PRESS RELEASE
MOUNT GAY CARIBBEAN COCKTAIL COMPETITION KICKS OFF
Bartenders from 11 countries go head-to-head to take top prize
June 2022 – Barbados – The world’s oldest running rum distillery has invited bartenders from across the Caribbean to submit their own Mount Gay Black Barrel and Mount Gay XO cocktail recipes for a chance to win coveted prizes. In the phased competition, bartenders will participate in a masterclass hosted by US Brand Ambassador Darrio Prescod and showcase their creations using Black Barrel and XO on their social media channels. Mount Gay Rum is Distributed in St. Lucia by Caribbean Producers St.Lucia LTD. (CPJ)
Following the first competition phase, bartenders will be invited to compete in their home market during the month of June, where industry experts will judge their creation, presentation, brand knowledge and originality. Finalists, announced by 1 July 2022, will be awarded a $500 USD cash prize and a trip to Barbados to compete on International Rum Day (16 August 2022). The winner of the final competition, will take home an all-expense paid trip to London Rum Festival in October where they will immerse themselves in the London bar scene and have the opportunity to experience the iconic rum fest.
“We’re thrilled to see this competition come to fruition,” noted Raphaël Grisoni, Managing Director at Mount Gay. “After putting this to the side due to travel restrictions, we’re happy to see bartenders all over the Caribbean excited to create their own XO and Black Barrel cocktails for the global stage. Good luck to everyone!”
The competition will run locally in St.Lucia, the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Barbados, USVI, Cayman, BVI, Antigua, Trinidad, St. Maarten and St. Barths during the final weeks of June 2022 with semi-finalists announced by 1 July 2022. The St. Lucia leg of the competition is now open, with the finals to be held at Ultra Lounge on June 25, 2022 from 2 p.m.
Caribbean Producers St. Lucia Limited (CPJ), Wines & Spirits Sales Manager, Denver Alcee indicated that he is very excited to have a leg of the competition here in St. Lucia. There are many Bartenders in St. Lucia with exceptional hidden talent. This competition will give them some much needed exposure. The St. Lucia Leg of the Competition will be closing with a special element – A grand Mount Gay Rum Party at Ultra Lounge. Some of the best DJs from St. Lucia will be providing entertainment and Mount Gay Rum will be on special all night. Mr. Alcee is encouraging the St. Lucian public to come to support their favorite local Bartenders. Patrons must be 18 or older to drink.
The finals will be held in Barbados on 16 August 2022 for international Rum Day, and the grand prize winner will attend the London Rum Festival from 14-18 October 2022. All local winners will be awarded a $500 USD cash and an all-expenses paid trip to Barbados for the finals. Each entry on social media will receive a $50 cash prize.
For more information, please contact: Denver Alcee at dalcee@slu.cpj.com / 1758-2854270
About Mount Gay
Mount Gay is the world’s oldest running rum distillery established in 1703. Founded and still located in the Parish of St Lucy, at the northernmost tip of Barbados, Mount Gay is crafted using pure, coral-filtered water and the finest Barbadian and Caribbean molasses. Distilled in traditional double copper pot and copper column stills, Mount Gay rums are aged in a diverse selection of casks including American whiskey, Bourbon and Cognac. Harnessing over 300 years of heritage and expertise, Mount Gay rums are a fine balance between science, art and innovation. Blended by Master Blender Trudiann Branker and aged under the influence of Barbados’ tropical climate, our rums highlight a unique, rich and flavorful character. Mount Gay’s core range includes Mount Gay Silver, Mount Gay Eclipse, Mount Gay Black Barrel and Mount Gay XO alongside the annual limited-edition collection The Master Blender Collection. In addition to crafting the world’s oldest rum, Mount Gay is committed at all times to the use of sustainable and transparent practices in order to realize our vision of environmental stewardship and carbon neutrality.
For more information on our rum and to explore more about what we do for our community and the planet, visit www.mountgay.com
