Whisky specialist Teddy Joseph to host SLTN Trade Tasting showcasing company’s portfolio
SLTN and Edrington UK have teamed up to host a special online tasting for some of the company’s most well-known single malts.
Part of the SLTN Trade Tastings series, the virtual event – at 7pm on 26th October – will see whisky specialist Teddy Joseph host a tasting of Auchentoshan American Oak, Macallan Double Cask 12 year old, Highland Park 12 year old, Bowmore 15 year old and Laphroaig 10 year old. Register for the tasting here.
Ahead of the event, SLTN caught up with Teddy to find out more about Edrington, his role with the company and all things single malt.
Which drinks have you chosen for the SLTN Trade Tastings and why?
For this tasting, we’ve chosen some of our best-selling malt whiskies: our smooth Auchentoshan American Oak, the special Macallan Double Cask 12 year old, Highland Park 12 year old, Bowmore 15 year old, and our perfectly peated Laphroaig 10 year old.
We selected these classic expressions because we wanted to demonstrate how they can be enjoyed neat as well as in a longer serve; malt whisky can be versatile.
What can bartenders expect from the virtual tasting?
Whisky is a conversation and one that could go on for hours. To keep this short and sweet, we’ll go through each of the brands, discuss the history and how each is made, with of course having a nip of each! As the nights draw in and our thoughts turn to winter serves, we will also discuss how each expression can be made into a fun and delicious festive serve.
How do you think whisky will perform in Scotland’s pubs and bars over the coming months?
Now that lockdown measures have eased, I think the Scottish on-trade will see much more optimism from consumers. After experimenting with cocktails at home for so long, consumers will continue to seek and embrace more experiential serves when out. People are drinking less, but drinking better; therefore I think Scotland’s pubs and bars’ focus will be to include those higher, more premium expressions in their cocktails.
What are the main considerations for operators and bartenders when it comes to deciding which whiskies to stock?
It’s all about knowing your customer and ensuring there is variety. When considering which whiskies to stock, it’s important to keep that core range of spirits covered for your everyday customers who stick to what they know.
If you want to offer whisky cocktails for the more curious whisky drinker, consider more contemporary brands such as Naked Malt and Maker’s Mark as these work beautifully in a Whisky Sour or Old Fashioned, respectively.
What do you think your company’s whisky portfolio offers?
Edrington UK offers a wide variety of premium whiskies – from great blends like Naked Malt and The Famous Grouse, to single malt styles such as The Macallan and Bowmore. For people who like something a bit lighter in taste, we have a great portfolio of Japanese whiskies such as Toki and Hibiki.
Not to mention our sweet Kentucky bourbon brands, Maker’s Mark and Jim Beam. There really is something for everyone!
How long have you worked in your role and how did you get started in the industry?
I’ve been with Edrington UK for the past five years. I originally started in hospitality, working as a bartender and progressing my career into management and bar ownership before pivoting into sales and brand representation.
What’s your most memorable whisky and why?
Witnessing history with the unveiling of The Macallan’s brand new distillery in Speyside and enjoying a dram of an exclusive bottling for the occasion – one never to be seen again, with the youngest whisky in the blend being 55 years old!
If you could have a drink with anyone, who would it be, what would you drink and where?
Enjoying a Highland Park 50-year-old with the distillery’s founding father, Magnus Eunson, on the roof of the distillery overlooking the beautiful Orkney Islands.
