The world of mixology has taken an intriguing turn at Panda and Sons, a bar run by Iain McPherson in Edinburgh, where a basement lab, affectionately termed the "Brain Melting Society," serves as the creative backbone for their unique cocktails. Since its establishment in 2013, Panda and Sons has achieved significant recognition, including a spot in the top 50 of the World’s 50 Best Bars for 2024. The bar’s success is amplified by McPherson receiving the Altos Bartender’s Bartender of the Year award, which he views as a reflection of his team’s excellence.
This year also saw the introduction of their latest cocktail menu, "Transcend," a product of five years of experimentation with various subzero freezing techniques. The menu consists of 16 innovative cocktails organized into four sections: Switching, Sous Pression, Freeze Drying, and Cryo-Concentration. Each section showcases a different scientific approach to enhancing flavors through freezing.
One standout technique is Switching, which involves extracting water from a spirit and substituting it with new flavors. This method draws inspiration from a 2019 experiment with Eisbock that motivated McPherson to gain a deeper understanding of freezing science. His studies included courses at the University of Reading and Bologna’s Carpigiani Gelato University, all aimed at refining his technique to manipulate flavors effectively.
Other techniques featured in the menu include Sous Pression, an advanced infusion method that uses subzero temperatures, and Freeze Drying, which retains flavors in rehydrated ingredients. Cryo-Concentration, where frozen water is removed to intensify flavors, rounds out this remarkable selection of techniques.
The community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many fellow bartenders eager to adopt these methods. To facilitate this, McPherson has created a step-by-step instructional video to guide others in experimenting with these techniques. His dedication has led him to travel globally for bar takeovers and lectures to promote the innovative techniques derived from his lab.
Looking ahead, McPherson expresses a desire to keep the Transcend menu active for another year, with plans to introduce new elements like ice cream to enhance the experience further. The fusion of culinary science and cocktail craft continues to set Panda and Sons apart in the vibrant bar scene.