REVEALS THE NAMES OF THE TOP 20 US and UK FINALIST BARTENDERS For THE AUCHENTOSHAN SWITCH

A Trans-Continental Bartender Swap

US Finalists Travel to Las Vegas For the Final Showdown on October 26, 2011

Glasgow, Scotland (October 5, 2011) – This past August, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Scotland’s only triple-distilled single malt, announced a bartender talent search like no other – the The Auchentoshan Switch, where two outstanding barkeeps in the US and the UK will switch places and switch countries for two weeks to work in one of New York City’s and London’s most prestigious bars. Bartenders were asked to enter by submitting a video of themselves creating a lemonade and an Old Fashioned cocktail with Auchentoshan Three Wood. Well folks, the judges have voted and the votes are in. The group of top 20 US finalists will travel to Las Vegas on October 26 to participate in the showdown hosted by the United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG) where the top US bartender will be named. This bartender will travel to the UK and work at famed 69 Colebrooke Row. The finale in London will take place on October 24, resulting in one bartender being sent to New York City to ply their trade.

And today we happily announce the finalists – both US and UK. Congratulations to all and may the best bartender cross the pond!

US BARTENDER FINALISTS – In alphabetical order by last name, including the bar/city where they work:

–          Jeff Bell from PDT, New York City
–          Amber Berry from Ward III, New York City
–          Gina Chersevani from PS7’s, Washington, DC
–          David Curiel from Dalva Hideout, San Francisco
–          Michael Flannery from Michaels, New York City
–          Abigail Gullo from The Beagle, New York City
–          Dev Johnson from Employees Only, New York City
–          Charles Joly from The Drawing Room, Chicago
–          Mirjana “Mindy” Kucan from Grand Prize Bar, Houston
–          Jason Littrell from Death & Co, New York City
–          Ian McCarthy from Boiler Room, Omaha
–          Alexandra Parks from Green Russell, Denver
–          Zachary Safron from Metro, Lafayette
–          Steve Schneider from Employees Only, New York City
–          Rachel Sergei from The Jack Rose, Washington, DC
–          David Shenaut from Kask/Rum Club, Portland
–          Ezra Star from Drink, Boston
–          Lucinda Sterline from Little Branch, New York City
–          Clinton Terry from PX, Alexandria
–          Jenn Tosatto from Manifesto, Kansas City

Check out this video compilation of the US finalists: http://bit.ly/r2dxvT  

UK BARTENDER FINALISTS – In alphabetical order by last name, including the bar/city where they work:

– Martin Ball from Corrido, Manchester
– Divyesh Chauhan from Match Bar, London
– Matthew Dakers from Whistling Shop, London
– Kevin Griffin from The Raconteur, Edinburgh
– Andrew Harrod from Wabi, London
– Richard Hunt from Hawksmore, London
– Scott Ingram from Blythswood Square, Glasgow
– Alex Kratena from Artesian, London
– Simon La Moon from Zetter Townhouse, London
– Bruce Lerman from Epernay Champagne Bar, Leeds
– Antonino Lo Iacono from The Dukes Hotel, London
– Giuseppe Miggiano from The Bar at Chancery Court, London
– Khalil Moh’d Lahham from Donovan’s Bar/Brown’s Hotel, London
– Martyn Nicol from Blythswood Square, Glasgow
– Matt Roberts from Quo Vardis, London
– Andreas Tsanos from Lonsdale, Notting Hill
– Tom Walker from Bramble, Edinburgh
– Sam Watson from Purl, London
– Faye Woodcock from The Blind Pig, Glasgow

“We were so excited to have such great feedback, a cavalcade of interest, and so many great video entries for our first ever Auchentoshan Switch,” said Hannah Fisher, Auchentoshan Brand Manager. “It’s obvious that the brand is very relevant to today’s top bartenders in the UK and the US and we can’t wait to see what these incredibly talented bartenders will show us at the finale. Congratulations to all the finalists!”

