What is the Decanter 360 Academy Trainee Programme?

Photo Credit: Ellen Richardson

Do you have a love for wine but don’t know where to start when looking for jobs in the industry? Are you from an under-represented community? If your answer to both questions was ‘yes’, then read on as the Decanter 360 Academy Trainee Programme is for you.

What is the Decanter 360 Academy?

Now in its second year, the programme was set up to give people from under-represented communities a chance to flourish in what can otherwise feel like an industry that is harder to take a step into. Recognising the need for change, the Decanter 360 Academy is committed to increasing and promoting diversity and inclusivity within the wine sector by providing opportunities for all under-represented communities.

Through the programme one chosen candidate will receive comprehensive experience and training across various departments within Decanter including sales, events & awards operations, editorial and marketing. The candidate will also gain a wine related qualification and be paid a full London living wage salary while they learn.

Decanter 360 Academy Trainee Programme is an excellent programme but don’t just take our word for it, click here to see what last year’s successful candidate, Annona Dodoo, has to say about her experiences.

Who can apply for the Decanter 360 Academy Trainee Programme?

The Academy is open to people from under-represented backgrounds who have a real enthusiasm for wine and are wanting to take their first steps into a career in the wine industry.

How can I apply?

You will need to submit a short cover letter explaining why you would like to join the industry and why you are the best person for this opportunity, along with your CV to decanter360@futurenet.com. Find more detailed information about the job here and more detailed information about the training you will receive here. Good luck!

The Cult Whisky Distillery You Need to Visit: Re-introducing Rosebank

This week sees the re-awakening of a cult whisky distillery. Over thirty years ago, in 1993, Rosebank distillery closed its doors and after a four year project, on Friday the 7th of June 2024, those doors are being re-opened by owners Ian Macleod Distillers.

Re-built in the heart of Falkirk, the distillery has harked back to history as well as placing a firm footprint in modernity. The building is black and glass, with roof shapes reminiscent of old warehouses and the colour reflecting blackened distillery buildings. Using many of the old walls, and reclaiming brickwork to create new ones, there are well integrated mixtures of modern architecture and old. Brick, stone and wood beams from the old warehouses are found throughout the internal modern spaces and the feeling of old sitting perfectly in harmony with new is very comforting. The building has one other unique aspect. There is a public right of way which passes right through the middle of the site and gives the public a chance to get up close and personal with this fabulous piece of architecture.

Using the same distillation method as the original distillery, three stills have been built to the same specifications as the original ones, giving a triple distillation along with worm tubs used for condensing - a combination unique to Scotland.

Through this distillation technique, the team hope to create a spirit which they feel is close to the old one. With no new make left in existence, they have re-imagined what the new make must have been like from old bottles, and casks which they still have maturing. The new make is floral which is typical of lowland whisky, and sweet and fruity, but at the same time bold, with weight given to it by the worm tub condensers.

At the opening party, the liquids served were spectacular. On arrival, a new make cocktail was given to guests which perfectly represented the above mentioned style. Whiskies were soon to follow, starting with the 12 year old Flora and Fauna expression. A 32 year old was later served on the tour around the distillery, and after speeches from the owners Leonard Russell and his son Tom, distillery manager Malcolm Rennie took us through a tasting of the distillery exclusive 1989 33 year old.

If you would like to visit Rosebank, tours are priced between £25 and £300 with varying levels of insight and exclusive whiskies, not only from Rosebank, but Ian Macleod’s other distilleries, Tamdhu and Glengoyne too.

Words by Colin Hampden-White

Looking for more whisky content? Have a read of Whisky vs Whiskey: A Brief History and Overview.

2024’s Must-Visit US Wine Event - Decanter Fine Wine Encounter NYC

Wine lovers, we have some exciting news to share! On Saturday June 8th, Decanter Fine Wine Encounter NYC is returning for its third consecutive year.

What is the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter?

