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Hot News – August 2015

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Updated: August 1, 2015

HEAVEN HILL BRANDS BARTENDER OF THE YEAR CONTEST
Press Release
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$15,000 UP FOR GRABS… AND IT COULD BE YOURS!

Phase 1 – Online Entries:

For the purposes of determining the Regional finalists, entries will be assigned to the closest applicable market, as determined by the Sponsor. All complete entries submitted to www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com within the entry timeframe will be judged against the below criteria based on the perceived qualities of the written recipes and essay entry.

Judges will not take into consideration current employer, time spent bartending or any other personal information in the selection of Regional finalists.

 

Criteria:

Each competitor must enter two cocktail recipes:

  • One of the two cocktail recipes must include either Elijah Craig or Rittenhouse Rye as the primary ingredient, using a minimum of 1oz.
  • One of the two cocktail recipes must include Domaine de Canton or PAMA
  • One for the two cocktail recipes should be inspired by a classic
  • One of the two cocktail recipes should show your ability to be creative and innovate
    • Note: Use of the liqueurs or the whiskeys in either the classically inspired or the innovative cocktail is permitted. There is no requirement on which is used for either type of drink.
  • Recipes must be original. An original recipe is the product of one’s own mind and is not a copy or imitation
  • Recipes must contain on more than 2.5oz. (at 40% alc./vol.) total combined alcoholic ingredients and the total volume of the ingredients shall not exceed 6oz.
  • Recipes must not exceed 7 ingredients including drops, dashes (This does not include garnishes)
  • Ingredients must be expressed in fluid ounces (.5 oz., 1 oz., 2 oz., etc.), with dashes and drops being the smallest quantities.
  • Preparation and mixing instructions must be included with your recipe.
  • Limit one full entry per person.
  • A blind judging panel will review and score the entries. Initial scores will be based on the judge’s’ interpretation of the written description submitted. In some cases, judges may recreate the cocktails to settle closely ranked submissions.

Each competitor must answer a short written question:

  • What does hospitality mean to you?
  • Responses must be a maximum of 250 words.

 

Scoring:

Inspired by a Classic (100 points):

  • Cocktail Name (10 points)
  • Appearance and Presentation (perceived based on description) (10 points)
  • Balance of Flavors, Aroma & Character (40 points)
  • Written Inspiration & Relationship to the Classic It was Inspired By (20 points)
  • Creativity (10 points)
  • Product Knowledge (10 points)

Innovative Cocktail (100 points):

  • Cocktail Name (10 points)
  • Appearance and presentation (perceived based on description) (10 points)
  • Balance of Flavors, Aroma & Character (40 points)
  • Inspiration & ability to display Innovation (20 points)
  • Creativity (10 points)
  • Product Knowledge (10 points)

Written Question (30 points):

  • What does hospitality mean to you?

Phase 2 – Regional / Semi-Final

For the purposes of selecting Semi-Finalists, regional events will be judged by local panels, as determined by the Sponsor with the assistance of Liquor.com. The regional competition rules and judging criteria will be created by Liquor.com and will be shared with all regional participants prior to the regional competitions.

Regional competitions will be held in February and March of 2016 in four markets:

  • New York
  • New Orleans
  • Chicago
  • San Francisco

Bartenders who reside outside of the participating regions and are chosen to participate are responsible for their travel expenses to the regional events (if applicable).

Bartenders will be chosen by a blind panel, based on their recipe submissions. Qualifying bartenders will be invited to compete at one of the four regional competitions. At each regional:

  • 8 Bartenders will compete across 2 distinct challenges
  • All participants will receive a Visa gift card
  • Judges will select a 1st and 2nd place winner

Phase 3 – Final

A total of eight finalists will be selected from the regional event winners and will compete at the finale event in Puerto Rico. For the purposes of selecting the winner of the 2016 Bartender of the Year, a panel of well-respected industry experts selected by Liquor.com and will judge the competition. Rules and judging criteria will be created by Liquor.com and will be shared with all Finalists a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the Final competition.

For more info CLICK HERE!
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MAKE SOME MYSCHYF
Press Release
FBC_Myschyf_2015_promo

 

What Is Myschyf?

After one sip it hits you. This is something new. Something you didn’t see coming. Imagine a warm build up, uniquely balanced flavors and a tingle finish. Myschyf is the hemp liqueur. This 70 proof liqueur has a flavor of hemp, pistachio with a clean mint finish. It’s made to shoot but great to mix with as well. Myschyf is great as a cordial to help modify your favorite cocktails or as a main spirit to really offer something new to your guests.

 

To learn more, you can  CLICK HERE!

