~ David Wolowidnyk of British Columbia wins global competition with new BOMBAY SAPPHIRE cocktail, Beldi ~
TORONTO, May 30, 2012 /CNW/ - After beating out thousands of contestants and seven other finalists from around the globe, Vancouver resident and West Restaurant bar manager David Wolowidnyk has been named the winner of the first ever BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® World's Most Imaginative Bartender competition. The contest brought together the top mixologists worldwide to not only challenge them, but also support them on their journey to becoming the most imaginative bartenders in the world.
The competition took David and his fellow finalists from Global Travel Retail, Japan, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States on a four-day experience, visiting the Moroccan home of one of the Bombay Sapphire botanicals - coriander - and exploring the world of the historic gin.
The competition itself took place on the last evening of the trip at one of the most beautiful villas in the world, Dar Sabra in Marrakech, Morocco. Each bartender was tasked with creating their most imaginative cocktail - combining their individual influences with the cultural experiences they had encountered throughout the trip. David was a worthy winner, adding his own unique flair and style to his cocktail, Beldi (recipe below).
David notes that his winning cocktail was directly influenced by the sights, sounds and flavours of Marrakech. "I came into Bombay Sapphire's World's Imaginative Bartender competition with a few ideas, but I really wanted to take cues from the experiences that were to unfold, and as expected there were special moments when natural inspiration occurred. It is such an honour to be recognized with this prestigious title."
In addition to receiving the "Bombay Sapphire World's Most Imaginative Bartender" title, David also earned a place as the first member in the newly created Bombay Sapphire Cocktail Hall of Fame, and will be partaking in various duties, including attending the 2013 opening of the new Bombay Sapphire distillery at Laverstoke Mill in England and becoming part of the Bombay Sapphire World's Most Imaginative Bartender judging panel for next year's competition.
"The finalists of the Bombay Sapphire World's Most Imaginative Bartender competition are among the most creative talent from behind the bar worldwide," said Brendan McDonough, Bombay Sapphire brand manager, Bacardi Canada. "Having a Canadian come out on top and claim the title demonstrates the level of talent and imagination this country has to offer. David has an undeniable enthusiasm for imaginative cocktails - drawing on specialty infusions, tinctures and far-ranging spirits, and this came across clearly to the judges."
Bombay Sapphire is at the heart of imaginative cocktail-making and by launching the Bombay Sapphire World's Most Imaginative Bartender competition, it is providing a platform to encourage and inspire bartenders from all over the world. Since its creation, Bombay Sapphire has taken an imaginative approach to gin making, driving the re-invigoration of the gin category and continuing to capture the consumer's imagination through its distinctive and smooth taste resulting from the combination of 10 hand selected exotic botanicals and unique distillation process. Just as the unique taste of Bombay Sapphire is inspired by the infusion of its 10 exotic botanicals, it is looking to inspire bartenders all around the world. Bombay Sapphire is the world's number one premium gin by value for a third consecutive year1.
| 1 | Data sourced from International Wine and Spirit Research (IWSR), for the 12 months to the end of December 2010 |
Beldi - David Wolowidnyk Winning Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
Misting
To garnish
Method
About Bombay Sapphire - bombaysapphire.ca
Bombay Sapphire is the world's fastest growing premium gin and number one premium gin in Canada by value and volume. Based on a secret 1761 recipe, Bombay Sapphire gin is created by perfectly balancing a unique combination of 10 hand-selected exotic botanicals from around the world. The natural flavours of the botanicals are captured through a delicate distillation process called Vapour Infusion which results in the tantalising, smooth and complex taste that is Bombay Sapphire.
Enjoy Bombay Sapphire responsibly. Bombay Sapphire, the Bombay Sapphire bottle design and device are trademarks and/or registered trademarks.
Bombay Sapphire - Infused with imagination™
Bombay Sapphire aims to inspire people into expanding their minds, thinking differently to reveal more about themselves and their Imaginations. The team at Bombay Sapphire believes everyone has imagination and therefore aims to give everyone the opportunity to be inspired, and to infuse their imagination with Bombay Sapphire.
www.facebook.com/BombaySapphire
About David Wolowidnyk
Currently presiding over the bar at West Restaurant, David has amassed over two decades of professional service experience both in front and behind the bar. Praised for his chemist-like precision, inventive twists and intriguing libations, under David's guidance, West has developed one of the largest and most diverse selections of liquor in Vancouver, and believes that a diversity of skills, attention to detail and extensive product knowledge is the key to running a successful bar, providing the guest with a memorable experience each and every time.
http://www.facebook.com/WestRestaurantVan
Image with caption: "David Wolowidnyk's winning cocktail from the Bombay Sapphire World's Most Imaginative Bartender competition, Beldi. (CNW Group/Bombay Sapphire)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120530_C3863_PHOTO_EN_14368.jpg
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
Crystal Kwon | Citizen Optimum Vancouver | 604.647.2985 | [email protected]
Josie Haynes | Citizen Optimum Toronto | 416.934.8012 | [email protected]
For information on West Restaurant, please contact:
Alexandra Shaw | West Restaurant + Bar (Top Table Group)| 604.786.0540 | [email protected]
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