Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has teamed up with some of London’s top bars to create From Still to Bar: a series of immersive experiences with each session focused on a different spirit. Kemey and I dropped by Shotgun in Soho recently for a strong lesson in all things whisk(e)y.
From Still to Bar was launched in June. Other bars involved were Mark’s Bar (for rum) and Punch Room at The London Edition (for gin).
For the tasting at the bar in Shotgun, I was offered a flight of three whiskies and an iPod Shuffle with headphones. While sampling the drink, I listened to a recording by WSET Spirits Educator, Will Lowe, guiding me through the flight and explaining the differences in style of each. After that, I had an opportunity to enjoy a cocktail based on my preference from the tasting. An Old Fashioned made with Johnny Drum Private Stock? Alright then!
The tasting was a great opportunity for me to pay another visit to one of my favourite London restaurants of 2016, Shotgun, and to see if the doings behind the bar match the gorgeous BBQ and American cuisine coming out of Chef Brad McDonald. Bartender on the evening I dropped by was Jemma (or was it Gemma? Sorry!). She was an ace: knowledgeable, friendly and well informed (and enthusiastic) about her drink.
From Still to Bar tastings are priced at £15 per person, including a flight of three of one spirit and a cocktail based on your preference from the flight. They’d make great gifts for the finicky imbiber in your life. For details about dates, locations and other events go to wsetglobal.com.
Shotgun is located at 26 Kingly Street, W1B 5QD. Find out more at
shotgunbbq.com.
