05:00 PM
Highlights from a week in Havana
Picking highlights from the Grand Prix week is an almost impossible
task, with so much going on from the welcome party on the roof of Hotel Parque
Central to the much needed day of relaxation at the private beach resort Club
Habana. With that said, when looking back a few things do stand out
particularly strongly...
Moment 1 - Gran Teatro de La Habana was a major highlight of the competition. From the incredible mahogany bar from 1917 where 41 bartenders made their drinks in the first round of the competition, to the grand hall where the gala winner was held, the building consistently wowed and amazed everyone I talked to with its magnificent architecture and imposing atmosphere.
Moment 1 - Gran Teatro de La Habana was a major highlight of the competition. From the incredible mahogany bar from 1917 where 41 bartenders made their drinks in the first round of the competition, to the grand hall where the gala winner was held, the building consistently wowed and amazed everyone I talked to with its magnificent architecture and imposing atmosphere.
By Jay Hepburn
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04:00 PM
Moment 2 - The People
Meeting so many bartenders from all over the world was also a real pleasure, and seeing all the different techniques and ingredients employed by them was fascinating. Due to the difficulty of getting ingredients in Cuba the bartenders had to bring their own ingredients with them, though unfortunately some were confiscated by customs forcing some creative workarounds. The eagerness with which everyone attempted to help their fellow competitors.
By Jay Hepburn
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03:00 PM
Moment 3 - La Floridita
Talking of bartenders it was a real honour to visit La Floridita, the famed “cradle of the Daiquiri” and favourite haunt of Ernest Hemmingway. The interior has barely changed from the famous photos of Hemmingway drinking there, and while it may not serve the best Daiquiris in the world anymore, when surrounded by so much history it certainly makes for a very enjoyable one. And while on the subject of drinking, enjoying Havana Club Máximo on the top floor of Hotel Sevilla was hard to complain about.
By Jay Hepburn
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02:00 PM
Moment 4 - The Parties in Havana
There were of course some lighter moments too. Enjoying Champagne at the roof-top pool with Marcel Bauman, bartender from Le Lion in Hamburg, and the rest of Team Germany was highly memorable. Slightly more hazy, but still lots of fun was the party at Salon Rojo complete with Cuban band, and the random dance club I visited with several judges and competitors afterwards.
By Jay Hepburn
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01:00 PM
Moment 5 - Visiting Havana
However I think the main highlight for me is the home of Havana Club itself. Cuba conjures up many images, from the faded grandeur of the architecture to the classic 50s cars that fill the streets. Many places don’t live up to the image you have built in your head, but Havana surpasses it – an exciting and vibrant city full of history and culture. What an incredible place to hold a cocktail competition!
By Jay Hepburn
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