Riga Black Balsam cocktail competition in pictures

Estonian bartender Angelika Larkina was crowned winner of the inaugural Riga Black Balsam Global Cocktail Challenge 2015 following a fierce global final.

Angelika Larkina won the first ever Riga Black Balsam Global Cocktail Challenge

A total of 48 bartenders from10 countries went head-to-head in the Latvian capital of Riga, home of the Riga Black Balsam brand, for the chance to win a cut of the €4,800 prize fund.

But taking the top accolade and a cheque for €3,000 was Larkina with her cocktail 6 Elements, which was made using Riga Balsam Currant, Riga Balsam Elements, Chambord, Sandeman Fino Sherry, Cido cherry juice and orange peel oil.

Judging the competition were Valters Kaže, Amber Beverage Group’s chief marketing officer, Raitis Akerblums, president of the Latvian Federation of Bartenders, Philip Duff, international beverage expert, and Peter Dorelli, UKBG education secretary.

Commenting on the competition Duff said: “In general, the presentations were amazing – there had to be at least 10 to 15 drinks that we could put on the table at the Artesian and nobody would know the difference.

“For me, I was looking for drinks that really let the Riga shine through, and there were six or so that did an exceptional job of that.”

Second place and a cash prize of €1,000 was awarded to Juris Ķēniņš, of Latvia, with his cocktail RICO, while third place and a prize of €500 was awarded to Eduards Trofimčuks, of Latvia, for his cocktail The Sixth Element.

The winning cocktail by Angelika Larkina – 6 Elements

Bartenders Rihards Piternieks, of Latvia, Inguss Reizenbergs, of Latvia, and Olegs Hindogina, of Latvia were awarded fourth, fifth and sixth place respectively and received a prize of €100.

Dorelli said: “The participants themselves raised the quality and prestige of the competition.

“I have been on juries at bartending competitions all over the world, but in this one I must especially praise the beautiful cocktail decorations. The participants had put in a great effort.”

Contestants were permitted to use any of the Riga Black Balsam range in their drinks, including Riga Black Currant and Riga Black Element.

“Riga Black Balsam is a modern drink for cocktails, which, at the same time, preserves its value by remaining unique and characteristic of Riga,” commented Seymour Ferreira, Amber Beverage Group board chairman.

“Riga is called ‘the hipster capital of Europe’. We want to spread a message to the world – Riga’s stylish youth chooses Riga Black Balsam cocktails.”

Click through to the following pages for further details of when The Spirits Business travelled to Riga, Latvia, for the Riga Black Balsam Global Cocktail Challenge.

SB’s senior staff writer Melita Kiely travelled to Riga, Latvia, last week for the first ever Riga Black Balsam Glogal Cocktail Challenge. Greeted by snow, the trip kicked-off with a short coach ride to visit the brand’s factory.

On arrival at the Latvijas Balzams factory Valters Kaže, chief marketing officer for Amber Beverage Group, led a tour around the site’s facilities divulging the firm’s rich history.

Once inside and sheltered the freezing cold temperature, Amber Beverage Group’s chief marketing officer Valters Kaže continued his in-depth explanation of the Riga Black Balsam brand. The history is filled with legends and stories, including alleged miraculous curing qualities of the drink, which supposedly healed Empress Catherine the Great of Russia in 1764.

After the tour, it was time to head to Crystal Club, which played host to the competition. First on the day’s agenda, however, was a masterclass by revered Peter Dorelli – former head bartender at the American Bar at The Savoy and current education secretary of the UKBG. Dorelli took an engrossed group of bartenders through his top tips to become a successful bartender, before inviting a select few contestants to join him behind the bar to recreate two specially chosen cocktails.

Once the masterclass had finished, names were chosen at random to put the contestants in order the competition. The 48 bartenders were then split into groups of three and given a short time to prepare their ingredients before taking to the stage to make their drinks in seven minutes before the scrutiny of a panel of technical judges. The panel of tasting judges were hidden from view so as to not influence their decisions, and after each contestant had finished the final products were whisked away for the all-important tasting.

As the scores were tallied up, bartenders and spectators alike indulged in delectable Riga Black Balsam cocktails and canapés while a local dance group was on hand to entertain the crowds, followed by a talented flairtending duo.

It was then time for the results to be revealed. Each bartender was called onto the stage one at a time to receive a certificate, before the top six winners were announced, much to the delight of the cheering crowds.

Winning the top prize of €3,000 was Angelika Larkina, of Estonia, with her cocktail 6 Elements.