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Andy Walch

@andy_walch_

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Whisky Expert | Luxury Spirits Specialist 🍸
Award-Winning Cocktail Champion 🏅
Refining the world of fine spirits — globally 🌍

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Where a Spirit Finds Its Voice 🥃🗣️

I used to think temperature didn’t matter much when tasting spirits, until I realized how dramatically it shapes the entire experience.

When a drink is too cold, the aromas stay silent. The nose feels empty, the flavors tighten, and the personality disappears. What should feel rich and expressive becomes flat… almost unfinished.

But at the right temperature, everything changes.

The aroma rises slowly.
The texture softens.
The spirit starts revealing the layers it was hiding.
It feels like it finally comes alive in the glass.

I’ve learned that great tasting is never just about the bottle —
it’s about giving the drink the right conditions to shine.

👉 Serve it cool, not cold.
👉 Let it breathe.
👉 Give it space to open up.

Because when the temperature is right, the spirit doesn’t just taste better,
it tells its story.

What temperature do you prefer when tasting, cooler or closer to room temperature?

#advocate #advocacy #spirit #luxuryspirits
#spiritadvocate #betterdrinking #whiskyculture #premiumdrinks #cocktailcommunity #mixologyculture
#finedrinking #luxurydrinks #spiritlovers #craftcocktails
#bartendercommunity #whiskypassion #spiriteducation
#drinkwithpurpose #drinkinspiration #spiritenthusiast #luxurylifestyle #tastingexperience #aromaprofile #slowdrinking #elevateddrinking #drinkbetter #craftspiritmovement #spiritjourney #refinedtaste taken in Hamburg, Germany by @andy_walch_

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10 months ago

Every spirit deserves the right stage. And that stage begins with the glass you choose.

❌ The Wrong Glass
Yes, a tumbler may look bold and stylish… but it flattens the story inside your drink. The aromas escape too quickly, leaving only a shadow of the whisky flavor.

👌🏼 The Right Glass
A nosing glass is designed with intention: its narrow rim concentrates the bouquet, while its bowl allows the spirit to breathe. What was once simple “whiskey” now unfolds in layers of smoke, fruit, spice, and elegance.

Choosing the wrong glass is like listening to a symphony through a closed door.
Choosing the right one is like open the concert hall.

👉 Elevate the ritual. Pay attention to details because luxury lives in nuance.

#finespirits #spirit #spirits #spiritsoflife #luxerylife #luxerylifestyle #cocktails #cocktail #cocktails🍸 #education #tasting #glass #glasware #advocate #50bestbars #luxus #goodvibes #cocktailsforyou #elegant #elegance #tasting #rituales #enjoyeverymoment #pictureofthedays #passion #goldenmoments #spiritlover #cheers #goodtimes #goodforyou #rightchoice by @andy_walch_

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a year ago

Recently, I had the incredible honor of hosting and moderating the Granini Mocktail Masters – the official German pre-selection event for the international Mattoni Grand Drink Cup. 🌍🍹

It was such a joy to guide the audience and competitors through this exciting mocktail competition, where creativity, passion, and skill were on full display. The level of innovation and dedication each participant brought to the bar was truly inspiring.

Throughout the event, I was especially fascinated by the stories behind the drinks – every mocktail told a unique story, reflecting the personality and craftsmanship of its creator. From bold flavors to subtle fusions, it was clear that non-alcoholic mixology is entering a new era.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to @germanbartendersguild and @granini_de for making this incredible experience possible and for supporting the art of mixology in such a meaningful way. 🙌

In the end, it was @sebastianwolfjaeger who took home the title and will proudly represent Germany at the international finals. 🇩🇪🍸

Wishing you the best of luck.

#cocktail #granini #cocktails #LuxuryCocktails #HighEndMixology #BartenderLife #CocktailCulture #CraftedCocktails #FineDrinksOnly #photooftheday #50bestbars #50bestdiscovery #moderator #luxerylife #mocktails🍹 #goodvibes #bartender #mixology #prestige #cocktailoftheweek #pictureofthedays #punch #drinks #drinksofinstagram #instagram #passion #cocktailoftheweek #cocktailsforyou #cocktails🍸 taken in Eckes Granini GmbH & co by @andy_walch_

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a year ago

Good ‘old’ whisky – the new way to experience it.

