This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
News
US bartender wins Beefeater contest
Beefeater Gin has announced USA’s Brandon Phillips as the Beefeater MIXLDN Global Bartender Champion, following three days of competition in London.
Beefeater’s Sebastian Hamilton-Mudge, winner Brandon Phillips, Desmond Payne and Tim Stones
Phillips triumphed against 30 finalists from around the world with his “Hackney Handshake” cocktail at the grand final on 14 January held in central London.
Phillips impressed the panel of judges across a series of challenges that included creating an innovative cocktail in line with the competition’s theme of “London Inspires You. You Inspire London”. Judges included Beefeater master distiller Desmond Payne, industry insider and bar owner Ryan Chetiyawardana and spirits writers Dave Broom, Simon Difford and Sandrae Lawrence.
Phillips commented: “I am very excited to have won Beefeater MIXLDN, which is the best and most challenging competition I have been involved with so far.”
The competition saw all competing bartenders present their signature Beefeater cocktails and put their creativity to the test in a series of challenges including a food pairing round.
This resulted in eight overall finalists being selected and tasked with making their cocktail for the guests in attendance at the grand final, with these guests then voting for their favourite cocktail.
JC Iglesias, international brand director for Beefeater, commented: “Beefeater is dedicated to nurturing our biggest advocates, and our MIXLDN Global Bartender competition has seen an overwhelmingly talented and passionate group from the international on-trade community battle it out behind the bar.
“Every year we look forward to welcoming some of the most talented bartenders from around the world to join us here in London. All competitors have shown great skill across the competition to create some outstanding and original cocktails inspired by our capital city and we would like to congratulate Brandon Phillips on his win.”
Phillips has won the opportunity to be mentored at the Beefeater Global Brand Ambassador Programme, and will attend two of the world’s most prestigious bartender events of their choice, which could include Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans, The Moscow Cocktail Show or Tokyo Bar Show.