Following rigorous judging and a hard-fought battle, Michael Cameron from Guy’s Restaurant & Bar, Glasgow has been crowned the winner of the Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind Competition, held at Voltaire bar, London.
Outperforming some of the best bartenders from across the UK, Michael Cameron won the competition with his bespoke Glenfiddich cocktail called ‘Ours is the Fury’, which showcased his originality, creativity and in-depth knowledge of the malt whisky category.
The 10 finalists battled it out by showcasing a signature serve using a choice of Glenfiddich 12 Year Old, Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera Vat or Glenfiddich 18 Year Old. The bartenders then had to take part in a quick fire buzzer round which tested their knowledge of the extensive world of malt whisky.
Judging the contest were Glenfiddich UK brand ambassador, Mark Thomson; Director of Prestige and William Grant & Sons family member, Kirsten Grant Meikle; Editor of The Cocktail Lovers, Gary Sharpen; and Ali Reynolds, 2014 Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind winner. The judges based their scores on innovation, taste, technique, performance, presentation and knowledge.
The finalists
- Kieron Hall, Bonbar, Newcastle upon Tyne
- Aiden Page, Carmelite Hotel, Aberdeen
- Alix Nardella, Mission E2, London
- Manachain Monaghan, Monk Cocktail Bar, Buxton
- Dan Berger, Ace Hotel, London
- Bartosz Kowalski, Union Street Café, London
- Michael Cameron, Guy’s Restaurant & Bar, Glasgow
- Michael Lynch, The Chalk House, Edinburgh
- Nicholas Gilmour, The Tippling House, Aberdeen
- Stephen Rutherford, Orchid, Aberdeen
Michael Cameron has won a VIP trip to the Glenfiddich distillery and £1,000. Glenfiddich will also work with Michael to showcase his serve at brand events throughout 2016.
‘Ours is the Fury’ by Michael Cameron, Guy’s Restaurant & Bar Glasgow
- 35ml Glenfiddich 15 year old Old Solera Vat
- 35ml saffron-infused golden Muscat smoked with hickory chips & powdered orange zest
- 15ml Drambuie
- 7 drops Fee Bros’ Black Walnut bitters
- Pinch vanilla sea salt
- Dehydrated candied orange zest
- Stir and serve in a Branded Maltmaster glass with crossed ‘antlers’ of dehydrated orange zest.