There are moments that invite something more than routine — they call for something meaningful. Something crafted.
Scottish single malt whisky is more than a fine drink. It’s a testament to time, patience, and tradition.

Yes, you can enjoy it neat. You can slow down and savor each sip.

But you can also celebrate its versatility. Because true craftsmanship adapts to the moment.

You can try it in a cocktail: The Rabur

Ingredients:
• Scottish single malt whisky
• Valdespino Pedro Ximénez El Candado
• Spice infusion
• Ginger ale

This isn’t about following the old rules of whisky. This is about making it your own. Whatever your vibe, whatever your moment — raise a glass to doing things with intention.

And as always: please savor Scottish single malt whisky responsibly.

📷 @dan.kimm

#LuxuryWhisky #WhiskyElegance #SingleMalt #ScotchExperience #WhiskyTasting #WhiskyLovers #WhiskyPrestige #LuxuryLifestyle #WhiskyTime #FineSpirits #WhiskyWorld #WhiskyExperience #WhiskyConnoisseur #RareWhisky #WhiskyCollector #WhiskyMoments #cocktail #CraftedToPerfection #GoldenMoments #LuxuryRitual #TimeWellSipped #WhiskyCraftsmanship #passion #50bestbars #whiskyoftheday #enjoyeverymoment # taken in Grand Hotel Heiligendamm by @andy_walch_

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a year ago

News from the German Bartender Guild

Last week at the @craftbar_rostock there was the GBG Barmaster 2024 organized by the @germanbartendersguild
Before the GBG Barmaster 2024 has started, there was the general meeting with the election of the new GBG Board. I can now proudly inform that I gained the trust of the German Bartender Guild and will be the Chairman Education for the next few years. I’m looking forward for this new chapter with the GBG board.
On the next day GBG Barmaster competition took place. Around 20 bartenders competed to get the ticket to the IBA World Cocktail Championship in October in Madera 🇵🇹.
The competitors needed to compete in various challenges and here are the Top 3 Bartenders but only the best is going to represent Germany 🇩🇪 in October:

🥇Torsten Spuhn
🥈 Clemens from the @dietrichs.luebeck
🥉 @linhilicious

Congratulations to all participants - you presented knowledge, technic and passion for the spirits industry. Looking forward for the next GBG Barmasters 2025 🙂.

Cheers

#bartender #bartenders #cocktails #advocacy #education #bartending #drinkcocktails #judging #goodtimes #goodvibes #amazing #training #cocktailoftheday #cocktailoftheweek #bartalk #future #drinkporn #barman #congratulations #german #passion #bartenderskills #cocktailarts #cocktaillovers #rostock #newchapter #bar #mixologist #drinkup by @andy_walch_

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2 years ago

Why glasses are so important while serving a cocktail?

Even the best cocktail can be destroyed by being served in a wrong glass. Imagine you receive a cocktail in a scatched or dull glass, what would you think? The way how cocktails are served make a huge difference!
While working in the spirits industry, I pay a lot of attention to glasses, choosing high quality and beautiful design - like RCR Cristalleria Italiana!

RCR Cristalleria Italiana was created in 1967 in the heart of Tuscany from an idea of a group of craftsmen who, with courage and talent, expressed the highest level pigments. RCR have a single production plant, located in the heart of Chianti, in Colle di Vald’Elsa (Tuscany). The entire production process takes place in Italy, from the design to the final product pigments. To provide the highest quality, there are 3 quality controls during the production process: two electronic controls and the third one, human control, just before packaging.

Do you pay attention to the glassware? Share your thoughts in comments👇🏻

#rcrcrystal #bartender #barkeeper #homebartender #cocktailarts #rcrglass #rcrcristalleriaitaliana #perfectserve #crystal #cocktail #cocktails #50bestdiscovery #50bestbars #top500bars #ootd #cocktails #drinkstagram #mixology #barman #50bestcocktails #cocktailoftheday #bartenders #imbibe #cocktailart #cocktailculture #cocktaillovers #cocktailathome #cocktailsforyou #glasware taken in Hamburg, Germany by @andy_walch_

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3 years ago

Which ice for which cocktail?

Ice cubes: Standard size of ice cubes is approximately 3x3 cm and this type od ice is most commonly used by bartenders because it easily fits into any cocktail glass. The ice cubes have a large and thick surface, which is ideal for almost all cocktails as they do not melt too quickly - you can enjoy a perfectly fresh drink without losing the original taste.

