highly Recommended  – Auchentoshan Three Wood

Ultimate Cocktail Challenge:

* Chairman’s Trophy – Best Scotch Whisky in a classic Rusty Nail cocktail – Auchentoshan Three Wood