Shaking up the competition

Ramsbury Distillery has called on Martini maestros to take part in its first cocktail contest.

Shaken or stirred, vodka or gin, nothing ignites fierce debate like the Martini. Who makes (or shakes, or stirs…) the best one, though? That’s up for another debate, one that Ramsbury Distillery is looking to explore in its first global cocktail competition: The Ramsbury Martini Masters.

Bringing together some of the world’s leading bartenders, from four countries – Greece, Sweden, Germany and Canada  – the premise is as simple as the classic cocktail itself: devise a bespoke Martini using the Wiltshire-based distillery’s award-winning single-estate vodka or gin.

“Not only does the Martini Masters showcase Ramsbury Spirits’ growth into the international market but it also allows us to give back to the global on-trade network that has supported the brand,” says Mikul Kalyan, Ramsbury’s global brand ambassador (pictured). “It’s a celebration of the vibrant spirit that connects us all through the art of the Martini.”

Martini-making prowess will be judged on various criteria, including flavour and texture, appearance and sustainability, all by an unannounced, locally selected expert jury representative, who the brand dubs a ‘Martini guru’.

Major cities

Having passed the first stage, six chosen cocktails from each market will advance to final showpieces taking place in their four major cities – Athens, Berlin, Toronto, and Stockholm.

The grand prizes on offer for the winners will include a visit to Ramsbury’s distillery in the UK, where bartenders will be able to produce their own gin, receive a six-month paid local ambassador contract to present Ramsbury masterclasses in their respective cities, and together, the chance to host a takeover of a top bar during London Cocktail Week in October.

Ramsbury champions the best of Britain with its spirits, produced through sustainable farming and distilling processes while minimising any potential environmental damage. The distillery strives to use as much as it can from its estate in the production process.

The Martini Masters is a collaboration between Ramsbury Distillery and drinks agency Scotch Creatives, under the leadership of renowned drinks expert Barrie Wilson.

Wilson says: “A perfect Martini separates a good bartender from a great one. It’s the fingerprint of the bar, and should have customers travelling from far and wide to experience it. The Ramsbury Martini Masters is a global celebration of terroir, taste, texture and good times.”

To register, bartenders must submit a photo or video of their Martini on Instagram, tagging @Ramsbury_Distillery. Only one entry per bartender is permitted. From there, a locally appointed jury will assess the Martinis with one bartender from each final event named a Ramsbury Martini Master.