Caorunn Small Batch Scottish Gin announced its four U.S. finalists in the Caorunn Storytellers Global Cocktail Competition. The four top submissions will go head-to-head at Tales of the Cocktail 2012 in New Orleans for a chance to win a trip to Scotland and represent the U.S in the Global Finals at Bramble Bar in Edinburgh, September 3rd.
Each finalist created and presented a compelling and entertaining story behind a “modern classic” cocktail inspired by one or more of Caorunn’s five Celtic botanicals; heather, rowan berry, bog myrtle, dandelion and coul blush apple. The finalists draw from across the country and are as follows:
- Carol Donovan – Hearty, Chicago, IL
- cocktail: Heather’s Brogue
- Robert Juall – Kings County Bar, New York, NY
- cocktail: The Carriage Cocktail
- Leslie Ross – Beavers Ice House, Houston, TX
- cocktail: The Moorish Idol
- Mike Taib – Howie Steak House, Bellevue, WA
- cocktail: Fiddler
“We are delighted to see the range of cocktails our competition inspired,” said Pat Graney, President of International Beverage USA. “This competition recognizes the role of the bartender going beyond just serving a good cocktail. Their hospitality, character and ability to engage with patrons are just as important for a great experience at the bar.”
The competition will be held at the Royal Sonesta Hotel on July 26th from 4:30pm-6pm. There, a panel of spirit experts will select the U.S. winner who will be flown to Scotland for the Global Finals to compete against finalists from Australia, England, Scotland and Spain. Judges for the competition are: Caorunn Gin Master, Simon Buley, Spirits Editor for Wine Enthusiast and author of Spice & Ice, Kara Newman, Owner and Beverage Director of Manhattan’s Flatiron Lounge, Julie Reiner, and Editor-in-Chief of Bar Business Magazine, Chris Ytuarte.
The top U.S. Storyteller also receives an exclusive tour of Scotland’s countryside and Balmenach Distillery with Caorunn Gin Master, Simon Buley. The Global Cocktail winner will receive a cash prize and their winning drink will be promoted worldwide as a signature Caorunn cocktail.
About Caorunn
Caorunn (pronounced “ka-roon”), is a handcrafted, small batch distilled Scottish gin <http://www.caorunngin.com/> crafted using time-honored distillation techniques and a unique infusion of five locally sourced Celtic botanicals. The super-premium gin is naturally balanced, dry, clean and crisp and perfectly served with a slice of red apple. Its aromatic taste also provides an ideal base for cocktails. It is distilled in small batches, usually 1,000 liters, at Balmenach Distillery in Scotland’s Spey valley. It is marketed by International Beverage. Find Caorunn on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/caorunngin.
