In the heart of London, where the Thames gently meanders through the city's historic landscape, we sit down with Jake Botcher, an award-winning sommelier whose expertise in wines is as renowned as his colorful use of Cockney rhyming slang. Would you Adam and Eve it?
The setting is a cozy wine bar in East London, the kind of place where old meets new, and tradition gets a cheeky wink. Jake, with a glint in his eye and a grin as wide as the river outside, is ready to take us on a vinous journey spiced with the unique lilt of London's streets.
Wine Stain: Jake, it's a pleasure. Let's kick off with how you found yourself in the world of wine. Was it a straight path, or more of a 'dog and bone'?
Jake Botcher: Hello me old china. Oh, mate, it was more like ‘havin’ a bubble bath’ than on a straight path! I started off in the kitchen, believe it or not. Was a bit of a 'jam jar' with the pots and pans, but then I got a chance to work the bar and the wine list. First time I properly had a ‘butcher’s’ at and tasted a fine wine, I was gob smacked. Thought to myself, "This ain't just grape juice you mug!" And from there, it was down the rabbit hole, or should I say, down the wine cellar!
Wine Stain: You are having a ball! So, in all that time swirling and sniffing, what's become your favorite type of wine?
Jake Botcher: Ah, you're asking me to pick me favorite child here! If I had to choose, I'd say a nice bottle of Red Burg…Meo, Engel or Montille - it’s all about the grower, what’s going on in their loaf, you know? It's like climbing the 'apples and pears' of the wine world, versatile and a bit mysterious. But then again, on a hot summer's day, nothing beats a chilled glass of Chablis. Something like a Rav or a Guegen…that’s pure 'bees and honey', that is.
Wine Stain: Your love for the grape is clear. How do you keep up with the ever-evolving wine trends?
Jake Botcher: I’ll tell you what’s what mate, it's all about hitting the 'frog and toad' and tasting as much as you can. I also get a good ‘whistle’ on and go off to have a chinwag with vintners, the real wine geezers. I’m attending as many tastings as I can, keep an eye on what the 'plates of meat' are walking in with. London's a melting pot, ain't it? Trends pop up faster than you can say 'bottle and stopper'. Plus, I've got a knack for knowing what'll tickle the punters' fancy. None of us are on our ‘Jack Jones’ in the world of wine.
Wine Stain: Speaking of punters, have you had any memorable reactions to your wine recommendations?
Jake Botcher: Oh, my days, loads mate, loads! Had this one geezer, right, who reckoned he only liked beers. I introduced him to a robust Neal Family Zin from Rutherford, and his eyes lit up like I'd just shown him the crown jewels. Now he's in every week, asking for the latest gem, getting down to the ‘brass tacks’ about it all. But the best part is watching someone taste a wine that really speaks to them. It's like they've found a 'long lost relative'.
Wine Stain: With such a passion, have you thought about making your own wine?
Jake Botcher: Funny you should ask! I've been playing with the idea of finding a little spot in the countryside, down in Sussex or Essex. Maybe plant a few vines, see what comes of it. I mean, Taittinger’s moved in now and Pommery. London's my home, but who says I can't bring a bit of the city to the vineyards, eh? A Cockney vintner – now that'd be something! Just need some ‘sausage in the rattle’ first…
At this point, the interview took a whimsical turn, much like a surprise twist in a vintage Bordeaux.
Wine Stain: Jake, anyone ever tell you, you're a dead ringer for Jason Statham? Got that same tough-guy look and the London accent to match!
Jake Botcher: Now, listen here, mate. I get that a lot but let me set the record straight. The only thing me and Jason have in common is our dashing good looks and possibly our choice in bald hairstyles, mine being a choice. Can he discern a Château Margaux from a Pontet-Canet with a single sniff? I reckon not. I'm more than just a look-alike; I'm a 'vino virtuoso', a 'grape guru'!
The moment hangs in the air, a bit like a robust Catena Zapata Malbec that's just been uncorked, as Jake's face shifts from annoyance to a cheeky smirk.
Jake Botcher: I’m just pullin’ your pudding mate. Though, if it gets me a discount at the 'rub-a-dub-dub' or a free 'Ruby Murray', I might just start signing autographs as 'Mr. Statham, Wine Connoisseur'.
Can you spot which on is Jake and which one is Statham?
Wine Stain: (chuckling) Fair enough, Jake. Let's talk about the surreal moments in your career. Any wine-tasting experiences that felt more like a scene from a Monty Python sketch than real life?
Jake Botcher: Oh, where do I start? There was this one time, right, I was hosting a wine tasting down in the cellar, mood lighting, the whole shebang. Halfway through, a bloke dressed as Henry VIII – I kid you not – comes barreling down the stairs, claiming he's been time-traveling in search of the perfect 'plonk' to impress Anne Boleyn. Turns out, he was part of a historical reenactment group that got a bit too 'Larry' at a nearby pub and decided time travel was on the evening's agenda.
Would you ‘adam and eve’ it, the room burst into laughter, thinking it was all part of the show. And there I am, trying to maintain the somber sanctity of our wine tasting while Sir Henry is swishing around, challenging the wine bottles to a duel for their honor. Surreal doesn't even begin to cover it, mate. What a load of ‘cobbler’s’.
I wish he had brought a bottle of 16th century wine with him, what a mug.
Wine Stain: That’s utterly bonkers! Sounds like you handle the unexpected with the grace of a seasoned sommelier. So, what's next for you, Jake? Any wild dreams you're looking to chase in the wine world?
Jake Botcher: Well, I've been toying with the idea of creating a wine that changes flavor based on your mood. Imagine that – a 'chameleon vino'. Feeling a bit blue? It tastes like a comforting 'butterscotch and biscuits'. On top of the world? It hits you with the zest of victory. How I'll do it, I haven't the foggiest, but if I can deal with time-traveling Tudors, I reckon I can do just about anything.
Wine Stain: Last question, Jake. For someone looking to explore wines, any advice on where to start?
Jake Botcher: Use your loaf, start with what you like, mate. No point diving into the deep end with something that'll make your toes curl. Find a good wine bar, one where the staff loves the 'rabbit and pork' as much as the drink. And don't be shy! Ask questions, taste everything, and remember, there's no such thing as a silly question, just silly answers.
Wine Stain: Jake, it's been an absolute 'bubble bath'. Thank you for sharing your world with us.
Jake Botcher: Anytime, mate. Pleasure's all mine and remember, life's too short to drink bad wine or to be anyone but yourself – even if you do look like a Hollywood hard man. Cheers!
Jake Botcher, with his infectious enthusiasm and Cockney charm, is a testament to the vibrancy of London's wine scene. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Jake's approachable wisdom and spirited slang remind us that the world of wine is as diverse and welcoming as the city he calls home.