UNTOUCHABLES 2007 INTERVIEWS
Jay Lambert
Questions:
(Q) What was the most challenging part of the Untouchables 07 Competition?
(A) Definitely presenting our drinks in the carriage works. It was an intimidating space, with the judging tables 5metres away I think everyone was feeling the pressure.
(Q) What was the most rewarding aspect of the competition for you?
(A) Just competing in a competition with this much credibility,… and I would have to say winning..
(Q) What are the challenges and considerations when working with a complex spirit such as Glenfiddich?
(A) Maintaining integrity of spirit whilst trying to express the characteristics of the spirit in a creative way
(Q) Have your perceptions of the whisky category changed since your involvement in the competition? In what ways?
(A) Not really…sorry
(Q) What is it that separates the Glenfiddich Untouchables competition from others in the trade?
(A) Using a single malt whisky for a start!, as well as peer judging paired with constant judges, the caliber of competitors, and the prize.
(Q) What Tips do you have for people planning to enter next year’s competition?
(A)Read everything you can about Glenfiddich. Keep it simple. Have a Good reason for every ingredient, the more stuff you add the harder it is to maintain integrity of spirit and of course justify it to 16 other bartenders. Oh and drink more whisky!
(Q) Having spent a lot of time working with the Glenfiddich Range throughout the competition, which do you now call your favourite whisky and why?
(A) Probably the 18 yr because of the great mix of fruit and spice characteristics.
Julian Serna
Questions:
(Q) What was the most challenging part of the Untouchables 07 Competition?
(A) Dealing with the mumps a week before the event
(Q) What was the most rewarding aspect of the competition for you?
(A) Beating Pete “Fishballs” Fischer and winning the media choice award
(Q) What are the challenges and considerations when working with a complex spirit such as Glenfiddich?
(A) Not compromising the rich history, integrity and flavour of Glenfiddich
(Q) Have your perceptions of the whisky category changed since your involvement in the competition? In what ways?
(A) They have changed my drinking patterns; I used to think Scotch whisky as something you used to drink as a nightcap. It’s a much more versatile spirit that can be enjoyed anytime
(Q) What is it that separates the Glenfiddich Untouchables competition from others in the trade?
(A) The meticulous planning and thought process that goes into the competition, every angle is covered. Making it very comfortable for the finalist, let’s not forget the awesome prize though….
(Q) What Tips do you have for people planning to enter next year’s competition? Its all about the spirit, embrace it and bring out all of its characteristics
(Q) Having spent a lot of time working with the Glenfiddich Range throughout the competition, which do you now call your favourite whisky and why?
(A) The 18yr because of its wonderful complexity and it keeps me young.
Peter Fischer
Questions:
(Q) What was the most challenging part of the Untouchables 07 Competition?
(A) Stopping myself from drinking too much of the product.
(Q) What was the most rewarding aspect of the competition for you?
(A) Being a part of the whole Glenfiddich experience from the judging of your peers to be being driven around in the stretched Hummer, the whole day was awesome.
(Q) What are the challenges and considerations when working with a complex spirit such as Glenfiddich?
(A) Being so complex there are many flavor directions you can choose to go but being so delicate the hardest part is finding the right balance when preparing your drink.
(Q) Have your perceptions of the whisky category changed since your involvement in the competition? In what ways?
(A) A little. Being I scotch drinker for some years now I thought I understood the depth and complexity involved in whiskies but pushing myself to make a drink of this quality for the competition made me realise just how refined the spirits were and to treat them with the respect they deserve.
(Q) What is it that separates the Glenfiddich Untouchables competition from others in the trade?
(A) The level of commitment shown by Glenfiddich towards the cocktail industry is amazing and is a massive influence on the quality of the entrants, this really makes this a tough comp.
(Q) What Tips do you have for people planning to enter next year’s competition?
(A) Start drinking Glenfiddich now.
(Q) Having spent a lot of time working with the Glenfiddich Range throughout the competition, which do you now call your favourite whisky and why?
(A) Tough one. I really like the 18yo for an after dinner drink, but as an everyday I’m stuck on the 15yo Solera reserve. It’s easy to drink, very mellow and for me has slight malt and chocolate undertones that are very calming.
