For the second year in a row, Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur is kicking off the brand’s national annual bartender competition. While the Bärenjäger Bartender Competition initially focused on New York area bar talent, this year’s contest, like last year’s, invites national bartenders as well as amateurs to submit innovative cocktails using Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur. With an A-list lineup of celebrity judges and a grand prize that includes a trip for two to Oktoberfest in Munich, contestants are encouraged to fight for their honey using bar-smarts and creativity.
This year’s competition coincides with the release of the new premium packaging of Bärenjäger—a more contemporary homage to the spirit’s unique history and lore. The new packaging reflects Bärenjäger’s premium position and embodies the brand’s unique personality and character. All cocktail submissions should aim to reflect these same qualities.
The judges include five nationally acclaimed industry mentors. Joining returning judge Dushan Zaric of Employees Only & Macao Trading Co. are four industry powerhouses: “King Cocktail” and master mixologist Dale DeGroff, acclaimed spirits writer and mixologist David Wondrich, Todd Richman—corporate mixologist at Sideny Frank Importing Company, Inc., and famed bar talent Aisha Sharpe of Contemporary Cocktails, Inc.
These judges will score submissions, then select the top six recipes to move to the final round. Finalists will mix off at a private event at the bar downstairs at Andaz 5th Avenue on September 19th in New York City. The contest winner will receive a grand prize: an all-expense paid trip for two to Oktoberfest 2011 in Munich, Germany and $1,000 in cash. Additionally, guests will be asked to cast their vote for best cocktail, and the audience favorite will take home a check for $1,000.
“Last year’s competition was fierce and the finalists created wonderful drinks,” says returning judge Dushan Zaric. “We’re hoping to see even more cocktail mastery from this year’s submissions and are looking forward to another wonderful battle for the Best Bärenjäger drink!”
To enter, bartenders must visit www.barenjagerhoney.com and complete the registration by August 22. Entrants must be 21 years of age to enter.
