There’s a new premium spirits training program on the block, and with a local, tailored approach to each venue coming from the five ambassadors, there’s a lot to look forward to.
They’re putting a big emphasis on tailoring solutions to individual venues, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, said Julian Train, CCA’s national future brands manager.
“Being locals, our team really get the time to understand their own market and build content and support that truly works,” said Train. “Get in touch and let’s see how we can help!”
For more information contact your CCA representative and visit www.the-exchange.com.au — and meet the ambassadors below.
Dan Woolley
Queensland
Regarded as one of Australia’s most knowledgeable whisky writers, Dan has opened over a dozen venues in his career.
What’s coming up for your portfolio that will get the trade talking?
I’ve got something really exciting coming up with Laphroaig Islay Oyster, for top-end restaurants doing freshly-shucked oysters to order. It’s a miniature bottle of Laphroaig with an eye dropper, so you can add a couple of drops of Laphroaig onto your oysters.
Patrick Allan
South Australia
With over 18 years’ experience in the F&B industry, Patrick has had extensive experience in working on venue drink strategy and operations.
How have you found settling into a big company like CCA?
Settling in has actually been pretty smooth for me. Having worked in a senior role for the Adelaide Casino for five years not too long before starting with CCA I’m pretty used to how a big business works, plus a lot of the guys in the office here used to call on us so I was lucky to have a few existing relationships. There’s also a lot of similarities in terms of procedures, so I’ve been able to get my head around things pretty quickly. I still operate my own business though, and it’s taken a few weeks to get back into using Outlook and meeting requests!
Sarah Miller
Victoria
A highly experienced venue operations manager, Sarah has opened and trained bar staff from some of Melbourne’s most influential venues.
What’s the most rewarding part of the gig?
The most rewarding part about my gig is that I get to see people get excited about something that’s important to me. Often enough people are overwhelmed by the booze world. There’s a lot to know and there’s a lot to try but if I can break it down, give them the information they want and some good chat, it will hopefully set them on the path to drinking good booze for the right reason. It all becomes more accessible and that’s a win for everyone.
And you know you’ve got a pretty good gig when you get paid to drink whisk(e)y for a living too.
Bill Bewsher
Western Australia
Bill — whose family has a history in the wine industry — has just returned from the UK working at one of the world’s most influential cocktail bars, Bramble.
What are some of your favourite drinks using your portfolio?
One of my old bosses used to blag on about how all he needed was a box of lemons and a bag of sugar to run a good cocktail bar, I think that this portfolio really works with that philosophy. Sours are some of my personal favourites to drink and with these lovely brands we have all bases covered for every taste and occasion. From Penicillins with the Laphroaig and Teachers to a Galliano Amaretto Sour and a Courvoisier Sidecar, these brands offer an accessible range of flavours to our guests by just changing the spirit and sweetener in the recipe with a minimal amount of mixological faff.
Michael Nouri
New South Wales
A bartender at Vasco in Surry Hills, Michael has been working on drinks lists and in venues for over 10 years.
What’s the difference between a mediocre brand ambassador and a really good one?
“Great brand ambassadors, put them in a room with any group of people and they’ll find a common denominator with the subject matter, themselves and the group. Whether it’s a room full of big wigs or bartenders, somebody who is creative, open-minded, a great listener and a generous communicator, will try and find ways to connect. The brand is the subject matter, the catalyst. The poetry happens whilst sharing stories, then something clicks and the audience relates to you and the moment, and most importantly, you’ve created a memorable experience. The best will always have you captivated every time, and that’s no easy feat.”
Take a look at some of the great spirits The Exchange team will be working with…
