06:18 PM
Hotel Sevillia
On Friday night the judges, finalists and VIP's were taken to the roof top restaurant and bar for a drinks reception at Hotel Sevilla. Hotel Sevilla is 102 years old and absolutely stunning.
During the 1930's it was the place to be seen and was not only graced by high society but also the likes of Graham Greene and Josephine Baker. Al Capone was also a frequent visitor.
We were greeted by the Havana Club models and whilst we watched the sun set over Havana a pianist played classic songs of yesteryear. The pictures that adorned the walls of the bar from the 30's captured the glamour of the age perfectly and the traditional dress of the Cantineros helped to add to the feeling of being transported back in time.
Michael, as always, was the perfect host and we were joined by the Cuban press who were very interested in the global gathering of judges.
To top the evening off we were given the most incredible treat, a taste and toast with Havana Club Maximo.
Havana Club have made sure throughout this trip that every one of our senses has been given the Cuban experience!
During the 1930's it was the place to be seen and was not only graced by high society but also the likes of Graham Greene and Josephine Baker. Al Capone was also a frequent visitor.
We were greeted by the Havana Club models and whilst we watched the sun set over Havana a pianist played classic songs of yesteryear. The pictures that adorned the walls of the bar from the 30's captured the glamour of the age perfectly and the traditional dress of the Cantineros helped to add to the feeling of being transported back in time.
Michael, as always, was the perfect host and we were joined by the Cuban press who were very interested in the global gathering of judges.
To top the evening off we were given the most incredible treat, a taste and toast with Havana Club Maximo.
Havana Club have made sure throughout this trip that every one of our senses has been given the Cuban experience!
By Emma Davis
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05:58 PM
Rum and Chocolate with Dave Broom
On the Friday of the Havana Club Grand Prix it was time for some of the judges to share their knowledge with the contestants and visitors. Another impressive part of this whole event, Havana Club have really made the most of each element of their invitees. Many other competitions or global gatherings of cocktail folk wouldn't think to give the next generation of up and coming bartenders access to their judges and their considerable experience and information on many aspects of the craft.
I picked a seminar that included two of my favourite things, rum and chocolate!
Dave Broom steered us through this wonderfully delicious subject, Dave also covered a brief history of Cuba and the history of rum, it was also the first time I had tasted the entire Havana Club range in a while.
I'm delighted that I now know which chocolate to match with each rum. Evenings in watching TV will now forever be transformed for the better as I sip Havana 7 year old with a dark Valrhona chocolate.
I picked a seminar that included two of my favourite things, rum and chocolate!
Dave Broom steered us through this wonderfully delicious subject, Dave also covered a brief history of Cuba and the history of rum, it was also the first time I had tasted the entire Havana Club range in a while.
I'm delighted that I now know which chocolate to match with each rum. Evenings in watching TV will now forever be transformed for the better as I sip Havana 7 year old with a dark Valrhona chocolate.
By Emma Davis
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