Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/566135
september 2015 / the tasting panel / 75 "Providing good service, particularly through our staff know- ing our whiskey list well, is key to what we're doing," explains Kim. "And the phrase 'kindred spirit' really vibes with what we're trying to provide at the Franklin Room, it signifies something you want to share together: We can share a great product with our guests and learn more about it at the same time." So with an educated consumer as the end goal, the team at the Franklin Room presents the Quarter Bottle, which offers that amount of Glenfiddich 18 in a carafe, along with the makings of a classic Old Fashioned —sugar, bitters and ice. "We decided to create a serve in the name of camaraderie," says Kim. "The guests have some whisky to share, but we're also giv- ing them the tools to make the most obvious and classic whisky cocktail of them all with this broken down Old Fashioned." "It's a learning tool in and of itself," continues Kim. "The base whisky is there, perfect on its own. Some purists, when pre- sented with a spirit as quality as Glenfiddich, don't want to add anything other than ice and water. But for other guests, it gives people the opportunity to play bartender for a second. As we've seen people get more interested in craft cocktails, we thought this would be a great way to bring them in—and teach them about whisky while we're at it." Glenfiddich Ambassador David Allardice is a fan, and sees great potential with this simple-yet-sweet serve. "Peter's Old Fashioned deconstruction with the 18 Year Old is not only very creative, but also empowers the consumer," comments Allardice. "I like the idea of offering options. You get the whisky of course. Glenfiddich 18 is a tremendously rich and complex malt, perfect for an Old Fashioned cocktail. You also get an ice ball, water and all the tools to create your own classic cocktail, which can be fun and interactive for the guest," he continues. "It's an experience you can share with friends, and it helps to present the guest with various ways Scotch whisky can be enjoyed." While learning and experimentation is all part of the fun of the Quarter Bottle serve, the team at Franklin Room is sure to provide guidance to guests: "Measurements are important in cocktails," admits Kim. "We're not just dropping off a platter and saying, 'Figure it out!' Our staff will show them exactly how to make the drink, and we'll have instructions and a recipe card they can take with them and hopefully share with their friends! We hope this is something that they can use to continue to explore whisky and craft cocktails long after they've left the bar." With the kindred spirit flowing through the Franklin Room, Kim admits that he'd love the chance to join next year's winners at the distillery: "You can read about a distillery and its history all you want, but there's something incredibly memorable about seeing the place, smelling the air, breathing in the history. It would be phenomenal!" Peter Kim is Beverage Director at Chicago's Franklin Room. David Allardice, Brand Ambassador for Glenfiddich. K. S. 2.0! Now in its second year, THE TASTING PANEL is proud to present the Glenfiddich Kindred Spirit competition! Are you making crazy-fun Glenfiddich popsicles? Do you dream in deconstructed drams? Show us your most creative serve for your chance to win! Email KindredSpirit@TastingPanelMag.com to enter today!