Sponsored Article: It’s time to embrace the dark side. How a fresh look at whisky and Cognac can unlock their true potential
Times and tastes are changing. Dark spirits like whisky and Cognac are being used to create cocktails that are not only exciting and fashionable, but carry their sophisticated reputation with them too. These iconic spirits add a touch of elegance to any cocktail menu, captivating both seasoned connoisseurs and curious newcomers alike. Finally, their craft, quality and variety are being appreciated.
In the latest episode of The Stillhouse Podcast, ‘On The Pulse’, spirits expert Becky Paskin is joined by award-winning drinks journalist Alice Lascelles and Chris Tanner, bar manager of London’s Silverleaf, to discuss new trends and untapped possibilities in the dark spirits world. We know that there is reverence for the rich heritage of whisky and Cognac and that they might have been seen, in days gone by, as products to enjoy and savour neat. Now, as they discuss, there are plenty of ways to try new tastes and experiment with these spirit categories.
The current reality is that young drinkers in particular are crying out for exciting new combinations, and dark spirits are bursting with a wide range of complex flavours, which lend themselves to innovative pairings with any number of mixers. New cocktail and mixer combinations thrive on social media, where that perfect serve, its rituals, flair and creativity are immediately attractive – inspiring young people to experiment with new drinks when out and about, and to try and recreate them at home. Who wouldn’t want to try combining whisky with green tea, or coconut water, or garnishing it with cucumber?
The Stillhouse Podcast team discuss the different ways these spirits are enjoyed across the world: take Japan, where whisky is popularly regarded as a youthful, fun drink, often consumed in the form of a beautifully presented highball cocktail amongst a group of friends. The podcast, launched in May, is produced by Edrington UK, the country’s leading whisky and Cognac supplier, with brands such as The Famous Grouse and Courvoisier in its portfolio. Via host Becky Paskin’s series of conversations with leading drinks industry figures, the podcast dispels myths around dark spirits and discusses new trends, innovations and opportunities for growth across the sector.
The team decide that the trick is getting the balance right between dark spirits’ aspirational, historic identity, and letting people know that there is no single ‘right way’ to drink them – that they can and should be a fun, celebratory affair, open to innovation and suitable for a range of special occasions. Changing people’s perceptions and building new connections with drinkers is something already happening across the drinks sector, from conversations at the bar to stunning creations shown off on Instagram. The world of dark spirits is vast and dynamic, with an ever-evolving landscape of flavours and trends. From timeless classics to brand-new creations, whisky and Cognac can bring depth, complexity and a sense of adventure to any drink they grace. It’s time to embrace the dark side.
The Stillhouse Podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
This article contains paid-for content supplied by Edrington.