Larger Ice Cubes: they are typically 5x5 cm and melt slower than standard ice cubes, reducing the amount of water diluted in the cocktail. Ideal for a Manhattan enjoyed in a lowball glass, these cubes will keep a drink fresh for longer. They can also be used in cocktails for shaking to add extra texture, but are not recommended for mixing as they are too large and dissolve too slow.

Ice Balls: they are usually used for liqueurs or strong cocktails, like Old Fashioned, which are served in lowball glasses. Similarly to large cubes, they keep a drink fresh and dissolve slowly. The main difference between ice balls and large cubes is that balls are more aesthetic and are often used as a decoration.

Ice Sticks: This particular type of ice is perfect for keeping the entire drink, served in a highball glass, cold without diluting its taste as it melts very slowly. This type of ice is shaped like a long and thick block and is most commonly used for cocktails that require a highball or Collins glass.

Crushed Ice: Crushed ice is a very popular type of ice for cocktails like Mint Julep, Frozen Daiquiri or any other drink with a granite-like style. It adds a lot of density to a cocktail, making it extremely refreshing and diluting it fast enough so that spirits aren’t too strong.

Do you have a special type of ice that you use for your drinks? Share in comments 👇🏻

#truespirit #iwork4diageo #ootd #cocktails #drinkstagram #mixology #barman #50bestbars #50bestdiscovery #50bestcocktails #cocktailsofinstagram #cocktails #cocktailoftheday #bartenders #imbibe #cocktailart #cocktailculture #cocktaillovers #cocktailathome #cocktailsforyou #ice #icecube #drinkcocktails #cocktailoftheday #cocktailoftheweek #50bestbars taken in Hamburg, Germany by @andy_walch_

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3 years ago

🧊 🧊 Why good ice is so important? 🧊 🧊

If you explain to people that you need fresh fruit to make a good cocktail, they usually understand. Ice is not only the most underrated ingredient of cocktails, but also by far the most misunderstood. While on the one hand bartenders and hobby mixologists struggle to produce perfect, clear ice to shake their drinks to the edge of perfection, not only visually but also in terms of taste, on the other hand people don’t understand why crushed ice maybe looks nice but doesn’t make a cocktail better. Ice influences these two factors of a drink: it brings water into it and it cools cocktail down.

👉 Water – in the right amount – makes the cocktail better. It broadens the taste of the spirits it contains and opens up aromas.
👉 Temperature - is also important - most cocktails taste much better when cold.

Scotsman offer the largest selection of equipment and ice shapes available to deliver - it is the best possible solutions for bartenders worldwide.

Did you know this about ice? Or maybe you have more insights?🧊 Comment below👇

#truespirit #iwork4diageo #ootd #cocktails #drinkstagram #mixology #barman #50bestbars #50bestdiscovery #50bestcocktails #cocktailsofinstagram #cocktails #cocktailoftheday #bartenders #imbibe #cocktailart #cocktailculture #cocktaillovers #cocktailathome #cocktailsforyou #ice #icecube #passion #luxery #photooftheday #cocktailoftheweek #drinks taken in Hamburg, Germany by @andy_walch_

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3 years ago

Judging the IBA WCC in Rome🇮🇹

This year I was invited to judge the speedround at the IBA World Cocktail Championship. The top three from each of the five classic categories made it to the semi-finals. In the speedround each of candidate prepared 6 classic cocktails they drew out of 100. Then the candidates were given 3 minutes to prepare their station and had 7 minutes to mix cocktails.
Together with my IBA colleagues Marcus and Serge, we were the judging team this year and we were eveluating the cocktail itself, if the recipe was correct and overall hospitality impression.
After years of competing in cocktails competitions, it‘s really interesting and exciting to stand on the other side of the table, observing the new generation of bartenders, the trends but also being a mentor.

Thank you for this year and see you on the next IBA WCC!

Among other things, the cocktail, the exact recipe and the hospitality were evaluated. With my friends Marcus and Serge I formed the jury team 2023 at the IBA WCC in Rome.

see you next year

#worldchampion #iba #cocktails #cocktail #rome #romeitaly #bartender #bartenderlife #cocktailtime #cocktailporn #cocktailoftheday #cocktailoftheweek #photooftheday #ootd #friendship #judge #judging #passion #cocktails🍸 #worldchampionships #wcc2023 #classic #bar #bartenderstyle #bartenderskills #cocktailgram #goodvibes #goodtimes #italy #spiritlove taken in Rome, Italy by @andy_walch_

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3 years ago

Last week I had the honor of judging the IBA World Championship in Rome 🇮🇹. Representatives from over 60 countries traveled to Rome to participate in the competition in the Classic and Flair categories.