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DIAGEO TO SUE CAPTAIN AMSTERDAM OVER CAPTAIN MORGAN
by
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Diageo has confirmed its intention to sue California-based herbal remedy and e-cigarette refills seller Captain Amsterdam, over the US company’s alleged similarity to the former’s Captain Morgan trademark.

The lawsuit, brought by Diageo North America, claims Captain Amsterdam has imitated the Captain Morgan character in its marketing material, as well as having imitated the ‘Captain’ and ‘Captain Morgan’ words.

A spokesperson for the drinks group said: “Captain Morgan is one of the most well-known and iconic spirit brands in the US and globally. We will strongly protect our intellectual property rights.”

 

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PLANTATION PINEAPPLE RUM
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French spirits producer Maison Ferrand has launched a pineapple rum as part of its Plantation range.

Plantation Pineapple Rum is made by infusing Plantation 3 Stars white rum with the rind of Queen Victoria pineapples for one week. The flesh of the pineapple is infused with Plantation Original Dark Rum for three months. The two liquids are then combined and put into casks for three months.

The rum was created by Maison Ferrand owner Alexandre Gabriel and spirits historian David Wondrich and it is their third collaboration after Pierre Ferrand 1840 Original Formula Cognac and Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao.

To learn more about Plantation Rum, you can start by  CLICKING HERE!

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THE ROADHOUSE UK FLAIR COMPETITION
FBC_Roadhouse_2015_promo

 

Roadhouse is an American themed bar & diner in the heart of London’s Covent Garden. Known throughout the world for its phenomenal bartenders and elite bar team, Roadhouse is also reputable for its recruitment process where only the ‘best of the best’ bartenders are selected to grace their presence & skill – making their own contribution to the success of the world famous Roadhouse.
That was then……..the year of 1999. Roadhouse identified the interest on Flair through the bartenders’ skills fast becoming a competitive game on shift, that we recognised the potential of bar teams all over London & beyond that we hosted an in-house Flair competition against another fellow Flair bar team, TGI Fridays. The night was so successful Roadhouse decided to develop the idea and open it up to the public…..this was the night where it all started.

Over the years the competition has been tweaked and molded to move with the times. People change, and so does the face of Flair. Roadhouse remains the leader in this field with the innovation of multi objects and strategic judging criteria. Still working on a ranking system and part of a league, Roadhouse utilises every month to make sure that the grand final holds host to the biggest names of flair in the world.
A special recognition must go out to Brett Seychelle who identified and pursued the interest in Flair to develop the Roadhouse Flair Competition. In addition to all who have participated, competed or contributed to Roadhouse Flair, we also thank previous organisers Troy, Andy Collinson, Lord Tugworth and Jay Du Toit for their involvement and promotion of the Roadhouse Flair competition, for whose efforts have made this competition the biggest in the world!!

FLAIR CALENDAR

January
January Results

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Points
Competitor
Representing

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343
Luca Valentine
Exquisite Bar Solutions
289
Miika Mehtio
VIP Bartenders
272
Vaclav Abraham
Independent
265
Alex Searle
Independent
210
Nico
VIP Bartenders
197
Andre Lenes
Independent
188
Bryan Levato
Independent
150
Oliver Deak
Independent
100
Vito
Roadhouse
89
Pter Findl
Medusa Club
79
Alex Bouas
Bar Flair School.com
58
Dave Tsouvallaris
Birmingham Flair Club

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26th Roadhouse World Challenge

Open to all international competitors. 2 places will be available for the Grand final in November.

(UK entrants will have their scores separated from international competitors and will be measured against their UK peers for the UK final in August. 3 spaces will be available for the UK Final)

February

 

February Results

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Points
Competitor
Representing

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321
Deniss Trifanovs
Olympic Voodoo Casino
294
Matteo Melara
Independent
289
Sikky
Sikky.com
287
Andre Lenes
Independent
202
Pietro Monaco
Independent
168
Alex Mihai Ardeleanu
Flying Cocktails Agency
187
Filipo Tadai
Independent
175
Vito
Roadhouse
106
Kristof Vandenabeele
Startending
99
Daniele Russo
Flair Studio
97
Steve Parsons
Roadhouse
85
Jorge Santos
Octopus
83
Alex Cavà
Independent
80
Al Bouas
Bar Flair School
64
Harry Dennis
Thirst

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23rd Roadhouse World Challenge

Open to all international competitors. 2 places will be available for the Grand final in November.

