The Bartenders Society crowns winning mixologist

Manuel Fernandez Atienza from Belgium has been crowned the winner at the seventh edition of The Bartenders Society for his innovative use of Rhum Saint James.

The international final took place in Paris on 18 October and involved the winners of 15 national competitions across four continents (and three contestants from France) competing to determine the ultimate cocktail conqueror.

The participants were tasked with creating two cocktails, including a low/no ABV expression. They had access to a larder of fresh ingredients, spices and the range of Saint James rums. A jury of professionals, chaired by Matthias Giroud, who was the first French executive bar chef to be named within the World’s 50 Best Bars and founder of mixology workshop L’Alchimiste, then evaluated the cocktails submitted on their audacity, expertise and technique.

What followed was not just a test of creativity but of stamina and quality control, with the four finalists having to reproduce their cocktails for 200 people.

Atienza’s winning cocktails were the low ABV “Marie du Soleil” (a homage to his mother) and the “King James”, a combination of Saint James White, Saint James bitters, , lavender syrup, bissap and fresh lime.

Ruben Sudmeier of Spain came in second, while Portugal’s Rui Mendes got third place. The winner of the Public’s Favourite prize was Susanne Tuszynski, from Germany,

After his victory, Atienza, of Brussels’ Jolie Joli Cocktail Club, said:  “I make liquid cuisine…I am inspired by my cooking and my travels”.

Giroud noted: “He was on top, I didn’t feel his pressure, often the winners are those who come with the fewest preconceptions.”