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Patrón names 2022 Perfectionists champion
Sydney-based bartender Harrison Kenney has been crowned the winner of this year’s Patrón Perfectionists Cocktail Competition.
Kenney stormed to success in the global final, held at Hacienda Patrón in Jalisco, Mexico, on 3 June.
The Australian bartender beat 14 other finalists from countries across the world. Bartenders were tasked with creating a cocktail that could be easily replicated.
Kenney’s winning serve, Teal, combined Patrón Silver with fino Sherry, simple syrup, lime juice, celery juice, kiwi fruit juice and vanilla olive oil.
Kenney, of Sydney bar Cantina OK, said: “It’s an overwhelming feeling to be receiving this title among a crowd of such incredible bartenders and humans. I feel honoured to be here at Hacienda Patrón where I have had the chance to meet inspiring mentors and make lifelong friends.
“The Patrón Perfectionists has truly been the best journey and I cannot wait to extend it into the year to come by embracing new experiences and learnings with the familia Patrón.”
The judges for the global final comprised: David Rodriguez, Patrón master distiller; Giulia Cuccurullo, head bartender at London’s Artesian, and Patrón Perfectionists 2020 global winner; Adam Teeter, co-founder and CEO of Vine Pair; and Anny Barrera, head bartender at Semillón in San José del Cabo, Mexico.
The 2022 competition was given a digital format, enabling bartenders to show their skills through a global online stage.
With more than 1,700 entries worldwide, each participating country selected the top 30 recipes and called on consumers to vote for their favourite serves, attracting more than 30,000 online votes that shortlisted 10 national finalists. The national finals were broadcast online via Facebook.
Lauren Mote, global manager of programme excellence for Patrón, said: “This year, we elevated the competition to new, creative heights with a digital format that embraced changes to the drinks industry.
“We were delighted by the participants’ ability to communicate their personal stories alongside their stunning Patrón cocktails; this resonated with our global discerning cocktail lovers.
“Once again, the Patrón Perfectionists programme is a testament to how a cocktail competition is fun and helps develop each bartender’s skillset beyond the glass. New, talented bartenders have joined the familia Patrón – becoming part of a global community whose excellence and passion continue to drive Tequila culture worldwide.
“We are extremely proud of all the Patrón Perfectionists participants, and our warmest congratulations go to the global winner Harrison Kenney from Australia. Harrison dazzled the crowd and judges with his incredible storytelling, comedic flair and delicious cocktails.”