Patrón picks eight experts to judge global final

Tequila brand Patrón has confirmed the eight judges for the global final of its Perfectionists competition, which is under way.

The Patrón Perfectionists global final is being held from 24 to 30 March at Hacienda Patrón in Jalisco, Mexico. Sixteen global finalists are vying for the winning title.

The judging panel includes Ivy Mix, co-owner of Leyenda bar and the Fiasco! Wine and spirits shop. Mix also co-founded Speed Rack and penned Spirits of Latin America.

LP O’Brien will also join the judging line-up; O’Brien is winner of Netflix’s Drink Masters, and is CEO and founder of LP Drinks and Focus on Health.

The judges will also include: Sandrae Lawrence, founder and editor of award-winning The Cocktail Lovers; Tara Fougner, co-founder and CEO of Thirsty Media; Giulia Cuccurullo, 2020 Patrón Perfectionists global winner and head bartender of Artesian in London; Harrison Kenney, 2022 Patrón Perfectionists global winner and general manager of Bar Planet in Sydney; Ana Martorell, educator, chef and founder of the Aida and Oxa Cocina Única restaurants; and Haba Flores, beverage consultant and Tequila aficionado with bartending experience in Guadalajara venues such as El Gallo Cantinero, Salon Candela and Matilde Mi Amor.

Lauren Mote, global director of on-trade excellence for Patrón Tequila, said: “Each one of the judges is a trailblazer in their industry, a vibrant personality whose passion and energy is an inspiration for hospitality professionals, food and cocktail lovers.

“Championing and inspiring people to follow their passions to be the best version of themselves is part of our brand DNA at Patrón, and I am confident that the drive, knowledge and cultural diversity the judges are bringing to the table will ignite further motivation into the participating bartenders.”

The Patrón Perfectionists competition has evolved into a fully integrated bartending programme, that sits under the educational arm of Academia Patrón.

The finalists will face three tasks, beginning with the first challenge: Field to Flavour. Set against the backdrop of agave fields, the bartenders will have to think on their feet as the task is presented to them on the day.

The second challenge – The Stories We Share – will ask participants to look to Mexico’s history to create a cocktail that emulates Mexican culture, and used Patrón Silver, Reposado or Ańejo.

The final challenge will be Mi Mese es Tu Mesa (my table is your table). The bartenders will be tasked with transforming all eight judges’ time at the table into an unforgettable experience.

Take a look at the cocktails that secured each of the 16 finalists a place in the grand finale.