As one of the world’s most sought-after cocktail maestros, Agostino [Ago] Perrone – Director of Mixology at The Connaught in London – is adored for his craftsmanship and shaking up our perception of luxe hotel bars.
The Italian-born and London-based Perrone brings an elevated and intriguing twist to classics that aren’t tweaked for the sake of it – there’s a stunning artistry to what he does when he brings a new lens to a traditional cocktail.
It’s the reason celebrity actor and author Stanley Tucci has long sung his praises, the pair collaborating on cocktails residencies together.
Perrone was recently in Australia for a special guest shift at Society Melbourne – showcasing intimate cocktail making table-side. He collaborated with The Dalmore on the night – unveiling their premium single malt whisky via bespoke cocktails. He also worked alongside Society’s Ago Schiavo on the night.
Agostino Perrone spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
London. It’s the city where I have found, developed and expressed myself, personally and professionally. The cultural mix of London makes it possible for you to learn every day and to be constantly inspired. You just need the commitment to make things happen, the rest is there.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
A restaurant in Bari, Puglia, Italy. Seafood crudos arrived straight away from the sea and the dishes were full of celery, fennel, horseradish as palate cleanser, I still remember those herbs and vegetables, they were so flavourful that I still can smell and taste them. And I can still taste the feeling of being surrounded by friends and family, in front of the sea, under a porch.
FAVOURITE BAR
There’s quite a few in London, from East to West: Satan’s Whiskers and Tayer & Elementary, Kwant around the corner from The Connaught, and Amaro bar in Kensington. They’re all completely different from the other but both cocktails and service are outstanding in their own way in each one of these venues, and they are must visits for any cocktail lover.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
The Connaught Martini represents me both professionally and personally. A super classic, yet a cocktail that lends itself to being tailored to your mood, the environment and the occasion.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
Will power, training, and a cold shower.
OVERSEAS BAR
On a world tour, I would start from the US with Overstory in NYC, a magical place words cannot describe. Passing via Mexico, in a place very close to my heart, Guadalajara, I’d always go to El Gallo Altanero, the vibes, the venue and the team there are incredible.
In Europe, I’d go back home, on Lake Como, to completely disconnect at Passalacqua – the gardens there are simply captivating, the service, the attention of the team, and the cocktails that reflect the flavours of the landscape are wonderful.
Arriving in Australia, in Sydney it will always be Maybe Sammy, because of their revolutionary approach to such a traditionally classic style, with friendly service and amazing drinks. Finally, thanks to my recent visit to Melbourne, I had the chance to discover Society and the brilliant work done by Ago Schiavo. Definitely a place where I’d go back and where I’d recommend my friends go.
A DRINK AT THE CONNAUGHT THAT YOU’S YOUR SIGNATURE
The Mulata Daisy is an iconic signature creation of mine and a cocktail that is very close to my heart. It blends memories of flavour from my childhood, fennel, and Galliano L’Autentico with the DNA and taste of a classic, the Mulata Daiquiri (rum, lime, sugar and creme de cacao) and its beautiful roots in La Havana.
WINE WITH FRIENDS
A magnum of Riesling, surrounded by friends, family, and tacos.
FAVOURITE WINERY
Iliana Malihin in Crete. The winery uses old pre phylloxera vines on top of the mountain overlooking the Aegean Sea. The place is pure magic, and the wines too.
NEXT DESTINATION
Japan, which has been on my bucket list for more than two decades so I can’t wait to explore the original local culture and visit Japanese distilleries to bring back inspiration that we can translate into a new guest experience at The Connaught Bar.
Best thing about being in the company of Stanley Tucci and the last drink you enjoyed together.
Stanley is a wonderful man with great values. He’s very humble and also so passionate about what he does. His love for food and drink culture is so genuine and the way he translates it into his works is purely authentic. The last drink we enjoyed together is the Tenacious, a cocktail that we made together last year for a special project.
YOU RECENTLY DID A GUEST BAR SPOT AT SOCIETY IN MELBOURNE USING THE DALMORE WHISKY
I couldn’t resist the idea of having a double Ago act. Agostino Schiavo [Society] and I have known each other for so long and there’s always been a lot of mutual admiration so it was great to finally unite forces behind the bar and create an experience for Society guests. A special thanks to The Dalmore for making this possible – it’s a beautiful collaboration that reflects the respect I pay to the brand because of our share values, they represent classicism and innovation, they have heritage but keep on exploring ways to excite drinkers, like we do at The Connaught.
