Raimonds Tomsons, the victor of this year’s ASI Best Sommelier of the World competition, has been unveiled as the new global brand ambassador for The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.
Hailing from Latvia, Tomsons clinched the championship at the La Defense Arena in Paris earlier this year, where he showcased his exceptional tasting and serving skills, as well as his expertise in pairing beverages. A key element of the final challenge involved identifying non-alcoholic drinks to harmonize with vegan dishes.
Leveraging his finely-tuned olfactory senses and discerning palate, Tomsons is poised to make an indelible mark in his latest role with The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., a luxury whiskey producer.
Established by Jay Bradley in 2018, the company is renowned for crafting rare and ultra-rare Irish whiskeys, including its distinguished creation, The Emerald Isle, a set of remarkable value at a staggering $2 million. This set ranks among the world’s most expensive whiskeys.
Expressing his enthusiasm for his new venture, Tomsons stated, “Joining the team at The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is an exciting milestone in my professional career. For me, being a sommelier means perpetual learning, and exploring the diverse world of wine, spirits, and other beverages.”
Although Tomsons has made significant strides in the realm of wine, including his role as a board member of the Latvian Sommelier Association and collaborations with esteemed restaurants and importers in Latvia, his affinity for potent libations is not novel. He shares, “Fine whiskey has always been a spirit which I especially loved, so by joining Jay [Bradley] and his team as global brand ambassador, I will have the opportunity to learn from the best, explore fine Irish whiskey in depth, and work on innovative whiskey and food pairings, sharing my knowledge and passion with others, and elevating the overall experience.”
