Caorunn Small Batch Scottish Gin is on a worldwide search to find the bartender who can create a Caorunn-inspired cocktail and tell the story behind it. Four finalists will be selected to compete at the U.S. finals for an all-expense paid trip to Scotland, where they will represent the United States in the Caorunn Global Cocktail Competition.
The super-premium gin has teamed up with Bar Business Magazine, challenging bartenders to create a “modern classic” cocktail that draws inspiration from one or more of Caorunn’s five Celtic botanicals: Rowan Berry, Coul Blush Apple, Heather, Dandelion and Bog Myrtle. To reinforce the role a genuine bartender plays—as a friend, an entertainer, historian and talented raconteur—entrants will be asked to tell the “story” behind their cocktail’s creation via a video submission.
“The Caorunn Storytellers competition underscores the bartender’s key role in a person’s drinking experience,” said Pat Graney, President of International Beverage USA.
Four U.S. finalists will compete at Tales of the Cocktail 2012 in New Orleans from July 25-29, where a panel of spirits experts and writers will determine the Top U.S. Storyteller. The winner will receive an all-expensive paid trip to Scotland’s Speyside region featuring an exclusive tour of the Balmenach Distillery with Caorunn Gin Master, Simon Buley.
They will also join the finalists from four other countries to compete in The Global Final taking place at Bramble Bar in Edinburgh, Scotland on September 3, 2012. The 2012 Global Cocktail winners will receive a cash prize and their winning drinks will be promoted worldwide as signature Caorunn cocktails.
The contest begins February 13, 2012 and entries will be accepted until May 20, 2012. Bartenders will be judged on concept, story, presentation and product knowledge, while cocktails will be critiqued on taste, nose, balance and garnish. Visit www.caorunngin.com/storytellersusa to enter and for official contest rules.