THE SWITCH. The Switch will take place in early 2012 when the winning US bartender will spend two weeks behind the stick at the famed London bar 69 Colebrooke Row, while the winning British barkeep will get to spend his or her two weeks at a well known bar in New York City. 69 Colebrooke Row is home to the Drinks Factory, one of the only bar-related drinks labs in the world. There they will become incorporated into the daily bar procedures as well as visiting producers and sourcing quality ingredients. In NYC, the UK bartender will work at one of the hottest cocktail bars in Gotham’s underground scene. We’re not revealing the name of the bar just yet, but with no menus there, bartenders cook up individually prescribed concoctions according to their customer’s mood. Here the presentation of the cocktail is as dramatic as the cocktail itself. The winner will be part of both a theater of performance and a chemistry lab at the same time. And yes, there will also be some time for sightseeing as well.

ABOUT AUCHENTOSHAN SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

The award-winning Auchentoshan portfolio includes Auchentoshan Classic, 12 Year Old, Three Wood, 18 Year Old and the limited release 21 Year Old, in addition to select vintage, limited edition releases. Auchentoshan is available nationwide in the US and in more than 45 countries worldwide. The Auchentoshan portfolio is imported to the US by Skyy Spirits, LLC. Auchentoshan recently relaunched its website at www.auchentoshan.com. Join the Auchentoshan conversation on Facebook.

ABOUT UNITED STATES BARTENDERS’ GUILD (USBG) (www.usbg.org)

The United States Bartenders’ Guild is an organization of beverage professionals dedicated to the continued refinement of our craft. Such refinement is achieved through advanced product education; original hand crafted cocktail competitions; and aggressive involvement with other professionals in the beverage industry throughout the country and internationally. It is our intention, desire and main focus to become the most skilled, knowledgeable and professional group of bartenders in the industry. With the resurgence and ever increasing popularity of the cocktail, there is a high demand for creative and professional bartenders. As an industry leader the USBG is responsible for raising the bar and creating new trends to keep our competitive edge. The USBG is currently in the following locations: Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Denver, Hawaii, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwaukee, New Orleans, New York, North Texas, Northern California, Oregon, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Rhode Island, San Diego, St. Louis, Tampa Bay.

ABOUT 69 COLEBROOKE ROW – LONDON (www.69Colebrookerow.com)

Tucked away off the Islington Green end of Essex Road, 69 Colebrookee Row bears an impressive pedigree. Opened in mid 2009, it’s the brainchild of Tony Conigliaro, widely acknowledged as one of the UK’s pioneering drinks creators. The tiny space, with a capacity of only 40 people, is identifiable only by a lantern and has no name at all. Entry is via video entryphone, booking by phone, text or email only. When you step inside, the interior blends 1950s Italian café style with a film noir feel: large ceramic sinks behind a wooden bar add a touch of old Berlin.

ABOUT SKYY SPIRITS, LLC

The eighth-largest spirits company in the US, Skyy Spirits, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM), together with its affiliates Gruppo Campari. Launched in 1992 with the introduction of its flagship brand, SKYY® Vodka, Skyy Spirits has grown exponentially, building a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Skyy Spirits manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US with such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY90®, All Natural SKYY Infusions®, Campari®, Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón® Tequila, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, Frangelico®, Carolans Irish Cream®, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Sagatiba® Cachaça and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®. Skyy Spirits is also the exclusive US distributor of The Glenrothes® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glen Garioch® Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Flor de Caña® Rum, Midori® Melon Liqueur, Hibiki® Whisky and The Yamazaki® Single Malt Whisky.

Skyy Spirits was founded and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. More information on the company can be found at www.skyyspirits.com, www.facebook.com/skyyspirits, Twitter: @SkyySpirits and www.camparigroup.com. Please enjoy Skyy Spirits brands responsibly and in moderation.