In a nutshell, it is an impressive all day Grand Tasting in which 50 esteemed producers from around the world will present four exceptional wines from their collections. From Europe to South America, Australia to the USA there are an abundance of elegant and innovative wines waiting to be tried. That’s not all though, as whether it be a rare vintage, top cuvée, magnum or more, each producer will also be unveiling a special treat from their cellar providing a rare opportunity to enjoy some exceptional vintages. We’ve had a sneaky peek at the list and can confirm you are in for a big treat, but don’t only take our word for it, check it out here!

The Decanter World Wine Awards Winners’ Bar will also be open to Grand Ticket Holders. Featuring Gold, Platinum and Best in Show wines scoring 95 points and above in the Decanter World Wine Awards 2023, it is an excellent opportunity to sample even more of the top quality that is available in the wine world. You can see which award-winning bottles will be available this year here!

What happens at Decanter Fine Wine Encounter?

Aside from being able to sample wine from some of the world’s finest producers, Decanter Fine Wine Encounter also offers the chance to participate in exclusive masterclasses from Château Haut-Brion, Peter Michael Winery, M. Chapoutier and Marqués de Murrieta.

Where is the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter?

You can find Decanter Fine Wine Encounter at the Manhatta on Liberty Street, right in the heart of New York’s financial district. Doors open at 11am and close at 5pm.

If you want to enjoy some incredible wine whilst meeting the people behind your favourite bottles, get your hands on a ticket here and don’t forget to enter unique discount code DRINKLUSIVE24 at the checkout for 20% off. Happy sipping!

Luxury Whiskey Gifts and the Perfect Dessert and Cocktail Pairing from Bushmills

From luxury whiskey gifts to the perfect dessert and cocktail pairing, Bushmills has plenty to offer this Christmas. Irish whiskey fans now have the chance to experience some of its oldest and most treasured liquids with the recent launch of the 25 and 30 year old expressions.

These two luxurious spirits are the perfect Christmas gift for that special loved one who appreciates the whiskeys’ intensely complex flavours. The two expressions are triple distilled in wine-seasoned oak barrels all of which have been meticulously selected by Bushmills’ Master Blender, Alex Thomas.

The 25-Year-Old is matured between four to six years in ex-sherry and Bourbon casks, and then has spent up to 21 years in Ruby Port casks, resulting in layers of intense, dark fruit flavours, luxurious honey sweetness and gently toasted wood. Meanwhile, the 30-Year-Old was matured for 14 years in ex-sherry and Bourbon casks and finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks for 16 years, creating a sublime whiskey characterised by deep, signature sherry aromas and enticing fig, raisin and praline richness.

Both expressions are available at The Whisky Shop and House Of Spirits.

For those seeking something a little more adventurous than tea and cake this Christmas, Bushmills Irish Whiskey and Sager + Wilde have put their heads together to develop an exquisite new whiskey cocktail and cake pairing that explores the warm, rich, earthy flavours of the season.

The new cocktail – crafted using Bushmills 10-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey, Amontillado sherry, Angostura bitters and porcini maple syrup – was designed to perfectly set off an indulgent Spiced Pear and Walnut Cake served with Bushmills Butterscotch. The delicious pairing celebrates the smooth, honeyed flavours and chocolate and vanilla characteristics that make the 10-Year-Old so enjoyable when sipped neat – due to influences of  an extended sherry/bourbon cask maturation - with a sweet treat.

Available from now until Christmas at Sager + Wilde’s atmospheric Paradise Row restaurant, which is set in a beautiful old railway arch, it is a must taste for all whiskey lovers, flavour obsessives and seekers of exciting seasonal pairing experiences. 

Address: Sager + Wilde, 250 Paradise Row, London E2 9LE
Website
Price: £21 for dessert + cocktail
Dates: Available from now until Christmas

GŎNG: Western Europe’s Highest Hotel Bar

Nothing gets you in the mood for an incredible bar like grand surroundings, and that’s precisely what GŎNG, the sophisticated Asian-themed cocktail bar nestled on the 52nd floor of The Shard, offers. Looking out from one of the most iconic buildings in the world, the Shangri-La in The Shard is London's tallest hotel, and it houses GŎNG, Western Europe's highest hotel bar.

