Cocktail competitions continue to be a popular trend among drinks brands worldwide. In 2014, Don Papa launched its first cocktail competition in the UK through a nationwide search for the next Don of Cocktails. The following year, the competition opened to The Netherlands, inviting the best bartenders in Amsterdam. In 2016, Don Papa Rum has expanded the cocktail competition, adding Denmark to its list, with each competition executed with a unique flair.
This year, Don Papa brought the cocktail competition to the Philippine shores where the cocktail scene continues to grow and develop with the rising number of cocktail bars and a blossoming bartending community. The competition was hosted in Downtown & Halstead featuring 13 of the best entries from bartenders across the nation.
With its overarching theme of Sugarlandia, the competition was graced by a distinguished panel of judges who represented different categories that are considered in a great cocktail: taste, balance, presentation, story, and use of the brand. Each contestant presented their cocktails with passion and gusto, impressing the judges not only with its taste but the stories behind their creations.
The best four bartenders were chosen as the champions for this year’s cocktail competition. Kathrin Osmillo of Oto charmed the judges with her story and presentation flair of the “La Fuerza” cocktail. John Robert Lorenzo of Samba at The Shangri-la Fort impressed the panel with his cocktail named “Corazon.” Abigael Quilal-lan of ABV showed her passion for cocktails with a poetry inspired creation called “Road Less Traveled”. The final champion, Maxniel Seruelo, hails all the way from Prisma Boracay and showed everyone his masterpiece entitled “Audaz Filipinos”.
The winners will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience of Negros Island, Philippines. Part of this prize is a first class treatment and VIP access to Don Papa Rum’s distillery, one of the Philippine’s biggest producing sugar mills, and a luxury island experience in Punta Bulata resort.