Delaney takes Global Crown

David Delaney Jnr from the US has been named the winner of the Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge 2012.

In second place was Riki Carter (New Zealand), with Jamaal Bowen (Trinidad & Tobago) in third. The competition took place in Port of Spain, Trinidad, on Carnival Sunday, 21 February – the pinnacle of the largest celebration on the island.

Mixologists came from across the globe to participate, from Australia and New Zealand, to China, Russia, South Africa, India and the US.

The judging panel consisted of US mixologist Tony Abou-Ganin, Hine cellarmaster Eric Forget, mixologist Jacob Briars, executive director technical operations at Angostura, Visia Persa-Doodnath, and the 2011 Angostura global brand ambassador, and former cocktail challenge winner, Andy Griffiths.

The panel tasted 30 different cocktails, two from each contestant – one for the rum category, the other freestyle. The judges awarded points for appearance, aroma, taste and presentation.

Persa-Doodnath said: “Now in its fifth year, the competition is tougher every year and 2012 was no exception. The creativity and technical ability from our finalists was very impressive. It was a close final, but in the end David was crowned the winner.”

Winner Delaney Jnr will be the Angostura global brand ambassador for 2012, as well as receiving a cheque for US$10,000.