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UK triumphs in Opihr Gin cocktail competition

UK bartender Joe Macbeth was crowned winner in the final of the 2016 Opihr World Adventure Cocktail Competition, which took place in Marrakech over the weekend.

UK bartender Joe Macbeth has been named winner of the 2016 Opihr World Adventure Cocktail Competition

Five finalists hailing from the UK, Ireland, Belgium and Netherlands, were flown to Marrakech, Morrocco for the competition’s grand final, which took place on Saturday.

Contestants were tasked with creating an original cocktail using Opihr Oriental Spiced Gin, and given a budget of 300 dirham (roughly £30) to source all other ingredients and drinking vessels fresh from the souks of Marrakech within a one-hour time frame.

The five finalists comprised of Joe Macbeth of Rub Smokehouse & Bar, Nottingham; Carla Molina Ruiz of Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour, London; Maxime Carlier of Mes Amis Waregem, Belgium; Eric Stephenson of Monkey’s Eyebrow’s Bottling Co., Amsterdam; and Paddy Noir of MVP, Ireland.

Forming the panel of judges was Kate Harrison, international brand manager at Quintessential Brands, Xavi Esteve, brand specialist at Marblehead, Andrew Nicholls, Opihr Gin brand ambassador for Netherlands and Nicola Carruthers, staff writer at The Spirits Business.

After lengthy reflections, the first place position was bestowed upon Macbeth who was named the 2016 champion.

Macbeth impressed the judges with his drink Fragrant Harbour – made using Opihr Gin, Lillet Blanc infused with lemon verbena, almonds and orange blossom oil, lightly spiced orgeat, fresh ginger, cinnamon and star anise. His drink was shaken and strained into a silver teapot before being served to the judges.

Harrison said: “Joe’s cocktail, Fragrant Harbour, was exquisitely presented, perfectly balanced and his story showed true understanding of the Opihr brand, G&J Distillers and the team here that works so hard to make the brand a success.”

As the 2016 champion, Macbeth will be prized with producing a limited edition batch of Opihr Gin with master distiller Joanne Moore.

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