The Macallan presents the inaugural ‘Journey Through Time’ campaign to celebrate 200th anniversary

The 'Journey Through Time' talent showcase is open to mixologists of all skill levels in Hong Kong and Macau, including juniors, seniors, and those in management roles, who are working full-time as professional mixologists. To enter, participants must submit two cocktail recipes (until September 2, 2024): one representing the ‘Past’, which reflects The Macallan’s illustrious history and six key elements of its character, and another representing the ‘Present’, which honours its 200-year legacy, drawing inspiration from the diverse cultural heritage of Hong Kong and Macau, showcasing The Macallan’s craftsmanship and unique influence.

Twenty talented individuals will be selected to advance to the semi finals and attend The Macallan’s Creative Collective, the brand’s first trade connection programme. Here, contenders will gain valuable insights to hone their skills as bar professionals, as well as receive feedback to refine their cocktail entries. Following this, semi-finalists will promote and showcase their cocktails at their respective bars for one month. 

As the challenge approaches the finale, five selected finalists will face off head-to-head in front of The Macallan’s esteemed judging panel. Those who make it to the finals will be tasked with crafting a cocktail that upholds The Macallan’s vision of the ‘Future’, highlighting its incomparable excellence and paving the way for future generations.

All 20 semi-finalists will receive a bottle of The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old whisky, while the honorary winner will receive a 2023 edition of The Macallan Double Cask 30 Years Old single malt whisky, which has a rich flavour profile and notes of ginger and vanilla.

In addition to the recognition and title as the inaugural Journey Through Time by The Macallan 2024 champion, the winner will also receive The Macallan quaich – a traditional two-handed drinking cup – and a four-day, three-night trip to Tokyo where they’ll get to visit The Macallan Immersive History Experience, and mix it up behind the bar at an exclusive guest bartending shift in Japan.

The Journey Through Time cocktail challenge will be evaluated by an elite panel of regional experts, setting the stage for an unforgettable showdown. Leading the panel is Stéphane Levan, the Brand Ambassador of The Macallan Hong Kong and Macau, bringing a wealth of brand and industry knowledge to the table. Joining him is Lorenzo Antinori, a legendary figure in Hong Kong’s cocktail scene and the visionary founder of Bar Leone, recently crowned Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024. With them are Time Out’s very own APAC content director, Nicole-Marie Ng, an established food and drinks journalist based in Singapore, and Philip Bischoff, the acclaimed beverage manager of BKK Social Club and the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok. Together, this distinguished panel will elevate the talent showcase, ensuring that only the finest mixologists rise to the occasion.

An exhilarating journey awaits as each phase of the campaign unfolds with tailored scoring criteria crafted for impactful evaluations. In the entry phase, esteemed judges will look into three dynamic categories. First is ‘Incomparable Craftsmanship’, where they will assess brand knowledge and storytelling alongside the bartender’s skills and techniques. Next is ‘Creativity’, a category that celebrates originality by focusing on the uniqueness of each cocktail’s design, innovative ingredient selection, and overall visual appeal. Finally, the judges will evaluate ‘Uncompromised Excellence’, examining the balance and flavour blend of the cocktails, ensuring each creation aligns seamlessly with its intended theme or experience. 

Think you’ve got what it takes to be the inaugural winner of The Macallan’s ‘Journey Through Time’? Visit Journey Through Time’s official website for the complete programme rules and regulations and to learn more details about the exciting campaign. Got more on your mind? Click here to get answers to all your burning questions!