Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/5037
december 2009 / the tasting panel / 1 New Orleans Mixologist Takes Title of "Mix Master" at DeKuyper National Challenge L ast month was the fi rst annual DeKuyper MixMasters National Challenge in New Orleans. Twelve semi-fi nalists from regional competitions in Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Detroit, Philadelphia, New Orleans, Minneapolis, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Denver came together in the Big Easy to participate in several rounds of competition. Contestants were judged on their skill and creativity in making their own unique cocktails us- ing the more than 60 fl avors in the DeKuyper portfolio and other Beam Global products. Ricky Gomez, a bartender and mixologist at the Cure Bar in New Orleans, was unanimously awarded the $10,000 prize and title of "Mix Master" for earning the highest score in each round, based on his cocktails' taste, appearance, name creativity, simplicity and originality. National Challenge judges includ- ed top industry leaders, including: The "King Cocktail" Dale DeGroff, Tales of the Cocktail founder Ann Tuennerman and Beam Global Spir- its & Wine master mixologists Philip Raimondo and Bobby "G" Gleason. Ricky Gomez of The Cure in New Orleans (center) wins the Chal- lenge. On his right is "King Cock- tail," Dale DeGroff . Wine Colleagues announced today that industry notable Jon Moramarco has joined the com- pany as a full partner. Jon grew up in the wine business and for 17 years has operated as a CEO of various wine companies with net sales spanning from $50 million to over $1 billion. At Wine Colleagues, Jon and Mike Jellison direct the Management Services and Business Develop- ment practice, bringing experience, insight and expertise to the challenges faced by wineries and wine businesses of all sizes and in all wine market segments. Go to www.WineColleagues.com. Wente Family Estates appointed Chris Giudice to Vice President, Eastern Sales Division. With more than 18 years of wine industry experience, including positions at E. & J. Gallo Winery and, more recently, as Director of Regional Sales for Icon Estates in New York, New Jersey and Delaware. "Chris's appointment refl ects Wente Family Es- tates' mission to continue the accelerated growth of our portfolio of wines," said Carolyn Wente, fourth- generation winegrower, Wente Family Estates. "The Eastern region is one of the key areas we have targeted for expansion of our presence in both on- and off-premise accounts. Chris will be an excellent asset to our team in meeting these goals." Guillaume Jubien joins Grey Goose vodka as the North American Brand Ambassador. In this capac- ity, Jubien will conduct brand education for bartend- ers and mixologists, develop new recipes and cocktail menus, as well as serve as the face of the brand for media, industry events and conferences. Born in Morlaix, France, Jubien's ap- pointment emphasizes the French roots of the Grey Goose brand. He has been a mixologist for nearly a dozen years and in nearly as many countries. He currently resides in Los Angeles and speaks French, English, Spanish and Japanese. Appointments The Truck Float #9 by Ricky Gomez, The Cure Bar, New Orleans 1 part Red Stag by Jim Beam ½ part DeKuyper Hazelnut 1 part ginger ale Orange zest Place Red Stag and DeKuyper Hazelnut in a mixing glass. Add ice and stir. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Top off with gin- ger ale and gently stir once more. Garnish with an orange zest.