Opihr Gin launches second annual competition

Following on from its inaugural year in 2014, the Opihr Oriental Spiced Gin World Adventure Cocktail Competition is now open to international bartenders.

Entries for the Opihr Oriental Spiced Gin World Adventure Cocktail Competition are now open

Initially open only to members of the UK on-trade, the competition has expanded its global presence and is now also open to bartenders from the US, Spain, Portugal and Ireland.

Bartenders who enter will be tasked with crafting a cocktail that takes the drinker on a “journey of discovery” – reflecting the brand’s own flavour map that can be traced along the ancient spice route.

The final of the competition will be held in Marrakech, Morocco, in September 2015.

Finalists will scour the city’s streets and markets to source and ingredients that will be used to create a cocktail communicating a tale of travel and adventure.

Launched in 2013 by Quintessential Brands, Opihr’s botanicals include coriander from Morocco, black pepper from India and cubeb berries from Indonesia.

“Opihr is now the world’s fastest growing super premium gin, with sales up 277% versus last year,” said Kate Harrison, international brand manager for Opihr Gin at Quintessential Brands.

“We are really excited to be launching our World Adventure Cocktail Competition and including global markets in the semi-finals this year.”

Last year, Thomas Theuermeister, from Battersea bar The Lost Angel, was crowned winner of the inaugural competition after impressing judges with his Sahara Zahara cocktail, containing cactus pear fruit, rose yoghurt, lime and local honey with a prickly pear on the side.

Bartenders wishing to enter can find out more about the competition at Opihr’s website, Facebook page and Twitter.