Issue 20 All pages final

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occasions claiming runner-up spots, told local media it had been a “tough fight” and it felt great to finally win. He has almost two decades’ experience in bartending after receiving his first break in the industry many years while working at Big Banana restaurant. When the regular bartender failed to show up for work, George was asked to step in and, despite his limited experience, proved a success. He has since worked at various venues across Antigua and entered his first mixology contest in 2012, claiming second prize. George didn’t win the finals in Barbados, attended by bartenders from 10 Caribbean islands, which would have granted him an all-expenses paid trip to England for the London Rum Festival in October. But he retains national bragging rights and the incentive to further perfect his craft. Mount Gay’s rich heritage dates back to 1703 and is still made from molasses, the original way rum was made, keeping it wholly authentic. The Barbadian brand has stood the test of time by embracing centuries- old distillation techniques, using four different types of stills and ageing its rum in ex-bourbon, cognac and sherry barrels which help create its unique taste. Mount Gay is distributed in Antigua and Barbuda solely by A.S. Bryden & Sons, the country’s leading distributor of everything from wines and spirits to gourmet groceries and household essentials. All five of its incarnations are on sale in the twin islands: Mount Gay Eclipse, Mount Gay Silver, and Black Barrel, plus Mount Gay’s limited edition XO Peat Smoke Expression, and high-end 1703 Master Select Rum. n Visit www.brydensantigua.com or call +1 268 462-1810/11 for more information.

RAISING A GLASS TO MOUNT GAY WORLD’S OLDEST RUM – DISTRIBUTED BY A.S. BRYDEN & SONS (ANTIGUA) LTD – TAKES CENTRE STAGE AT SPIRITED MIXOLOGY CONTEST T here was a whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on when 10 of the country’s most inventive bartenders went was declared the winner with his ‘Paradis’ cocktail. George expertly blended the Antigua black pineapple – the national fruit – with a syrup infused with hibiscus, a beautiful delectable taste. Ashley Henry, the lone female bartender representing Rokuni, was third with her ‘Montar Passion’. Henry gave new life to conventional ingredients,

head to head with their jiggers, strainers and muddlers in the local leg of the 2022 Mount Gay International Bartending Competition. The upbeat event - which placed the world’s oldest distilled rum under the spotlight - played out among the chic surrounds of Catherine’s Café on Pigeon Beach. Mixologists from restaurants and resorts nationwide showed off their skills in the hope of winning the chance to represent Antigua and Barbuda at the finals in Barbados. In the end, the flavours, fruits and flowers of Antigua proved the perfect recipe for Jumby Bay’s Kanto George who

from grapefruit to jalapeños, matched to perfection with Mount Gay XO Rum and her own homemade syrup. The cocktails were judged by a panel of four experts including Food and Beverage Manager at the Cocobay resort Nigel Martin, USA Marketing Director at the country’s Tourism Authority Dean Fenton, and visiting mixologist from St Maarten Ludovica Telese. Telese also showed off some of her own skills by later whipping up a few Mount Gay cocktails for guests. George, who has entered the hotly contested competition on previous

scarlet flower that, like the pineapple, appears on the country’s coat of arms. They were paired with Mount Gay XO Rum, balanced with fresh lime juice and topped off with a dash of orange bitters. Each of the entries was unique, featuring unexpected flavour combinations, eye-catching garnishes and inventive use of the iconic Mount Gay Rum. Altino Spencer, of the Cocobay resort, captured second place with his creation called ‘The Butterfly Effect’ incorporating butterfly pea tea, lavender tea, elderflower liqueur and an egg white to create a pretty presentation with rich colour and

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