In the Classic categories, bartenders had to prove themselves in different 5 categories and the top 3 bartenders in each category were competing the semi-finals. Apart from cocktail creation bartenters had to take a sensoric test, a knowledge test and a speed challenge. Of the top 15, 3 bartenders were competing in the final challenge - the mystery black box.

The winner this year is @leoko_1103 from Hong Kong 🇭🇰

Classic
@leoko_1103 🇭🇰
@joselo.valentin 🇵🇷
@atilla.bus 🇭🇺

Flair
@romanflair 🇦🇷
@deniss_trifanovs 🇱🇻
@smarzkacper 🇵🇱

Congratulations to all the candidates who took part in the IBA World Championships 2023! You did a great job and showed an amazing team spirit.

Thank you and see you next year 😊

#iba #wcc2023 #worldchampion #worldchampionships #rome #bartender #barkeeper #mixologist #friends #cocktail #cocktails #competition #flairbartending #barshow #truespirit #truelove #barman #cocktailcollective #cocktails🍹 #cocktailtime🍹 #oodt #cocktailoftheday #cocktailporn #photooftheday #bartenders #goodvibes #moments #passion #spirits #spiritlove taken in Rome, Italy by @andy_walch_

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3 years ago

Espresso Martini with Umami touch 🧀

„Give me something that wakes me up, and then f**k me up” with these words a young woman made an order in Dick Bradsell’s bar in the early 80s. Bradsell, who was one of the most renowned bartenders in London at the time, delivered. He mixed vodka, coffee liqueur, sugar with a shot of espresso, combining caffeine and alcohol, created the perfect stimulant with a punch for the future supermodel.

At that time, the drink had nothing to do with cheese. It’s completely different today. 40 years after the espresso martini was created, parmesan suddenly comes into play with the umami quality of the cheese. This balances out the bitter notes of the coffee. Umami is a full-bodied, savory taste that complements the sweet, salty, sour and bitter flavors.

Here is my Espresso Martini Twist with Parmesan 🧀

50ml Don Julio Anejo
20 ml coffee liqueur
1 small cup of fresh espresso
15 ml macademia syrup

Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice in a shaker, strain into a pre-chilled champagne glass and decorate with a bit of Parmesan.

Don’t overdo the parmesan...your espresso martini is not a pasta plate😉 🍝

Have you ever tried the Espresso Martini with Parmesan? Share in comments 👇🏻

#truespirit #iwork4diageo #espressomartini #coffee #cocktail #umami #parmesan #cheese #cocktails #bartender #pictureoftheday #cocktailporn #cocktailoftheday #tequila #donjulio #donjulioañejo #tequilalover #barman #drinks #cocktails🍸 #martini #espressomartinis #goodtimes #goodvibes #ootd #love #cocktaillovers #homebar #homebartender #tequilaañejo taken in Hamburg, Germany by @andy_walch_

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3 years ago

Whisky for cold days: Talisker warm you up with great spicy aromas

When the leaves outside shimmer in a thousand yellow and reddish shades, autumn is just around the corner. And when the first cold rain showers hit us, then it’s clear: now it’s whisky time again! Today I chose one of my favorite single malts with aromas that fit perfectly into the autumnal season. You can drink it neat or, like I did, in an Old Fashioned cocktail.

Pearfashioned
50ml Talisker 18
15 ml Maple Pear Pink Pepper Syrup
OLD CROW – OLD FASHIONED BITTER

Stir the ingredients over ice in a tumbler and enjoy!
Cheers!

And you? Do you like classic Old Fashioned or with a twist? Share in comments 👇🏻

#truespirit #truelove #iwork4diageo #whisky #whiskylover #whiskyporn #whiskygram #talisker #taliskerwhisky #taliskerdistillery #talisker18 #prestige #luxury #oldfashioned #oldfashionedcocktail #ootd #autumn #whiskylife #whiskycollector #scotch #singlemalt #herbst #whiskytime #cocktail #cocktails #cocktailporn #cocktaillovers #passion #bartender #barman taken in Hamburg, Germany by @andy_walch_

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3 years ago