Winner of the 2016 Rum & Rhythm Battle of the Mixologists to Compete in the Cayman Islands’ Seven Fathoms Rum Challenge
Grand Prize Winner to Fly to Grand Cayman for Final Competition at Taste of Cayman 2017
On Friday, June 3, the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism proudly supported the 2016 Rum & Rhythm Battle of the Mixologists at Capitale in New York. Celebrating its fifth anniversary, this year’s event welcomed the top male and female mixologists to compete for the sought-after title of Caribbean Week New York’s ‘Mixologist of the Year’ and the chance to travel with a guest to Grand Cayman for the “Seven Fathoms Cayman Rum Challenge” competition in January 2017.
“We can’t imagine a more fitting way to celebrate Caribbean Week New York’s 2016 ‘Mixologist of the Year,’ Selma Slabiak than by inviting her to participate in the ultimate mix-off at the largest epicurean event in the Cayman Islands,” said Mrs. Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism. “Drawing foodies from around the world each year, Taste of Cayman provides the perfect setting for visitors to sample and sip the flavours of the Cayman Islands amid the unforgettable natural backdrop of Seven Mile Beach.”
Following successful wins at recent Rum Rumble competitions held at popular Manhattan locales best known for their varied rum selections and skilled mixologists, the remaining two finalists to compete in the ultimate battle of the sexes were Sylvanus Johnson of Saint Vincent and Selma Slabiak of Denmark. In the end, Selma walked away with the exciting grand prize and esteemed new title of ‘Mixologist of the Year’ with her creation of the Loa Bird cocktail at the event.
In celebration of her victory, Selma is rewarded with a luxurious getaway for two to beautiful Grand Cayman, including complimentary roundtrip air transportation courtesy of Cayman Airways and a three-night stay at the new Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, opening November 2016. As part of the trip, she will also compete for the international title at the final “Seven Fathoms Cayman Rum Challenge” mixology competition, to be held on Saturday, January 28, 2017, in Camana Bay. Sponsored by Seven Fathoms Rum, the competition is a featured event of the annual Taste of Cayman Food & Wine Festival, a lively celebration of the Cayman Islands’ dynamic and diverse food and drink scene.
“We are so excited to elevate our annual mixologist competition by opening it up to international challengers,” said Walker Romanica, Owner/Distiller, Cayman Spirits Company. “This extension truly raises the bar for this year’s event and we hope it will inspire even greater competition and participation in years to come.”
About the Cayman Islands
Located 480 miles south of Miami in the vibrant tranquillity of western Caribbean, this trio of tiny islands is a premier destination for discriminating travellers, divers, honeymooners and families. World renowned for its idyllic beaches and recognized as a sophisticated, diverse and memorable tourist destination, the Cayman Islands offer spectacular recreational opportunities along with warm, impeccable service. To learn more about the Cayman Islands, please use visitcaymanislands.com or visit www.divecayman.ky or call your local travel agent.
From large-group trips and business-focused getaways to ultra-luxurious escapes and multi-generational family vacations, the Cayman Islands provide every element needed to keep clients coming back for more. With an abundance of world-class dining options, a host of adventure activities – including snorkeling, diving, jet skiing, caving, and nature trails – and a variety of meeting spaces for groups large and small, the Cayman Islands is well-poised to host any type of traveler or special occasion.
About Rum Rumble
Rum Rumble is a series of promotional mixologist competitions organized by the Caribbean Tourism Association (CTO) as part of Caribbean Week New York. This year’s Rum Rumbles are being coordinated by Nalini Tiwari of Adya Communications, the US representative of El Dorado. It is sponsored by Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, the Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands.
