The Rose Compendium: Est 2025

4 February 2025

With great elation, we announce a new menu at The American Bar, The Rose Compendium.

This beautiful new list has been inspired by research done by The Royal National Rose Society in the 1800s. It was a fellowship made up of a group of botanists who spent countless hours in their potting sheds. Here they’d pour over endless references, meticulously cultivating the rarest species with an insatiable curiosity (and one eye on the neighbours).

By tracing the genealogy of the rose family* to surprising species with a common heritage, such as quince and cherry, The American Bar’s bartenders analysed each of the nineteen drinks in minute detail, studying historical scholarly works with a curiosity reminiscent of the horticulturalists who became their muses.

Led by Head of Bars at Gleneagles, Michele Mariotti, the menu showcases five rose family core ingredients – strawberry, apple, quince, almond and cherry – showcased in two drinks each. One of each pair is hyperlocal, tied to Scottish flora through bespoke ingredients made by nearby suppliers, while the other celebrates ingredients from Gleneagles’ own ecosystems.

Cherry cocktails include a modern twist on the classic Paloma and an Espresso Martini, while the Apple section of the menu includes Blossom Breeze which blends a soda made from discarded cores and peels with Hendrick’s Gin for a light, refreshing serve.

Acting as a foil to the rose family flavours, there’s one drink grouping which doesn’t use a rose ingredient at all. This is a nod to compendiums of the 1900’s, which were often rich in mistakes and inaccuracies. The Rose Compendium puts Barley centre stage in its signature cocktail, a “mistake” ready to spot by the keenest of researchers. A bold interpretation of the Rob Roy is presented in three styles – Sweet, Perfect, and Dry. Each style is developed to spotlight the distinct characteristics of carefully selected Glenturret malts, allowing the whisky to shine while the vermouth takes a subtle backseat.

This level of obsessive specificity extends to the menu itself: a nubuck-bound book designed to echo a botanist’s journal, which they would have spent hours pouring over in their potting sheds. Offering a detailed approach, the menu guides guests through each drink with the story of the ingredients, hand-annotated notes, the techniques used, illustrations, glassware details (which have been hand-painted by the team, in some cases) and an extensive glossary to explain any complex or unusual terms.

Michele says of the new release, “The Rose Compendium is a true labour of love, blending tradition, creativity, sustainability, and a deep respect for nature. Partnering with local producers has been such a rewarding experience, allowing us to support the incredible craftsmanship in our community while creating something truly special for guests. I am incredibly proud of how this menu reflects Gleneagles’ commitment to eco-conscious practices whilst pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of cocktails.

We do hope to see you in The American Bar soon, to raise a glass to the new menu.

*About The Rose Family

The rose family, as referenced above, is one of the world’s most important horticultural groupings with over 3000 members. Many of our favourite fruits are Rosacea, including quinces, apples and strawberries, as well as nuts like almonds.

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