Mangrove has further secured its position as leading the charge on world whisky by expanding the dedicated team with its newest Brand Ambassador. Kealan Lafferty – hospitality stalwart and Head Bartender of East London’s Happiness Forgets, joins the team – bringing with him an immeasurable knowledge of spirits and the UK’s bar scene. He will work alongside Curator of World Whisky, Stef Holt, to drive awareness and appreciation of Mangrove’s varied and delicious portfolio of liquids.
As well as imbuing himself in the stellar portfolio, Kealan’s role will see him set off across the country to educate the UK’s on-trade about the exceptional selection of world whiskies – an activity that’s been affectionately labelled the World of Whisky Roadshow, 2025. On his tour, Kealan will visit Mangrove’s partner venues up and down the country, to host entertaining, hands-on sessions on world whiskies – all delivered with Kealan’s unique charm as a true whisky nerd. Each session will include a tasting of between six and ten SKUs tailored to each venue and the area, as well as interactive training for bar teams.
With the first few sessions complete, Adam Taylor, Bar Manager of Bath’s The Hideout, commented on the experience:
It was great to see a lineup of bottles dubbed ‘world whisky’ yet getting to experience these individual drams as their own category within their respective nations. I found the tasting helped bring the expanding fascination of whisky across the world into a positive perspective.’
Stef Holt commented on Kealan’s appointment:
The value Kealan’s appointment brings to our trade partners, knows no end! He’s knowledgeable, loves whisky, is warm, and has walked the walk in one of London’s most respected venues – the perfect combination for the role of ambassador.
By going out ‘on tour’ to our partners in the trade, Kealan will deliver these sessions and tastings in his own unique style, in turn allowing bar teams to improve the experience they offer in-venue. Our world whisky portfolio is so diverse, that there’s the perfect selection of SKUs to complement every range – and we know that bar teams are going to thoroughly enjoy tasting them.
Kealan’s career began behind the bar in London’s Soho, before moving up north to cut his teeth in the Aberdeen and Dundee bar scenes. From there he held a number of roles, increasing in seniority, until a few years ago when he was appointed Head Bartender of East London’s Happiness Forgets. He’s taken part in both national and international cocktail competitions, as well as reaching the European final for some!
Any bar wishing to be involved with The World Whisky Tour 2025, can contact Kealan at Mangrove Global.