Jules was the runner-up in The Chivas Masters, Manchester heat. He can be found shaking up his cocktails at Voodoo Moon in Wrexham, loves new ingredients and techniques and would like to have mixed a cocktail for Winston Churchill…
How did you become a bartender?
I became a bartender when I was 18, after bar backing for a year. I moved into restaurant work, fine dining and hotels before working my way up into management, but I missed bartending so much I went back to it around eight years ago. I love where I am right now as I can manage the bar as well as bartend from time to time – it’s great! Plus we can be as creative as we like, there are no limits at Voodoo Moon.
What is your definition of a classic cocktail?
To me a classic is something that is simple yet great, so it stands the test of time. A classic doesn’t have to be from 100 years ago. There are so many great ideas, new techniques and flavours these days that classics of the future are being created right now. I love to find old, forgotten recipes then tweak them to fit today’s palates, bringing something from yesteryear and giving it a new lease of life.
What is your classic cocktail of choice?
Probably a good Dry Martini, dirty of course, with a bucket load of olives! Or a good Margarita – I love tequila!
What appealed to you about The Chivas
Masters competition?
Probably the challenge of making four drinks! And the eras they represent – I love that.
Which of the four periods (The Classic Age, The Post-War Boom, The Disco Years and The Age of Revivalism) did you enjoy most?
The Age of Revivalism was probably my favourite. Simply because it fitted with what I love to do so well: using new techniques, ingredients and presentation ideas and applying them to old recipes. It’s great hunting around and trying new things with new flavours.
Which of your four cocktails are you proudest of?
Probably my drink for The Post-War Boom, ‘The Chancellor & The Bulldog’. I loved the shrouded history behind the Chancellor, because it’s such a great drink and it should be brought back to life in my opinion.
Jules Van Dyke, runner-up: The Chivas Masters, Manchester heatWhich famous person, living or dead, real or
fictional, from the four periods would you like to make one of your four cocktails for?
I’d definitely love to serve ‘The Chancellor’ to Sir Winston Churchill! I think it’s a very fitting drink for such a great man. I think he would have loved sipping it while sitting back with a nice cigar.
What’s your favourite way to enjoy Chivas?
Just with great company.
What’s your recipe for a simple Chivas cocktail for people to make at home?
Probably a simple Whisky Sour. A large helping of Chivas, juice of half a lemon, a teaspoon of brown sugar and an egg white. Shake and strain into rocks glass filled with ice.
What are you most looking forward to about the final?
Just meeting some great bartenders from around the country. It’s always good to see what others are inventing, it gives you inspiration.
The Chivas Masters is…
A great way to see new talent and ideas.
Jules Van Dyke’s ‘The Chancellor & The Bulldog’The People’s Choice
Who would you like to see win The Chivas Masters UK Final 2014? Click the Facebook ‘Like’ button below to cast your vote for Jules. To see all the finalists click here.
Jules joins the other seven finalists in the The Chivas Masters UK Final in London on 3rd June.
Follow all the action from The Chivas Masters here and via Twitter and Facebook. #ChivasMasters
