Staff at Donald Trump’s new $750m golf resort have been signed up to a prestigious Whisky training course so they know a single malt from a blend.
Trump International has signed up to The Whisky Ambassador, a new scheme seeking to boost tourism and Scotland’s whisky and hospitality industries by training bar staff to become whisky experts.
Staff will be able to help visiting golfers by explaining the difference between a peaty Islands whisky and the sweet taste of Speyside blends.
The scheme also seeks to encourage tourists to visit some of Scotland’s long established distilleries and to grow understanding and knowledge of this world renowned tipple.
Donald likes a dram
Donald Trump, who has Scottish heritage, has already demonstrated a soft spot for a dram.
He recently selected one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries to create a limited edition whisky for his new golf course at Menie Estate, near Balmedie, Aberdeenshire.
He picked Glendronach distillery, near Huntly, to supply the commemorative 26-year-old malt for the opening of the resort.
Mr Trump’s golf resort, on the Menie estate on the Aberdeenshire coast, is due to open next week after two years under construction.
Courting controversy
Trump Golf Scotland has rarely been out of the media courting controversy via legal disputes with local farmers and most recently Trump’s threat to cease construction of the hotel and housing at the resort if windfarms are allowed to be built off the Aberdeenshire coast.
Adam Philp, Trump International’s food and drink manager, told STV (Scottish Television): “We are committed to promoting Scottish culture and heritage and helping make the country the toast of tourists.
“Training our staff to become Whisky Ambassadors is central to that. Whisky is just as much a part of Scotland’s story as its golf and we will offer the very best of both.”
Sue Beatt, from The Whisky Ambassador, added: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Trump International Golf Links in the home of golf and the home of whisky to help customers learn about our national drink.
“So many people stick to selling and drinking only the best known brands but there is a whole world of wonderful whiskies out there to explore. Our partnership should give weary golfers the perfect tonic at the 19th hole.”
The course will be provided at the Trump International Golf Links in conjunction with the British Institute of Innkeeping Awarding Body (BIIAB) and Aberdeen’s leading licensing solicitors James and George Collie.
For more about Trump International: http://www.trumpgolfscotland.com/