Stauning whisky opens cocktail contest

Danish whisky producer Stauning has debuted its first global cocktail competition.

Named Stauning Drinks Kollektive, the contest is open to bartenders from Denmark, Germany, France, the UK, the US and Australia.

The brand said it would be looking for entrants who can showcase creativity and innovation through unique Stauning-based serves. They will be judged by Stauning’s global brand ambassador, Ali Reynolds, along with the Stauning founders and esteemed industry leaders.

Entries can be submitted on the Stauning website until 4 May 2024, with cocktails needing to be made from a maximum of six ingredients, including a Stauning whisky, and in keeping with the brand’s three core pillars: design, sustainability and locality.

The top 10 entries from each country will move onto the regional finals – which will take place through June and July – with the finalists then winning an all-expenses-paid trip to Denmark in September. There, they will experience the country, visit Stauning’s distillery near Skjern on the west coast, and compete in the global final.

Prizes for the champion will include owning an entire cask of Stauning whisky of their choice from the brand’s collection, and an invitation to join the competition as a judge in 2025.

Last year, Stauning won two Gold medals in The Spirits Business‘ World Whisky Masters blinding-tasting competition for its Rye Maple Syrup Cask Finish and Dirty Bastard expressions.

It also launched DIY bottle design kits to combat supply chain issues, which won the Innovation in Packaging award at The SB Awards 2023.

World whisky is growing in influence and the Danish distiller is one of the brands leading the charge, challenging the status quo in Scotland and the US.