Vancouver’s top bartenders came out in full force to compete in the “Craft of Cointreau” at Pourhouse on November 3rd. “We chose Vancouver to host ‘Craft’ because this is not your average bartending competition”, says Dan Volway Rémy Cointreau spokesperson, “the bartending talent in this city makes this the Olympics of bartending”. The event featured ten of the city’s most talented bartenders, hand-selected by internationally acclaimed Bartender, and co-proprietor of Pourhouse, Jay Jones. The winner, Geoff Robinson, bartender at “The Diamond” took the gold medal with his unique creation, “Auld Alliance” marrying sweet and bitter orange of Cointreau and smoky smooth single malt whisky. The Craft of Cointreau was designed to showcase both the launch of Pourhouse in Vancouver’s Gastown district, as well as the superior quality and versatility of Cointreau. The prize was a one week trip to France courtesy of Cointreau, and the opportunity to become a national Cointreau brand ambassador.
Each bartender was asked to create a unique and stylish cocktail with five minutes to prepare, and five minutes to perform. The contestants were judged by Dan Volway, sommelier and Rémy Cointreau spokesperson, Mark Brand, Shaun Layton and Jay Jones, local personalities and bartending entrepreneurs. Points were awarded based on creative use of Cointreau, knowledge, personality and passion for the bartending craft.
The ten handpicked bartenders did not disappoint. The creativity and passion put into each cocktail truly showcased why they were selected by Jay Jones. Selecting a winner was not an easy task by any means, further proof that the future of bartending in Vancouver looks bright. The participants included:
Geoff Robinson of The Diamond |Bobbi Kay of Boneta | Christina Kuypers of Voya | Colin MacDougall of Blue Water | Danielle Tatarin of DB Moderne | Giovanni Giardino of Campagnolo | Mike Parks of The Cascade Room| Trevor Kallies of The Granville Room |Lauren Mote of The Refinery |Justin Tisdale of Market at the Shagri-La.
The Winner: Geoff Robinson of the Diamond
Geoff Robinson, in his first ever bartending competition walked away as the winner of the “Craft of Cointreau”. When it came down to making the final decision, Geoff stood out from the crowd apparent that Geoff’s effortless swagger behind the bar, seamless cocktail construction and obvious sincerity that won over the judges.
Jay Jones told reporters that “In Geoff’s first ever competition, not only did he win the whole thing, but reminded us all of the importance of doing things with respect and humility. “
The Winning Cocktail: “Auld Alliance”
20 ml Cointreau
40 ml Single Malt Scotch Whisky
7.5 ml (bar spoon and a half) Sherry
15 ml pomegranate spice syrup
10 ml fresh lemon juice.
Egg white from half of one egg
One dash orange bitters
Garnish with star anise and serve.
