Among many entries from some of the best cocktail bars across the country, the field has been narrowed to 10 finalists in the 2012 Vinos de Jerez Cocktail Competition. They are:
Jackson Cannon, The Hawthorne, Boston, MA – “Esperanto” with Manzanilla
Robyn Cleveland, The Raven’s Club, Ann Arbor, MI – “Abanico” with Fino*
Michael Flannery, Stand Comedy Club, New York City – “Apples for Your Oysta’” with Manzanilla
Josh Loving, Midnight Cowboy, Austin, TX – “The Cask Word” with Oloroso
Lynnette Marrero, DrinksAt6 and LUPEC, New York City – “Ma Cherry Amour” with Palo Cortado
Ivy Mix, Clover Club, Brooklyn, NY – “Palo Negro” with Palo Cortado
Dan Nicolaescu, Mayahuel, New York City – “After Dark Cocktail” with Oloroso
Patricia Richards, Botero Restaurant inside Encore Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, NV – “Pearfection” with Amontillado
Tom Richter, The Beagle & Tomr’s Tonic, New York City – “Round the Horn” with Palo Cortado and Moscatel
Andrea Tateosian, The Gibson, Washington, DC – “Sombra Pálida” with Manzanilla
The finalists will compete in the live finals next Tuesday, December 11th starting at 12pm at Clover Club in Brooklyn, NY, to determine who will be crowned the winner of the next Vinos de Jerez Cocktail Competition. The Vinos de Jerez Cocktail Competition is a nationwide competition featuring bartenders/mixologists from across the country, who are challenged to create the best Sherry Cocktail in America. It was created to showcase the incredible diversity of Sherry wine, and its remarkable ability for use in cocktails and matching with food. Each contestant's cocktail had to be featured on a working, existing restaurant or bar cocktail program, and could be made with any style of Sherry, coming from any bodega in Jerez, Spain. Each finalist was chosen from a pool of entries coming from all corners of the country.
During a live demonstration and presentation they will make their cocktail in front of the distinguished panel of judges, which will include David Wondrich, Writer/Author/Historian, founding partner of Beverage Alcohol Resource (BAR) ®; Julie Reiner, Proprietor, Flatiron Lounge and Clover Club; Jacques Bezuidenhout, Winner, 2005 Vinos de Jerez Cocktail Competition; Andy Seymour, Sherry Ambassador, BAR partner; and Steven Olson, aka wine geek, and founding partner of BAR.
In addition to making their drink, each finalist has to provide a written and verbal explanation of: why their cocktail is great; when is the best time to serve it, why, and how; the precise recipe, proper garnish and ideal glass; the exact preparation method and steps of assembly; and they need to describe the perfect food match, and explain why it would work so well.
The winners will be announced immediately following the competition. An all-expense paid trip to Jerez and a full scholarship to the BAR school are at stake!