World’s Best Sommelier, Raimonds Tomsons, Joins The Craft Irish Whiskey Co
Raimonds Tomsons, the victor of this year’s ASI Best Sommelier of the World championship, has been appointed the global brand ambassador for The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.
Hailing from Latvia, Tomsons clinched the title in Paris at the La Defense Arena this February. The competition tested his prowess in tasting, serving, and his adeptness in pairing, particularly in complementing vegan dishes with non-alcoholic beverages.
Tomsons now brings his refined senses to the luxury whiskey realm with The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., a brand established by Jay Bradley in 2018. The company boasts exquisite Irish whiskeys, including the illustrious The Emerald Isle set, valued at a jaw-dropping US$2 million, positioning it amongst the world’s priciest whiskeys.
On this pivotal move, Tomsons remarked, “Embracing this role at The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. marks a significant juncture in my journey. Being a sommelier is about incessant learning, venturing into the vast universe of wines, spirits, and other drinks.”
While Tomsons is renowned for his wine expertise, serving on the board of the Latvian Sommelier Association, and affiliations with Latvia’s elite restaurants and importers, his affinity for potent spirits isn’t recent. He stated, “I’ve always had a penchant for fine whiskey. Joining Jay and his ensemble as the global brand ambassador enables me to delve deeper into premium Irish whiskey, innovate in whiskey-food pairings, and share my zeal and expertise, enhancing the overall experience.”
Bradley commented on this collaboration, saying, “Raimonds’ profound understanding and flair to discern intricate flavors resonate with my whiskey crafting ethos, which is all about unique flavor complexities from our avant-garde barrel crafting. I eagerly await our combined ventures.”
Tomsons’ inclusion signifies The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.’s escalating focus on upscale dining for its brand promotion, further cemented by its official partnership with World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
