Riga Black Balsam Cocktail Challenge in pictures
SB’s staff writer Nicola Carruthers travelled to Riga, Latvia, last week for the 2nd Riga Black Balsam Global Cocktail Challenge. On the first evening, contestants, judges and members of the press gathered at the Taillink Hotel for a conference on the competition. Forming the judging panel were Ron Busman, president of the International Bartenders Association; Mario Hofferer, champion of IBA Cocktail World Championship 2011; Raimonds Tomsons, sommelier; and Valters Kaže, chief marketing officer of Amber Beverage Group.
The next morning, it was time to head to Crystal Club, where the competition was held. First on the day’s agenda, however, was a masterclass by revered mixologist Mario Hofferer – IBA World Champion 2011, double time national Bacardi Legacy winner and grand finalist in the world finals. Hofferer provided bartenders tips on using sugar, acid and ice, bar tools, sensory training and aroma analysis.
Once the masterclass had finished, names were chosen at random to put the contestants in order for the competition. The 49 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.
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.
Claiming the sixth spot was Marina Vinogradova from Latvia with her cocktail Black Secret which contained Riga Black Elements, Malibu, Campari, Monin peach, Monin sweet and sour mix and cranberry juice.
In fifth place was Lucia Montanelli of The Dorchester in London with her cocktail Purple Velvet which combined Riga Black Currant, Limoncello, lime juice, orgeat syrup and fresh blackberries.
George Cedrick Thomas, of Austria was named fourth in the competition with his cocktail The Sixth Sense, a combination of Riga Black Currant, Disaronno and garnished with coconut leaves.
Taking third place was Hirja Nilt, of Estonia, with her cocktail Eva, a combination of Riga Black Elements, melon syrup and citrus tea liqueur.
Second place and a cash prize of €1,000 was awarded to Wojciech Urbanski, of Poland, with his cocktail Black Balsa-miko, served in a teapot.
Winning the top accolade and a cheque for €3,000 was Ukrainian bartender Stanislav Mukhin, who blew the judges away with his cocktail Formula 17/52, named after the year Riga Black Balsam was born.
Served in a handmade glass with the stem containing the many herbs that are in Riga Black Balsam, the serve combined Riga Balsam Currant, rhubarb bitters, juniper berries, Monin macaroon syrup and apple vinegar.
After the competition, bartenders and spectators alike indulged in delectable Riga Black Balsam cocktails and canapés while a live band was on hand to entertain the crowds.
