05:00 PM
The 2010 Rules: A New Beginning for a Classic Competition
For those who may still consider cocktail competitions as a gathering of rocket scientists who have pledged allegiance to the art of mixology, or a strict and formal execution of generally bland drinks, Havana Club has thought out a new set of rules for its upcoming competition that are designed to recreate, as authentically as possible, a true bar atmosphere and experience.
In other words, bartenders will be judged on their overall image, their knowledge and mixing techniques, as well as the quality of their drinks.
The rules stipulate that each competitor will have 10 minutes to prepare three original cocktails. The first has to use, as its base, any one of the spirits from the Havana Club range, the second must include Havana Añejo 7 Años, and the third must be a modern version of a classic Cuban rum cocktail.
Participants will set up their station hosting three guests, the actual judges, and will be invited to introduce themselves and talk about the drinks while preparing them, as well as answering any the questions that the guests might have.
As far as the scoring goes, the bartenders are judged out of a total of 250 points: a maximum of 150 points can be awarded for the three cocktails (points scored in relation to appearance, aroma, taste, finish and balance of the drink), and another possible 100 points can be won for the technical skill, knowledge, innovative thinking, creativity, communication skills and overall image of the bartender.
The tricky part comes at climax of the competition, as the four 1st round winners qualify for the 2nd and final stage of the event. These talented ones will have 15 minutes to prepare the same three drinks, plus an extra one, using secret ingredients that will be presented to them at the last minute in a sealed bag…
"As a bartender, you don't go out every night to serve drinks, you go to serve guests! It's not only about drinking and making cocktails. A bartender has to be educated, cosmopolitan, in fact, a good host", as would say Gary Regan.
Good luck!
In other words, bartenders will be judged on their overall image, their knowledge and mixing techniques, as well as the quality of their drinks.
The rules stipulate that each competitor will have 10 minutes to prepare three original cocktails. The first has to use, as its base, any one of the spirits from the Havana Club range, the second must include Havana Añejo 7 Años, and the third must be a modern version of a classic Cuban rum cocktail.
Participants will set up their station hosting three guests, the actual judges, and will be invited to introduce themselves and talk about the drinks while preparing them, as well as answering any the questions that the guests might have.
As far as the scoring goes, the bartenders are judged out of a total of 250 points: a maximum of 150 points can be awarded for the three cocktails (points scored in relation to appearance, aroma, taste, finish and balance of the drink), and another possible 100 points can be won for the technical skill, knowledge, innovative thinking, creativity, communication skills and overall image of the bartender.
The tricky part comes at climax of the competition, as the four 1st round winners qualify for the 2nd and final stage of the event. These talented ones will have 15 minutes to prepare the same three drinks, plus an extra one, using secret ingredients that will be presented to them at the last minute in a sealed bag…
"As a bartender, you don't go out every night to serve drinks, you go to serve guests! It's not only about drinking and making cocktails. A bartender has to be educated, cosmopolitan, in fact, a good host", as would say Gary Regan.
Good luck!
By clement
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