Angostura Global Cocktail Competition 2014 |
First up is James 'Sugarfoot' Goggin of New Zealand!
Not an easy position being first, but this was an impressive start for sure.
Left to Right: Down the Islands (Rum) & Elementary (Freestyle) |
Each competitor had to present two original cocktails containing Angostura Bitters. One cocktail may include a base spirit of choice (Freestyle) while the second required use of an Angostura Rum (Rum). Additionally, two of each cocktail had to be prepared for submission to the panel of judges within seven minutes!
Next up, Rohan Hackshaw of Barbados!
How about that beautiful zest?!
Passionate Thyme (Freestyle) |
Third in line, was Mike Tomasic of Australia!
Muscatel clusters & tobacco leaves oh my!
Olympia (Freestyle) |
Big Bird (Rum) |
How about a look at the Judges!
Left to Right: Daniyel Jones, Ian Burrell, Julie Reiner, Philip Duff & Carol Homer-Caesar |
Next up, Nazar Makarov of Russia!
A brilliant performance set to music with flair bartending and more...
Rum Story (Rum) |
...like ristretto coffee, marchpan syrup and 100% cocoa. Yum!
Tiramisu (Freestyle) |
5th in line and representing the USA was Yani M Frye!
He actually made four different cocktails representing sequential stages of attraction between two people; shaking four all at once! Oh, and this was under the seven minute limit!!
The Morning After, The Room Key, Lasting Impression (Freestyle) & A Kiss Goodbye (Rum) |
Getting thirsty yet?
Next up, Barbaro Giraldes Portieles of Cuba!
Don Portieles (Freestyle) & Trinidad Farandula (Rum) |
Admittedly, I was not able to taste all of them, but I did happen to taste a few in between some amazing appetizers compliments of Aria. Delicious!
Next up was Panagiotis Giovanis of Greece!
Fire it up!
Left to Right: Safe House (Rum) & Scarlet Ibis (Freestyle) |
Next up, Shane Mulvany of Canada!
Elegant presentation with a butterfly garnish...
Kiss of the Butterfly (Rum) |
Mate Csaltos of the UK!
Artistic style and charisma!
Beautiful Year (Rum) |
Next up, Denzel Heath of South Africa!
Wolverine? Perhaps, and a finely dressed one I will add.
Ribe's Cobbler (Rum) |
It is amazing listening to the stories behind the ingredients used, let alone the attention to detail that goes into executing the elements of each cocktail. What a show!
Last up, Kester Blake of Trinidad and Tobago!
This guy can shake it!
Calypso Rose (Freestyle) |
The judges carefully deliberated and winners were announced. The professionalism and comradeship of the competitors were admirable.
And the winners are....
Angostura CEO Mr. Robert Wong & Grand Prize Winner Michael Tomasic |
Afterparty!!
All 11 Finalists and the lovely Giselle Laronde-West |
Cheers!!!