Angela Allan at the ASI Malaysia Sommelier Bootcamp

Photo credit: ASI Sommelier Association; @somlaymalaysia

1. What surprised you most about the ASI Malaysia Sommelier Bootcamp?

What surprised me the most about the boot camp was the incredible organization, professionalism, and respect for the sommelier community that I felt from the tutors, volunteers, and participants. It was really inspiring and invigorating to be around such dedicated people. It was great to be able to talk to the tutors and sponsors outside of the lectures, and to network and make industry connections. 

2. What session/s did you find the most insightful/valuable to you on a personal level?

I found the blind tasting to be most profound and insightful for me. We were in groups of 8 sommeliers and 1 tutor that we went through the tasting grid with on 6 wines ranging from still, sparkling, fortified and sweet. It was very challenging to get this done in the allotted timeframe! I also really enjoyed the South African old vine Chenin blanc with Dr Edo Heyns, ancestral varieties of Spain with Joelle Marti-Baron of Familia Torres, a vintage Port Master Class with Jorge Nunes of Graham’s, California Pinot Noir with Evan Goldstein MS, and Champagne Masterclass with Toru Takamatsu MS... They were all really interesting.

3. How will you apply the ASI Malaysia Sommelier Bootcamp experience to advance your own career?

This boot camp has helped me to focus on areas of study that I need to improve on to pass exams and competitions, Also stepping the level of service that I need to give to my guests and colleagues. The boot camp was a great help to motivate and inspire a new love for hospitality and to just be better at my job, every day!