COCKTAIL-MAKING AND ‘WEE-JAUNTING’ WITH BLACK BOTTLE MIXOLOGY EXPERT, MAL SPENCE

Expert Scottish mixologist Mal Spence, global ambassador for blended Scotch whisky Black Bottle, was in South Africa recently to host a series of events in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Conceived to showcase Spence’s skills as an internationally recognised mixologist and winner of multiple awards, as well as to highlight Black Bottle’s versatility, the events were an inventive way of reminding bartenders of the virtues of blended scotch and Black Bottle in particular.

The Johannesburg events, held at venues in the trendy Maboneng Precinct, included a cocktail master class at Pata Pata, as well as a Scottish ‘wee-jaunt’ with special entertainment and tastings at Living Room Eco Café and Pata Pata. Guests were also treated to an inner city walk, with a surprise Pantsula performance delighting guests along the way.

In Cape Town he demonstrated tea-infused cocktail-making for an exclusive media group at The Black Bar, situated in the basement of the historic Cape Town Club.

Commenting on his new Black Bottle global ambassador role, Spence said: “We’re telling the story of Black Bottle creator, Gordon Graham, who has been a truly inspiring figure in Scotch whisky history. His uncompromising, daring spirit has informed many of the drinks menus we are developing for the brand.

“I’m confident we can encourage bartenders and drinks enthusiasts to put Black Bottle into their speed rails.”

Black Bottle has been globally relaunched and is back in a black bottle as its name suggests. It also features a blend far closer to the original, first launched in 1879 by tea blender, Gordon Graham. Its fresh, floral nose with traces of new-sawn oak and smoke opens onto a silky palate with delicate smoke and peat, balanced by sweet oak and honey.

With more than 15 years’ experience tending, managing and building up the reputation of some of Scotland’s best bars, Spence has a wealth of knowledge. He is the only Scottish bartender ever to reach the Havana Club Grand Prix World Final; a Scottish Licenced Trade News (SLTN) Mixologist of the Year Award winner for two years running; winner of Maxxium’s Liquid War competition; and in 2011, industry bible Class Magazine bestowed Spence with the Best Bar Menu Award for his work at the Blythswood Square Hotel in Glasgow. Spence is also the director of the Kelvingrove Café in Glasgow, winner of the Best Cocktail Bar at the 2013 Scottish Bartenders Network Awards.

The new Black Bottle, retailing for between R240 and R260 per 750ml bottle is available from liquor outlets countrywide.

Try Black Bottle neat with a dash of water, with your favourite mixer, or in a cocktail such as:

Caro Verde (Dear Green) by Mal Spence

This drink comprises Black Bottle whisky, Amaro Nonino, jasmine green tea syrup and Angostura bitters. The Italian name was inspired by the green tea and the inclusion of an Italian liqueur.

Glass: Wine glass

Garnish: None 

Ingredients:

40ml Black Bottle whisky

20ml Amaro Nonino

2-3 dashes Angostura bitters

15ml jasmine green tea syrup

Method:

Add ingredients to mixing glass filled with ice, stir for 15 seconds or until chilled, strain into pre-chilled wine glass.

Go to www.theblackbar.co.za and enter your details in order to be invited to exclusive Black Bottle events.

Follow Black Bottle on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BlackBottleSA) and/or Twitter (https://twitter.com/BlackBottleSA).

Join the conversation using: #BlackBar

 This article in a Tweet:

Scotch whisky @BlackBottleSA back in black bottle with revised blend, true to 1879 Aberdeen original. #BlackBar