Speciality Drinks is to launch a new category education series, Speciality Sessions, headed up by new advocacy manager Hannah Lanfear.

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Bartenders will have the opportunity to strengthen their olfactory skills, using six handpicked spirits to demonstrate the best of each category.

The first event, taking place at London venue Stereo, will highlight the tequila category and will feature six expressions that highlight the diversity of the category, and showcase the impact of regionality and production choices.

Every session will culminate in an interactive digital quiz, with prizes up for grabs including distillery visits and learning experiences.

Bars are urged to send their "brightest and best bartenders" to represent them, in a bid to top the year-end leaderboard and win a five-star night out for their whole team.

Lanfear said: “There has never been a more crucial time to invest in the education of the bartending community. While the importance of education and solid training programs is known across the trade, the pressures on hospitality businesses have made it harder and harder to resource high-quality training.

"That’s why we’re so exciting to launch Speciality Sessions and give back to the drinks community. We haven’t forgotten about the rest of the UK and look forward to sharing our plans to extend this digitally, so if you’re not able to make the London event, watch this space.”