JD cocktail king crowned in Tennessee

Bartender Alex Clark has been named winner of the Jack Daniel’s Birthday Cocktail Competition held in Lynchburg, Tennessee.

Clark, from 64th & Social in Clapham, south London, was among 150 contenders from all over the UK who had been flown out to the US for the final of the event, which is now in its fourth year.

Eight regional heats, held throughout September in major cities including London, Leeds and Belfast, produced the final shortlist of competitors.

Finalists had to mix their cocktail creations in front of a panel of experts that included Jack Daniel’s master distiller, Jeff Arnett; the master taster, Jeff Norman and American whiskey specialist, Nidal Ramini.

Clark impressed the judges with his concoction called “Smack My Jack Up”, which included ingredients like Australian Shiraz/Cabernet, Agave syrup and shaved sea salt chocolate.

Ramini commented: “The quality of entries this year has been superb and it really was a close call. Lee Hyde from Met Bar in London came close; however the judges were united in their decision and gave Alex Clark from 64th & Social full marks.  

“Overall it was a fantastic trip, reflecting the genuine talent within our bar industry. Jack Daniel’s is proud to be nurturing such talent and we plan to continue to do so.”

Rupert Millar, 09.11.2010