Angostura Crowns European Cocktail Champion

Oct. 25, 2010 - PRLog -- Angostura brought the carnival spirit to London when they held the European Finals of the International Angostura Cocktail Challenge at UK Rumfest 2010. German mixologist Wolfgang Mayer took the European crown, and goes through to the grand finale.

The competition saw twelve finalists vying for the European title following months of regional and national competitions.  Mixologists from countries including Spain, Italy, Russia, Germany and the UK created two cocktails, each judged on cocktail taste, appearance and aroma.  The winner, who was announced at the Golden Barrel Awards on Saturday night, wins a place in the Global Final which takes place in Trinidad during the world famous carnival in March 2011.  

Judges for the European final included 2008’s winner Jamie Stephenson and Imbibe Bar & Spirits Editor Alice Lascelles.  Angostura’s Director of Corporate Communications Giselle Laronde-West and the woman who beat Halle Berry to win Miss World in 1986 was also part of the judging panel.

Giselle announced the Cocktail Challenge winner at the Golden Barrel Awards and comments: ‘The standard this year has been extremely high so it was very difficult to choose a winner.  However Wolfgang’s cocktail really was incredible and the mix of ingredients worked perfectly. The winning cocktail ‘Seven Senses’ stood out due to its freshness, originality, balance and aftertaste, whilst Wolfgang’s presentation skills were professional, confident and interesting.’

As European winner, Wolfgang will now face winners from North America, South America, Caribbean, Asia, Africa, Trinidad & Tobago and India.  The winner of the Global Competition wins a cash prize of $10,000 US and a year-long contract as the global Angostura brand ambassador.

-Ends-

For further information, contact:Sharon McLaughlin / Lisa McEwan, McLaughlin Gibson Communications Ltd, Tel: +44 (0) 141 440 6797  Email: sharon@mgcomms.com / lisa@mgcomms.com

Notes to editors:
•   Angostura 1824 has been recognized by top international judges winning some of the world’s top spirit awards. In 2009 it was awarded the top honour of Best In Show for Rum at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It has won the coveted Gold Award for Best Rum in its Category at the International Wine and Spirit Championships and a Gold Award at the Rum Masters.
•   The Angostura International Cocktail Challenge European Final took place at UK Rumfest 2010 at Olympia 2, London.
•   The Global Final will take place in March 2011 in Trinidad during their world famous Carnival.
•   Participants are given rules and guidelines prior to competition and have 20 minutes to prepare 2 original cocktails for the judges.  Cocktails are judged on appearance, taste and aroma.
Seven Senses – Winning Cocktail
Ingredients
4cl Angostura Anjeo Rum
2cl Fresh Lime
2cl White Peach Puree
1.5cl Sugar syrup
3 dash Angostura Bitters
0.5cl Raspberry Syrup
2 Sage Leaves
Served in a martini Glass
Garnish - white peach peal and a sage leaf.
Method - shake all ingredients and double strain in to glass.