Bartenders set to make their mark

Maker’s Mark has launched a cocktail tournament to find the ultimate bourbon bartender.

The Maker’s Mark Mix Off will see 40 competitors from across the UK taking part in the challenge. Each entrant is a member of the Maker’s Mark Embassy, a brand initiative which aims to support selected top UK bars.

The regional heats will take the form of a head-to-head knockout to make the best Manhattan and Sour cocktails, before competitors are invited to make a drink of their choice.

The winners from London, Brighton, Bristol, Leeds and Edinburgh will then be invited to the Maker’s Mark distillery in Kentucky this November.

The final will be held at the Pendennis Club, judged by master distiller Kevin Smith and cocktail expert Simon Difford, with Maker’s Mark president Bill Samuels hosting the event.

At this final stage, competitors will be faced with quirky challenges, such as making their drink to a well known American pop song. As the contest heats up, the atmosphere will take on a more serious note as the finalists aim to impress the judges with their cocktail skills.

Mark Lee Walker, UK brand manager for Maker’s Mark at Maxxium, said: “Our competition will create a buzz and make bourbon whisky a talking point among the leading bartenders across the UK. It will inspire creativity in bourbon cocktail making and strengthen the bartenders’ relationship with Maker’s Mark.”

Participating bars include the Lonsdale in London, Voodoo Rooms in Edinburgh, Koba in Brighton and Mojo in Manchester.

The Maker’s Mark Mix Off represents part of Maxxium UK’s £500,000 investment in the brand this year.

Gabriel Savage, 06.10.09