New York – On Monday night at NYC hot spot, The Liberty, cocktail industry leaders, bartenders and influencers gathered to watch the Finals of the Appleton Estate Bartender Challenge Remixology competition. Actress Jamie Chung and pal Diem Brown guest judged the competition alongside Dale DeGroff, Natalie Jacobs and Collin Appiah.
While guests sipped on original Appleton Estate cocktails and enjoyed Jamaican-inspired bites, Jamie Chung and Diem Brown sampled cocktails and mingled with guests.
As Round One began, Ben Clemons of Miami performed to Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” wearing a wig and oversized sunglasses. His “Cherry Superstitious” cocktail was made with Appleton Estate Reserve, green apple juice, cherry heering, dolin blanc and topped with allspice soda.
Jamie Chung was especially excited for Dan Stahl, cheering for her hometown of San Francisco! Dan created his “Mercury Rising” cocktail to U2’s “A Thing Called Love.” Dressed as Bono, Dan mixed Appleton Estate Reserve with coconut cream, passion fruit syrup, fresh lime juice, allspice dram and topped it off with champagne.
Paying homage to Bob Marley, Lubens Besse from New York created his Jammin’ cocktail to the Bob Marley song. Prepared in three different shakers in red (strawberry jam), yellow (coconut lemon jam) and green (kiwi mint jam) colors, the Appleton Estate cocktail brought the true Rastafarian colors to life.
Hailing from Boston, Ted Kilpatrick prepared his “Red But Not Quite” cocktail to Aerosmith’s “Pink.” Made with Appleton Estate Reserve, grenadine, tonic water, and an egg white, the cocktail was a hit with the judges.
As Round Two began, the competition grew fierce and guests and judges alike were eager to see what the bartenders had in store.
Ben Clemons created a “Jacky Blaze” cocktail to Jimi Hendrix’s “Fire” made with Appleton Estate Reserve, dry curacao, jackfruit syrup and lemon juice.
Dan Stahl created his original “Heart in Bloom” cocktail to Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now,” made with Appleton Estate Reserve, licor 43, cherry heering, lemon juice and simple syrup.
Lubens Besse created his “Godfather of Soul” cocktail to James Brown’s “Payback” with Appleton Estate Reserve, Cocchi Americano, Crème de Peche and a barspoon of absinthe.
Last but certainly not least, Ted Kilpatrick performed his “Axel’s Thorn” cocktail to Guns N Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle,” with Appleton Estate Reserve, homemade mescal, campari, and two drops of mole tincture.
The judges deliberated for quite some time, but finally determined that Ted Kilpatrick was the winner! Making Boston proud, Ted won a trip to Jamaica to visit the Appleton Estate and the title of Appleton Estate Bartender Challenge Remixology Champion!
