Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/65124
WHOLESALING The Industry Competes A lthough there was a definite air of camaraderie at the convention, day three of WSWA saw some of the nation's biggest brands and sup- pliers go head-to-head in two cocktail competitions. In the morning, the Call for Cocktails Mixology Competition pitted 12 suppliers against each other for the final round of a competition in which suppliers from across the country had submitted a cocktail recipe. The final 12 cocktails were made live at WSWA, complete with cheering support from the crowd. Emcee Tony Abou-Ganim explained why competitions such as this are so important: "This competition demon- strates the importance of working with a mixologist. It really can bring your brand to a whole new level and light, so if you're a brand manager or owner, it's worth the investment." Andrew Pollard joins Francesco Lafranconi and Tony Abou-Ganim in a post–Iron Mixology competition photo-op. Lafranconi's cocktails, which won best in show, took us around the world in three glasses with Belvedere Lemon Tea–based "Return to Sorrento," followed by the Tanqueray 10–based "Silk Route" and Barsol Pisco/Atlantico Rum–based "Spirit of Aloha." "I feel now that I can put a nail in the wall and hang up my shaker," commented Lafranconi, who returned to competition after a decade- long retirement. After tough head-to-head battles, first place went to the Berry Essence, made with Martin Miller's Gin and created by Freddy Diaz on behalf of Kindred Spirits. Park Street Imports took second and third place with cock- tails created by Jason Mendenhall and prepared on-stage by Wirtz Beverage's Eric Hay. "The recipes created by Jason were on-point, and I knew that if I executed them properly, we'd be fine," said Hay. Chimed in Abou-Ganim: "It's so refreshing to see things made from scratch. The culinary cocktail move- ment is born and alive in this room." In the afternoon, the wholesalers got in on the fun, with representatives from Southern Wine & Spirits (Francesco Lafranconi), Glazer's (Caterina Miltenberger), Wirtz Beverage (Andrew Pollard) and Charmer-Sunbelt Group (Chris Chamberlain) doing battle for the title of "Iron Mixologist." With 20 minutes to complete three drinks—apéritif, long drink and dessert cocktail—and three secret ingredients thrown in the mix (English cucumber, blood orange and coconut), tensions were high as the competitors got to work. Judge/spirits writer Dan Dunn joked, "The biggest challenge will be not messing up," but quickly got serious: "These are some of the best bartenders in the country. They'll all be good." As the time ticked away, an eager audience gathered to cheer on the mixologists as they made full use of the Cocktail legend Tony Abou-Ganim served as emcee for both mixology competitions. "It's been great to see the creative use of ingre- dients showcasing the suppliers' product," remarked Abou-Ganim during the Call for Cocktails competition. Here, he speaks with Eric Hay, who represented Wirtz Beverage. 120 / the tasting panel / may 2012 The winning cocktails: Francesco Lafranconi (SWS)'s "Return to Sorrento"; Andrew Pollard's (Glazer's) "Blanc Stare"; Lafranconi's "Spirit of Aloha." spirits in their portfolios. Abou-Ganim interviewed the contestants while they worked, asking about their inspiration for the cocktails and adding pressure to an already intense situation. Competing on behalf of Charmer-Sunbelt, Chris Chamberlain was inspired by the secret ingredients: "When the secret ingredi- ent is cucumber, I'd be a fool not to use Hendrick's Gin." Catarina Miltenberger, last year's Iron Mixology champ, com- mented on the use of Rittenhouse 100 in her long cocktail, calling it a "great rye and base spirit." After intense shaking, straining and garnishing, cocktails were presented to the judges who had a tough task in front of them. "They all nailed it!" commented Tobin Ellis of BarMagic Las Vegas. In the end, SWS's Francesco Lafranconi, who came out of competi- tion retirement for this year's WSWA, took home Best Aperitif, Dessert Cocktail and Best in Show Iron Mixologist, while Andrew Pollard of Wirtz won Best Long Drink. For a complete gallery of WSWA photos, visit our Facebook page: www. Facebook.com/TastingPanelMagazine THE TASTING PANEL's Wine and Spirits Blind Tasting Competitions With our ever-expanding marketplace, winning medals in high-end competitions is an important way for wine and spirits brands to distinguish themselves from the pack, and with the industry's top decision-makers in attendance, the WSWA Wine and Spirits Blind Tasting Competitions, sponsored by THE TASTING PANEL, were prime opportunities for brands to shine. We'll announce the Gold and Double Gold Medal winners, along with Best in Show in our June issue, so stay tuned! PHOTO: DANIELLE "DEED" DEBRUNO PHOTO: DANIELLE "DEED" DEBRUNO PHOTO: DANIELLE "DEED" DEBRUNO