In the second of our series of columns with Glenmorangie, SLTN checks into the Commons Club at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh to talk elevated cocktails with head of mixology Leon Wilkes Back.
This month the bar will introduce two Glenmorangie cocktails to its menu: aperitif serve Shiso Fly and digestif cocktail the Claymore.
Why is it important for Glenmorangie to work with high-end venues such as Commons Club?
Glenmorangie Experience and Engagement Manager TJ Littlejohn: “We work with leading cocktail bars all over the world. We’re really excited to work with trend-leading accounts such as Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, because they make really interesting serves using modern cocktail techniques that really showcase our award-winning single malts at their best. It’s such a cool venue with fantastic décor: the perfect environment to enjoy a delicious drink.”
Tell us a bit about the drinks offer at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Leon Wilkes Back, head of mixology, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh: “The main pillars of Commons Club are contemporary Scottish luxury, so the idea being that of course we work with loads of different brands from all over the world. But we really want to champion local heroes and showcase how incredible Scotland, Scottish hospitality, produce and spirits are.
“With (downstairs bar) Eve it’s more about that playful aspect of the drinks. So it’s fun, playful, slightly juvenile, but in an elevated way at the same time.”
How important is whisky to the Commons Club cocktail list?
Leon: “Whisky, being our national spirit, is very much something we wanted to showcase. We have quite a few whisky signatures on the cocktail menu at the moment.
“The presence of Scotch is very important, because it’s where we are, it’s part of our story as people who work in the Scottish hospitality industry.
“And as for Glenmorangie – they’re a wonderful brand who are quite innovative in what they do, very supportive of the industry, and their liquid speaks for itself. And in terms of working with, particularly Commons Club, they’re the perfect fit for what we do. They epitomise what we consider to be contemporary Scottish luxury and they’re very much a brand we are akin to.”
How would describe the two Glenmorangie cocktails you’ve designed?
Leon: “They’re very much on the elevated side of things, but still a bit fun, playful, with interesting flavours that are accessible. Because the one thing about Scotch I want to make sure we get is it’s not just a stereotype that you play to. Scotch is so much more versatile and fun. And showcasing it in an interesting way is really cool.”
Shiso Fly
30ml blueberry & shiso leaf cordial
40ml Glenmorangie Lasanta
5ml Empirical Symphony 6
Maple Verjus
Add ingredients into a cocktail shaker and then throw. Strain into a frozen glass. Top up with large chunks of clear ice. Top with soda and garnish with fresh Shiso leaf.
Claymore
1 dash Salt solution
3 dashes of Empirical Plum I suppose
10ml Tempus Fugit Crème de Cacao
10ml Amontillado sherry
50ml Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban
Extra virgin olive oil to garnish.
Add ingredients to a mixing glass, add ice and stir down. Strain into a frosted cocktail glass. Garnish with a drop of extra virgin olive oil.
