Following the launch of its Wild Spirit bartender training tour earlier this month, Talisker’s all-new competition is now open for entries.
Diageo Reserve’s premium scotch whisky from the Isle of Skye, Talisker, announced the launch of the progressive evolution of its iconic Race to Skye competition at the beginning of this month and now invites bartenders from across the UK to submit a cocktail to join the Wild Spirit adventure.
From the 20th April, Talisker is challenging bartenders to design their own signature Talisker Wild Spirit cocktails and then submit them by the 23rd May. They must then follow up the submission by adding it to their bar’s menu for a minimum of eight weeks. The three bartenders who best embody Talisker’s Wild Spirit in their cocktail and showcase it to their guests will be in with a chance to win a Talisker Wild Spirit adventure for them plus three members of staff. In addition, the top 80 bars that activate a Wild Spirit cocktail will also win a limited-edition Talisker Whisky Aficionado bag 1 designed for tasting and creating Talisker serves in the great outdoors.
Former Lush Life guest, Jason Clark, Talisker Brand Ambassador at Diageo Reserve GB, embarked on a Wild Spirit journey starting on the Isle of Skye as part of a UK-wide ‘Wild Spirit Whisky Tour’ on 1 April. Jason hosted sessions delving into the brand’s location, history, production and cocktail serves highlighting Wild Spirit cocktail techniques using methods including foraging, growing, storytelling and creative shopping to reflect the Great British outdoors. Jason drove over 2500 miles in a Talisker Land Rover Highland Defender, camping in 16 seaside locations and key cities to host 18 events and engage with over 400 bartenders, inspiring them to join the Wild Spirit experience and immerse themselves in the true spirit of Talisker’s heritage.
Jason commented: “For the past two years bartenders have been really engaged with the Race to Skye competition so we wanted to take this opportunity to revitalise the mechanics and introduce our all-new training programme. It’s given us the chance to really encompass the spirit and attitude of Talisker’s home, the Isle of Skye.
“The Wild Spirit challenge brings everything we believe in as a brand to life and transports the spirit of Talisker right into the hands of bartenders. It’s all about creating immersive cocktails which transport guests into the great outdoors from the comfort of their bar stools. The bold but complex profile of Talisker stands up beautifully in so many mixed drinks, so we wanted to celebrate this and encourage bartenders to share their interpretation through liquid creativity. I’m so excited to see the serves and witness bartenders coming together to create something truly unique for their bars to showcase to their guests”.
To enter, bartenders are challenged to design a cocktail that embodies the Wild Spirit character of Talisker through the ingredients, presentation and story and sell it in their bar for eight weeks.
1 *limit to 2 bags per venue.
Entries should be submitted by email to jason.clark@diageo.com.
Entries should include the following, and be submitted by 23rd May 2019:
- Recipe / Wild Spirit inspiration
- Photograph / confirmation of approval from manager to list the drink as a special for eight weeks from 1st June to 31st July
- Drinks can be listed on any form of menu – i.e. blackboard, printed insert, tent card etc.