Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.
After winning the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender this week from the organization behind The World’s 50 Bars, he told The Herald: “Scottish people have a kind of mindset that helps them think outside the box. r box.
“Throughout history, the country has been home to inventors such as Alexander Graham Bell, and although what we are doing is in no way on the same level as them, I think it is in our DNA to do things a little differently.”
McPherson first opened the speakeasy-style doors to Panda & Sons on Queen Street in 2013, following a formative stint at the city’s famous Voodoo Rooms.
Identifying a gap in the market for specialty drinks that went well beyond the cookie-cutter cocktail menus available at the time, he and his team set out to curate theatrics and off-the-wall approaches.
“It wasn’t an immediate success,” he said of the initiative, “but after a few months we started to get some attention in the local press which was a big help.”
“Things started to go quite well for us after that, and this November we will have been open for 11 years.
“We’re still essentially a speakeasy bar, but I think we’ve moved towards being known for innovation.”
Our conversation reveals that the life of such a bartender can take you all over the world from Tokyo to Kazakhstan, or Spain, where he has called from during a half hour break in the middle of another international event.
However, McPherson credits one trip in particular with helping him develop a signature technique.
“I actually studied at Gelato University in Bologna, Italy,” he said.
“I went in a bit naive thinking I could go straight into making ice cream, but there’s science behind it.
“With a bartender’s brain, I soon realized there was a lot we could experiment with freezing for cocktails.
“That was my first introduction to an interest in the technique and it has overtaken you.”
After five years of efforts to “broaden the flavor spectrum through sub-zero experimentation”, these new skills would lead to one of the most famous cocktail menus at Panda & Sons.
This innovative drinks list, dubbed ‘Transcend’, has been described as “an innovative piece of work, bringing previously unknown cocktail making techniques to the bartending repertoire”.
Last year’s World’s 50 Best Cocktail Bars list said: “In his off-site laboratory, McPherson experiments with flavor creation to harness the effects of sub-zero temperatures.
“Take as much of the science as you like, but either way, you’ll love the Coconut Daiquiri, which has been distilled from rum and roasted coconut water in his place.
“Inventive and delicious, that’s Panda & Sons for you.”
Apart from his work at Panda & Sons, over the years McPherson founded the Fair-themed Hoot the Redeemer (apparently inspired by a particularly prosperous dream of his) and the Nauticus on Duke Street which he great compliments.
In doing so, he has become an integral part of the Scottish party scene, and credits a sense of community and shared passion with helping him achieve his goals.
“Scottish hospitality is so unique,” he said.
“You can go anywhere and find a bartender who is so well-drilled that he comes across as robotic, whereas the people of Scotland really give you a sense of love and warmth that make you feel very at home.
“Then there are these great spirits and beers that we make that people enjoy all over the world.
“I’m always very proud to talk about our product no matter where I am in the world and a small city like Edinburgh is recognized for leading the game incredibly.
“As much as the Bartender’s Award might seem like an individual achievement, it’s also huge because of our team at Panda & Sons.
“It’s amazing to be able to shed some light on Edinburgh and Scotland.”
Following McPherson’s win, Emma Sleight, head of content for the World’s 50 Best Bars, said: “We are delighted to unveil Iain McPherson as this year’s Altos Bartenders Bartender Award winner.
“He is renowned for his contribution to cocktail excellence and innovation, and his commitment to education within the industry (as well as his special panda accessories).
“His sincere advocacy for Edinburgh’s hospitality industry exemplifies the most important attributes of a true Bartenders Bartender.”
Carlos Andrés Ramirez, global advocacy and PR manager for competition sponsors Altos Tequila, added: “We want to congratulate our friend Iain McPherson of Panda and Sons in Edinburgh on winning the Altos Bartenders Bartender Award as part of The Worlds 50 Best Bars 2024.
“We are so happy to see this recognition of one of our favorite bartenders in Scotland.”
Panda & Sons is located at 79 Queen Street in Edinburgh.
For more information, visit pandaandsons.com
(Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
source link https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/24615636.award-winning-bartender-scotlands-innovative-spirit/?ref=rss
