Mixology masters thrill at Angostura challenge
Published:Thursday | October 13, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Following an enticing display of inventive cocktail creations, bartenders Alexa-Rae Clennon and Elroy Fergusson were victorious in the Angostura Mixmaster Jamaica Cocktail Challenge, last Saturday at The Deck in Kingston.
Skill and showmanship abounded in the challenge, hosted by Lascelles Wines and Spirits, the local distributors of Angostura products. To highlight the 'mixability' of Angostura Bitters in cocktails, each competitor prepared two cocktails - enhanced by a at least five dashes of Angostura Aromatic Bitters or Orange Bitters. They were scored on appearance, aroma, taste and presentation.
In the end, Clennon and Fergusson were rewarded for their unmatched ingenuity with US$1,000 each, and will represent Jamaica at the regional finals on October 29 in Ocho Rios, for a chance to add US$5,000 to their winnings.
Mixers of the most bewitching brews will then compete in the Global Challenge in February 2012 in Trinidad, for a chance to win US$10,000 and the coveted Angostura Grand Master Champion title.
Clennon's win was no surprise. The youngest of the contestants at age 19, with only six months experience bartending, Clennon made a lasting impression.
With a bit less fanfare, Fergusson operated with cool composure. The Margaritaville Ocho Rios-based bartender was the quiet but deadly 'dark horse' of the competition, who upstaged his more animated opponents with a smooth delivery and cleverly created cocktails that titillated the judges' taste buds.
André Cowan, marketing manager for Lascelles, was pleased with the outcome. "There was a high level of professionalism and talent among the contestants, who showed how versatile Angostura Bitters is in enhancing their cocktails."
It was an exhilarating competition, with lots of thrills, a few spills and great theatrics. Medusa's Phillip Lovejoy and Bars-To-Go's Ryan Mittoo set up an array of tools and presentation enhancers before delighting with their mixtures. Both men were clear audience favourites, as was The Deck's own Natasha Gooden, who had 'home bar' advantage.
Known as the taste that flavours the world, Angostura has a long tradition of spicing up cuisines in the Caribbean and internationally. It is a highly concentrated flavouring made from a selection of aromatic herbs and spices, which makes it ideal for all culinary purposes.