Our crew serve thousands of guests every day, and their passion and expertise play a big part in delivering the White Star Service we are so famous for. For our bar teams, that means really getting to know the products we have on board, so we can provide our guests with the ‘perfect serve’ every time.
Back in September, members of Queen Victoria’s bar team were invited to visit the Bushmills Whiskey Distillery in Northern Ireland, a visit organised by Glenn Tolson, Senior Buyer in the Procurement Team:
“The visit to Bushmills Distillery was a great way for us to further build the relationship between procurement and the brand owner. The crew had the chance to learn more about the range of products in their portfolio as well as any new products that are in the pipeline!”
Following the visit, the crew were also presented with a personalised bottle of whiskey from Bushmills. We heard from some of the bar team about their experience:
Sandeep Govind More, Bar Supervisor, Queen Victoria:
What a unique and amazing opportunity for my team and I to see Bushmills Distillery! The tour was beyond words. I was able to witness the full whisky-making process. From fermentation to distillation and from ageing to the finished, bottled product!
I had the opportunity to sample many of the whiskeys, my favourite being the Bushmills Black Bush, which had fantastic notes of sherry, peach, and nuts – it was incredibly spicy.
The tour has improved my knowledge of the product and I’ve been telling my colleagues and our guests all about it. Thanks again to Cunard for arranging this tour and to the Bushmills team who made us feel extra-special by giving us a personalised Bottle of 12-year-old Bushmills whiskey!
Roy Malinga, Bartender, Queen Victoria:
Thank you for this once in a lifetime experience to visit the oldest licensed distillery in the UK. The Bushmills team were brilliant hosts, enlightening us to the origins and their passion in the liquid gold they have created for years and continue to consistently lead the way in making whisky of the highest quality. From our knowledgeable tour guide we learned all about the proper way to taste whiskey – it’s the aromas, the malt and the barrels that will take your breath away!
Ricky Laurel, Bar Waiter, Queen Victoria:
Visiting Bushmills Distillery was a fabulous experience from start to finish and tasting the whiskey straight from the cask which was really special. I am now more confident talking about Bushmills products with our guests. Should they wish to have a whisky after dinner, I can talk to them about my experience at the distillery and describe the smooth finish – with caramel, vanilla, chocolate and oaky notes on the palate.