Designer André Fu drew inspiration from 'dougong,' an ancient Chinese architectural element featuring interlocking wooden brackets. This concept marries the historical and the modern, much like London itself, resulting in a stunning, oriental-inspired interior. Rich cinnabar red lacquer panels, bespoke mauve carpets, and antique bronze cabinets come together to create a unique, visually striking yet intimate atmosphere.

Competing with the easy-on-the-eye interior however is, of course, that perfect river-facing view. The setting is unrivalled for both sunset admirers and late-night revellers, whether at the champagne bar, the cocktail bar, or even the dramatic infinity skypool, mesmerizing views of the city below are everywhere.

But what's a remarkable setting without extraordinary concoctions? GŎNG Bar has recently introduced its "Hues of Culture" cocktail menu, a celebration of colour’s significance in history and culture. You can choose from ten carefully curated cocktails, each representing a unique artistic expression inspired by colour psychology and history, for example, Vermilion Sling capturing the red of the Forbidden City, or Silent Blues inspired by Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Hokusai’s Kanagawa Wave.

The cocktail menu is guaranteed to pique your curiosity, with various innovative and charming servings like miniature hot air balloons, vintage bottles, and even previously crushed Peruvian ants as garnish!

GŎNG provides an unforgettable and definitive luxury cocktail experience, bringing together stunning interior, glistening sky-high views, art, culture, gastronomy, and mixology to continuously impress and surprise.

Visit the website here
Level 52, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London

L'Atelier Robuchon: Back With A Bang

L’Atelier closed its famous two Michelin-starred Covent Garden site back in 2018, just nine months after the founder and one of the most decorated chefs of all time, Joël Robuchon, sadly passed away. Well, now it’s back.

Now in Mayfair, Italian born Andrea Cofini takes charge as Head Chef having previously headed up Robuchon Shanghai and the sister L’Atelier in Paris since joining in 2014, both of which hold two stars. Accomplished in the Robuchon style, the new Clarges Street L’Atelier carries the same three principles as before – excellence, simplicity, and consistency, principles that apply to every stage of dining here.

First, the hospitality, where from the first step into the restaurant to the last step leaving, the hospitality and attention to detail of the staff brings a friendly and peaceful feel to the countertop open kitchen experience. The charming art deco dining room is beautifully designed, but it’s the cuisine that is front and centre, and the absolute star of the show.

Classic French gastronomy meets touches of Asian influence from Cofini’s Shanghai stint. Expect to see kambu, seaweed, special vinegars and alike, as well as world renowned Robuchon favourites like the purée de pomme de terre, AKA the best mashed potato in the world, sea bream carpaccio and roast quail with foie gras. Seasonality is highly valued too, so expect an array of different dishes.

Let’s not forget that Robuchon bucked the trend in French fine dining with this theatrical chef’s workshop, where à la carte ordering isn’t frowned upon, and guests aren’t limited to the tasting menu. It is still very much there, with the Discovery menu offering a mouthwatering journey from caviar to lobster, to sea bass, right through to lemon and cucumber jelly and roasted figs with mascarpone foam. However, you could also opt Les Langoustines with langoustine ravioli, black truffle, and foie gras sauce, followed by Dover Sole and the simply named, Le Chocolate for dessert – with crémeux Araguani and cookie crumb. It’s an expansive selection, with the quality of a tiny, set menu.

Other Robuchon trademarks are back too, like the champagne trolley offering Laurent Perrier delights and even premium English bubbles, and the extraordinary breadbasket with salted brioche, bacon and mustard twists, squid ink rolls and more. Finally of course, the sommelier option is there and well worth going for, with beautiful pairings to elevate each dish to that next level, if that is even possible.

L'Atelier Robuchon is a dazzling and theatrical ride. As comfortable and perfectionist in uncomplicated flavours as it is in open-minded invention, it celebrates its award winning past but as always, looks to the future.

