Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/237615
Making the Switch T he 2013 Auchentoshan Switch global bartender competition, which took place in London on October 1 and in New York on October 27, yielded two finalists: Aidan Bower of The Blysthwood Square Hotel in Glasgow, Scotland and Michael Webster of Bar Isabel from Toronto, Canada. Bowie and Webster will literally switch continents early in 2014 to work a stint in two bars to see how it's done "across the pond." Webster heads to London's Nightjar and Bowie will tackle Brooklyn's Dead Rabbit, where the North PHOTO COURTESY OF LIQUOR.COM Aidan Bowie from The Blysthwood Square Hotel in Glasgow, Scotland PHOTO COURTESY OF MORRISON BOWMORE DISTILLERS WINNERS OF THE AUCHENTOSHAN SWITCH GLOBAL BARTENDER COMPETITION SWAP CONTINENTS Michael Webster from Bar Isabel in Toronto, Canada. American final was held and bartenders had to demonstrate creativity, presentation, spin and the ability to work under pressure. Auchentoshan Three Wood, chosen expression for all Auchentoshan Switch entries for the complexities it brings to whisky cocktails, is aged in North American bourbon, Spanish oloroso sherry and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. Pronounced "ock-un-tosh-un," the brand name means "corner of the field." —Jonathan Cristaldi THE VOICE OF FIVE GENERATIONS The Year Ahead: 2014 As a family who has had a strong work ethic and sense of family from early on when the winery was founded in 1883, each January, like many of us, we take stock and set personal and professional goals. Our family has individually shared our goals and desires for 2014, may it be fruitful and fun for you as well! Carolyn Wente: 4th Generation Winegrower & CEO Personal: Commit a minimum of one day a month to explore something new—to discover, educate myself beyond my "normal" endeavors. Business: Educate and communicate from top to bottom our company vision; to inspire every associate to come to work knowing they can make a difference. Philip Wente: 4th Generation Winegrower & Co-Founder of Murrieta's Well Eric Wente: 4th Generation Winegrower & Chairman of the Board Personal: Conquer the P90x workout and shoot my age in golf. Personal: Better organize my time, so I have more time to spend with family and friends. Business: Refine and expand the original Wente Heritage Chardonnay vineyard. Business: Look for opportunities to improve the position and performance of our brands in the marketplace. Christine Wente: 5th Generation Winegrower & President Wente Foundation Board My New Year's resolution (both personally and professionally) is to drink more wine! In seriousness, it is to continue to expand my wine knowledge. Karl Wente: 5th Generation Winemaker & Senior Vice President To be happy and healthy . . . on both fronts. Cheers, The Wente Family 50 / the tasting panel / january 2014 TP0114_034-65.indd 50 12/19/13 9:28 PM