It could almost be described as one of those perfect moments in time with the right people and the right products meeting at the right time to create something, well, right.
Varnish on King, the oldest and most awarded venue in the Sneakers & Jeans portfolio has collaborated with Archie Rose on a unique tailored whisky just for the bar.
Group Bars Manager for Sneakers & Jeans, Keegan Hartslief, explained to Bars and Clubs, just how this collaboration came about.
“Basically what happened was our venue manager was speaking with the Archie Rose Brand Ambassador over here, Mitch, who’s an absolute legend. They were talking about a couple of single casks that they had for us to try, I think at that point Mitch hadn’t tried them though either.
“But then we got them here and Mitch brought them out in front of us and we got the opportunity to sample them. I usually go into these things a little bit apprehensive because you just never know right? You know you’re going to want something that’s almost bare knuckle, flagship liquid if you’re going to put your brand behind it.
“So we tried a few and there was one that really stood out and we all just thought, that would really work in Varnish, but not just that it really is something we can put our brand behind and definitely work in collaboration with Archie Rose.”
The whisky is cask strength at 54.2 per cent, but it’s not too hot with spiced custard notes that give way to ginger and stone fruit, rounding out with a choc- maple hit.
Keegan told Bars and Clubs, Varnish will be serving it, as Varnish does best – with bacon.
“Obviously with Varnish, we do a lot of bacon boards and bacon flights and bacon pairings. So that’s where we’re going to look at how we’re going to look at serving it.
“We’re working with our chef at the moment Jacob who’s going to be tailoring some bacon to the whisky, and we’ll also be putting on a dinner and there’s a few other really cool events coming up.”
Sneakers & Jeans CEO Andy Freeman added: “We’re stoked to be teaming up with the guys at Archie.
“The brand has been in our venues for years – from their Australian whiskeys at Varnish and Hadiqa – to their epic gins behind the bar at The Flour Factory.
“When the opportunity to collaborate on such an exclusive level arose, we jumped at it. This is set to be an epic exclusive run – and we can’t wait for you to try it.”
And Archie Rose Brand Ambassador, Mitch Gurrin is excited too: “Varnish has been one of Perth’s premiere whisky venues for the better part of a decade and a big supporter of Archie Rose during that time.
“When the opportunity arose, it was a no-brainer for us to work together on a tailored release that celebrates our shared love of Australian whisky.”
Available exclusively at Varnish from Monday 2 August, revellers can enjoy a Varnish on King X Archie Rose Tailored Whiskey for $30 a nip, accompanied with a signature bacon strip throughout August ($35 a nip from September). The Varnish on King X Archie Rose Tailored Whiskey will feature in several whiskey masterclasses and dinners coming to Varnish in the coming months.
