Auchentoshan charters transatlantic internships

Scotch whisky Auchentoshan is looking for entries to The Auchentoshan Switch, a cocktail competition that offers bartenders transatlantic internships.

Designed to promote the single malt’s Three Wood expression, the competition is open to bartenders from the US and UK.

For the UK winner, a two-week switch to New York’s Apotheke awaits, while the US champion will work for a fortnight at 69 Colebrooke Row in London.

To enter the competition, contestants must film themselves making two drinks, a lemonade from scratch and an Old Fashioned made with Auchentoshan Three Wood.

According to Auchentoshan, the judging panel will focus on drinks, service and the ‘theatre’ shown by bartenders.

Following the initial entry process, twenty finalists will be invited to a one-day final round in London during October, while the final 'switch' will be in early 2012.

Hannah Fisher, brand manager for Auchentoshan, said: “As the first whisky brand to offer an internship that crosses the Atlantic, we’re excited to see the results and proud to be working with two of the best bars in the world.”

Marcis Dzelzainis, operations manager at 69 Colebrooke Row, said: “The switch programme is a very innovative way of promoting a brand that really thinks outside the box.

“At the bar, we enjoy using Auchentoshan Three Wood as its flavour profile lends itself to mixability and that it would nice to see single malts used more in cocktails."

Bartenders can apply online until August 31 at www.auchentoshan.com/switch