Ali Reynolds wins Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind

Ali Reynolds of Hawksmoor Spitalfields was named Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind at the Callooh Callay final in Shoreditch last night. 

From 12 competitors, Reynolds’ impressed the judging panel - Roman Foltan of Artesian, William Grant & Sons family member and director of Prestige, Kirsten Grant Meikle and whisky expert, Mark Thomson – in the signature serve and quick fire buzzer round.

Mark Thomson said: “The simplicity of Ali’s Family Guy’s Tea serve was key to its success.  His ingredients beautifully complemented the Glenfiddich 14 Year Old Rich Oak to create a fresh, clean and light drink which is easily replicable in bars.”

Ali Reynolds wins £1,000 and a VIP trip to the Glenfiddich distillery.

Sarah Harding, senior brand manager for Glenfiddich, added: “We had a seriously impressive competition on our hands this year. The finalists were outstanding and the creations they served up were a wonderful example of the unique ways in which Glenfiddich can be used in the ever-experimental world of modern day cocktail making.”

Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind 2014 finalists:

Jamie Ireland, G&V Royal Mile Hotel, Edinburgh (wildcard entry)

Ernest Reid, Boisdale of Canary Wharf, London

Alex Palumbo, Plateau, London

Andrea Signanini, The Bar at The Dorchester, London

Dominic Willox, The Tippling House, Aberdeen

Henry Yates, The Boilermaker, Nottingham

Isabella Newman, The Earl, Bath

Steve Georgiou, Bourne and Hollingsworth, London

Keivan Nemati, The Zetter Townhouse, London

Alix Nardella, Dandelyan, London

Ali Reynolds, Hawksmoor Spitalfields, London

Michael Lynch, The Devil’s Advocate, Edinburgh