6 Clarges St, London W1J 8AE
robuchonlondon.co.uk/latelier

To read more restaurant reviews, click here.

Galvin at Windows: The New Autumnal Barolo & Truffle Menu

After the sun-kissed panoramic views of summer, the 28th floor of the London Hilton on Park Lane ushers in autumn in style, with Head Chef Marc Hardiman and the team at Galvin at Windows putting on a spectacular five-course Barolo & Truffle tasting menu.

This autumnal dining escapade features a lineup of opulent dishes, each paired with thoughtfully selected Pio Cesare wines. The Italian Vineyard, celebrating 140 years master winemaking, offers wines that perfectly complement Chef Hardiman's innovative culinary creations. From the rich and deeply flavoured Barolo Ornato 2016 to the Barolo Mosconi 2018, each sip takes the dining experience to sky high heights… beyond even the 28th floor!

They’ll be poured out in accompaniment of dishes like slow-cooked beef cheek ravioli with 5-year-aged Parmesan cream and white Alba truffle, as well as the Pheasant Farci au Gratin, finished with celeriac, blackberry and, yes you guessed it, more truffle. And if that's not enough to tantalize your palate, there's the Scottish Highlands venison Wellington with glazed chestnut, red cabbage ketchup, and sauce Périgueux, a symphony of flavours that promises to transport you to culinary heaven.

The Barolo & Truffle menu at Galvin at Windows is available for £299 per person, and with limited availability, you'll want to secure your reservation early. To sweeten the deal, the first 70 bookings will receive a complimentary glass of Louis Roederer champagne, adding an extra touch of elegance to your evening.

This special menu is available for just five weeks, from Friday, October 13th, to Saturday, November 18th, so mark your calendars because it's a limited-time opportunity to experience the ultimate in autumnal decadence.

For more information or to book, click here.
22 Park Ln, London W1K 1BE

Armand de Brignac Assemblage No.4: Champagne Artistry

Champagne is already the most exclusive club in the drinks industry, so to produce a bottle that stands out for its prestige and elegance in an area built on just that is quite the achievement. A bravo then, to Cattier’s spectacular Armand de Brignac Assemblage No.4.

With 250 years and 13 generations of experience and expertise, the Armand de Brignac label needs no introduction, releasing a select number of exquisite cuvées at the pinnacle of quality and taste. Only the finest vineyards, the freshest press and unparalleled craftsmanship will do, and that’s no different with their latest release – 7,328 bottles of Blanc de Noirs.

A rich and intense expression of Pinot Noir bringing together a trio of vintages from 2013 to 2015, the signature metal bottle housing it is finished with the iconic French pewter Ace of Spades label and unique disgorgement date, setting up grand expectations for the liquid within. These build when you learn what goes into this meticulous release, from the sourcing of the best Premier and Grand Cru Pinot Noir, to the balancing of the vintages, to the 7 years of resting in some of Champagne’s deepest cellars.

We’ve been lucky enough to taste it, and it exceeds those lofty expectations. Intense minerality hits the nose alongside wafts of blackberry and plum before dark fruits flood the mouth on the palate. This lively exploration unfolds with a somewhat tropical stone-fruit note and vibrant citrus, before a gorgeous, honeyed finish that winds long into the distance. Unparalleled complexity, depth, and freshness.

As with every Armand de Brignac release, collectors and connoisseurs will have their interest peaked by this bottle. First, it will be available as an exclusive with Harrods as part of a special edition set featuring all six cuvées in a lacquered gift box for a total of £6,400. Then, you can find it paired with the Brut Gold for a luxury twin pack for £1,385, before a final solo release in 2024 at retailers worldwide for £1,055, where the world gets to taste the artistry. Well, 7,328 people anyway.

So much goes into a Champagne like this, so if you’re interested in the process or fancy purchasing, find out more at www.armanddebrignac.com.

For more wine content, make sure you click here!