(UK entrants will have their scores separated from international competitors and will be measured against their UK peers for the UK final in August. 3 spaces will be available for the UK Final)

March
March Results

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Points
Competitor
Representing

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313
Akim Dagdzhviev
Shake up
311
Marian Sikky Chmel
Roadhouse
281
Marco Sdrubolini
FBS Roma
276
Alexander Shtifanov
MOS Flair
270
Andre Lenes
Independent
169
Alex Ardelenieu
Flying Cocktail Bar Agency
177
Carmine Liguori
Quality Events
154
Alex Cava
Independent
148
Micheal Moreni
Flair One Piece
145
Oliver Deàk
EBS
141
Mirka Gregova
Roadhouse
133
Vytautas Jucys
Roadhouse
127
Filipo Tadai
EBS
109
Jorge Santos
Octopus
78
Alex Bouas
Bar Flair School
22
Luciano De Gennaro
Belgium Flair Bartenders
3
Kristof Vandenabeele
Belgium Flair Bartenders

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30th Roadhouse World Challenge

Open to all international competitors. 2 places will be available for the Grand final in November.

(UK entrants will have their scores separated from international competitors and will be measured against their UK peers for the UK final in August. 3 spaces will be available for the UK Final)

April
April Results

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Points
Competitor
Representing

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287.33
Luca Valentine
Exquisite Bar Solutions
232.33
Bruno Vanzan
Bruno Vanzan.com
250.00
Sikky
Sikky.com
225.67
Filip Ciskowszki
Flair Addict
180.67
Leo Galvez
Brugal
174.33
Alex Ardeleanu
Independent
156
Andre Lenes
Showshakers
150
Mikey Holes
EBS
145
Bryan Levato
Independent
138
Przemyslaw Marczuk
Flair Addict
137
Naty
Shaka-Zula
128
Mirka
Roadhouse
123
Michael Novak
Independent
119
Marco Melis
Shake up – Right Spirit
115
Oliver Deak
EBS
108
Vitolo Vincenz
Independent
107
Thomas Vancula
Independent
98
Simone sterbini
Fly Events
93
Massimo Osmari
Independent
93
Nikolai Vangelov
Independent
85
Christian Balta
Hard Rock
83
Lukaz Kaliszuski
Independent
79
Alex Bouas
Bar Flair School
79
Vito
Roadhouse
74
Michele Cavalli
Roadhouse
52
Rossario La Terra
Independent
18
Henrique Tomas
Independent

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13th Chicks with Flicks

Roadhouse will be holding the third ALL FEMALE flair competition in 13 years. Its a chance for all the great female flairers out there to show off their moves, and compete against an all girl line up. First place will win a whopping £1000, and a place in the Grand Final in November. Its a day not to be missed!!

27th Roadhouse World Challenge

Open to all international competitors. 2 places will be available for the Grand final in November.

(UK entrants will have their scores separated from international competitors and will be measured against their UK peers for the UK final in August. 3 spaces will be available for the UK Final)

May
May Results

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Points
Competitor
Representing

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350
Rodrigo Delpech
Flair Fearless
290
Ionut Ivanov
Exquisite Bar Solutions
269
Andre Lenes
Independent
263
Marcin Cebula
Independent
255
Dariusz Owczarek
Flair Addict
254
Jumbles
EBS
232
Akim Dagdzhyiev
Performance Bartending UK
200
Oliver Deak
EBS
186
Alex Ardeleneau
Flying Cocktails Bar Agency
175
Elizaveta Soboleva
Planet Z
146
Gelandy Nicanchyk
TGI Fridays
132
Andres Herrera
Black Out Flair
131
Alberto Timarco
Flair project Roma
123
Naty Peralta
Chaka Zulu
106
Alex Voszniuk
Performance Bartending UK
100
Vito
Roadhouse
77
Alex Bouas
Bar Flair School
47
Steve Parsons
Roadhouse

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18th Roadhouse World Challenge

Open to all international competitors. 2 places will be available for the Grand final in November.

(UK entrants will have their scores separated from international competitors and will be measured against their UK peers for the UK final in August. 3 spaces will be available for the UK Final)

June
June Results

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Points
Competitor
Representing

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332
Alexanre Shtifanov
MOSFLAIR
306
AKIM
Performance Bartending UK
296
Andre Lenes
Showshakers
238
Flavius Lupu
EBS
194
Sikky
Roadhouse
188
Oliver Deak
EBS
180
Mikey Holes
Independent
173
Alex Ardeleanu
Flying Cocktails Bar agency
186
Alex Ardeleneau
Flying Cocktails Bar Agency
170
Ravi Camadoo
Roadhouse
154
Miyaku
EBS
130
Enrico Fiore
Loolapaloosa
126
Tomas Bielcik
Performance Bartending UK
125
Toru
Independent
119
Alberto Timarco
Roadhouse
114
Adri Di Lucia
Independent
112
Elizaveta Soboleva
Planet Z
105
Tomas Vancula
Roadhouse
80
Vito
Roadhouse
79
Georgio Fachinetti
Loolapaloosa
69
Alex Bouas
Bar Flair School
30
Steve Wilde
Adventure Bar

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29th Roadhouse World Challenge

Open to all International competitors. 2 places will be available for the Grand Final in November.

