Glenfiddich Family Inspiration & Giveaway

“I don’t want her to become a journalist.”

I can still hear my father’s words every time he was asked if he wanted me to follow in his footsteps. His resounding “no” had little to do with his passion for the job and the gift of writing.

He was a writer, a novelist, and translator in three languages with many books and articles published in magazines and newspapers to his name. As political journalist and analyst working for an international press in the Middle East, his job was often fraught with danger – a side of the profession he wanted to spare me.

Writing is in the blood. I wrote my first piece at age five. Blessed with an overactive imagination and the love of words which I collected in a square ruled notebook, he always encouraged me to write for leisure, to pen my thoughts into stories, essays or poetry. “Write, Corinne. Write.” His words were a constant companion, the encouraging voice I still hear today.

During my formative years, I took interest in a scientific path, paving the way to a successful career as an Optometrist. I then moved on to the fields of Human Resource Management and IT Project Management. During all that time, I continued to quietly write the odd short story, travelogues and completed a fictional novel, awaiting a first edit.

Five and a half years ago, I founded Gourmantic. I never imagined it would grow from a simple outlet for writing to gain recognition and popularity. I never imagined I would be regularly speaking with industry luminaries, interviewing international whisky master distillers, researching and writing editorials and contributing freelance articles.

If only he were still with us to see it happen.

He passed away just three months before Gourmantic was born. And there isn’t a day that goes past that I don’t look up to the moon in the sky, and thank him for the gift of writing.

This article was inspired by Glenfiddich’s strong family heritage and pioneering spirit. It celebrates the man who has always been my inspiration.

Glenfiddich Chef Challenge Degustation Dinner Giveaway

Renowned for its pioneering spirit and strong family heritage, Glenfiddich has launched a ‘Chef Challenge’, whereby chefs in NSW, VIC and SA were asked to create a degustation dish using and matching Glenfiddich where inspiration for their dishes had to come from a family member.

Six finalists were selected and the public will get to enjoy cocktails, taste their dishes matched with whisky and vote for the winner. The chef with the most votes will be crowned Australia’s most “Pioneering” chef and win a trip to Scotland, to visit the Glenfiddich distillery.
Tickets for the event are $100 per head with all proceeds going to “Soldier On”, a charity which supports physically and psychologically wounded Defence Force personnel. Tickets can be purchased here.

Thanks to Glenfiddich, we are offering one reader the chance to attend the Glenfiddich Chef Challenge Degustation Dinner and receive one bottle of Glenfiddich 12 YO. The dinner will be held on Monday December 1^st 2014, 7pm at Centennial Parklands Dining, 1 Grand Dr, Centennial Park in Sydney.

To enter, simply fill in the form below. Entries close at midday on Thursday 27 November 2014. The winner will be announced on Friday 28 November 2014.

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Updated 28 Nov 2014 – Thank you to everyone who has entered our Glenfiddich Chef Challenge Giveaway. We received some amazing entries and heartfelt responses. We’re very pleased to announce that the winner of our giveaway is Emma Power! She has won the degustation dinner and a bottle of Glenfiddich 12 YO. Emma, we look forward to meeting you and sharing a dram on Monday!