July
July Results

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Points
Competitor
Representing

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345
Luca Valentine
Exquisite Bar Solutions
320
Hiroshi Itchikawa
Independent
282
Matteo Melara
EBS
230
Lupu Flavius
EBS
225
Sikky
Roadhouse
221
Mikey Holes
Independent
220
Andre Lenes
Performance Bartending UK
220
Nico
VIP Bartenders
199
Elizaveta Soboleva
Planet Z
198
Naty Peralta
Shaka Zulu
196
Tony Mallin
Independent
190
Alex Ardeleneau
Flying Cocktails Agency
181
Vito
Roadhouse
173
Alberto Timarco
Roadhouse
167
Ravi
Roadhouse
163
Dancing Mark
Performance Bartending UK
151
Miyaku Okamura
EBS
149
Jorge Santos
Octopus Bar
144
Bryan Levato
Independent
139
Thomas Vancula
Roadhouse
119
Thomas
Performance Bartending UK
113
Alex Bouas
Flair Bar School
90
Dave
West Midlands Flair Club
69
Adam Keeligan
Independent

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27th Roadhouse World Challenge

Open to all international competitors. 2 places will be available for the Grand final in November.

August

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31st Roadhouse UK Final – UK Only

Every year, the UK’s finest dominate the Roadhouse stage to earn their UK ranking order. Battling it out live on the stage, we witness 25 of Britains Finest Bartenders going head to head, to see who will be crowned the UK champion.

September

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14th – Chicks with Flicks

Roadhouse will be holding the fourth ALL FEMALE flair competition in 13 years. Its a chance for all the great female flairers out there to show off their moves, and compete against an all girl line up. First place will win a whopping £1000, and a place in the Grand Final in November. Its a day not to be missed!!

28th – Invite Only
October

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26th October Roadhouse World Challenge and ZANTE REUNION

The Zante reunion has been a summer workers tradition thats working its way into its 8th year. After 6 solid months of drinking and working 7 days a week in the bar industry in the sunny island of Zante, all the workers meet up at Roadhouse for one last celebration to raise a glass to a great summer and to cheer on their favourite bartenders/conquests in true Zante style. This is a day NOT to be missed!

November

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29th November Roadhouse World Challenge Grand Final

DAY 1
The first day of the Grand Final runs between 1pm-5pm, and will see all the World Final competitors completing a working flair drink, and getting their rankings for the next days exhibition flair.

30th November Roadhouse World Challenge Grand Final

DAY 2
The Grand Final will be in full swing, with the Best in the World competing for a whopping £10 000 1st prize!!!!!

 

 

 

For more info you can CLICK HERE!

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HEAVEN HILL BRAND BUYS DEEP EDDY VODKA
by
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Heaven Hill Brands has agreed to acquire Deep Eddy Vodka from Eliza Spring for an undisclosed sum.

The deal includes the Deep Eddy Vodka brand and its distillery.

Texas-based Deep Eddy, which launched in 2010, has several flavours in its portfolio including Sweet Tea, Ruby Red and Lemon, as well as Straight Vodka. The entire team at Deep Eddy will join Heaven Hill.

Max Shapira, president of Heaven Hill Brands, said: “This is a milestone day for Heaven Hill Brands as we add Deep Eddy Vodka to our dynamic and innovative family.”

Eric Dopkins, who will continue as president of Deep Eddy Vodka, said: “The Deep Eddy team and their distributor partners will remain in place and continue to build on the exceptional momentum of the brand alongside Heaven Hill.”

Earlier this month, Heaven Hill announced a tie-up between its Blackheart rum and the Playboy brand.

 

69
Sha

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SPEED RACK ALL FEMALE BARTENDING COMPETITION 2015
Press Release
FBC_Speedrack_2015_promo

Speed Rack – Ivy Mix and Lynnette Marrero

The service industry can sometime be thought of as a man’s world. With Speed Rack, which they founded in February of 2011, Mix and Marrero have been able to shine a spotlight on female mixologists thriving behind bars around the country; and while they are at it, raise money for breast cancer research, education, and prevention.

The two got Speed Rack off the ground after Mix brought her concept of an all-female speed bartending competition to Marrero, the president of the NY chapter of LUPEC (Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails – an organization that promotes women in the spirit industry while raising funds for local and national charities.). The idea was to create a cocktail competition for the ladies -one that celebrated women, was created by women and supported women; in and out of the spirits industry. In their first year, Speed Rack met over 200 bartenders across the country and raised over $69,000.

 

FBC_Speedrack_2015_map

Playoffs run from November 2014 through June 2015.

 

To enter you can Click Here!
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