The first day kicked off with the “Spirit of the West” Cocktail Competition, a highstakes showdown with nine of Western Canada’s most talented bartenders going head-to-head in a fast-paced series of challenges for an outstanding display of skill, flair, and innovation.

The competitors had to impress a lively crowd as well as the four judges: Daniel Gowrie, Master Distiller at Eau Claire Distillery; Mixology Masters winner, Reece Southern; lifestyle writer Elizabeth Chorney-Booth, and yours truly (a judge and host on all 24 episodes of Mixology Masters). Reece Sims, of SIP Spirits Consulting, was at the mic introducing the competitors and keeping everyone on time and in order.

The bartenders had ten minutes to create two drinks, both using Eau Claire Distillery’s Rupert's Exceptional Canadian Whisky: a riff on an Old Fashioned and a creative signature cocktail showcasing their artistry and storytelling.

SO WHAT WERE WE LOOKING FOR?

Marks out of a hundred were given for: Appearance, aroma, taste, mouthfeel and finish, overall creativity and originality, overall balance of ingredients and flavour profiles, memorable names, overall presentation, overall technique, intelligent use of Rupert’s whisky, and familiarity with the character and craftsmanship of the distillery. No mean feat!

Our competitors rose to the challenge, and armed with shakers, spirits, and their signature styles, they delivered bold flavours, inventive techniques, and plenty of personality!

Competitors

AJ (Adrien) Roque, Pr%f Cocktail Bar

Bradley Horseman, Salt & Brick

Glaizem (Glaze) Garcia, Fu’s Repair Shop

Jeffrey Wong, Craft Beer Market

John Fairholm, La Hacienda

Kim Xie, Business & Pleasure

Liam O’Reilly, Bridgette Bar

Matty Eagle, Charlie’s Watch Repair

Zaren Klamer, Shelter Cocktail Bar

OUR WINNERS ARE:

First Place for the $1,200 prize

Adrien Roque, Pr%f Cocktail Bar

Cocktails: Midnight at the Movies and Morning in the Mountains

Second Place for the $800 prize

Kim Xie, Business & Pleasure

Cocktails: Old Currant and Madhatter

Third Place for the $500 prize

Zaren Klamer, Shelter Cocktail Bar

Cocktails: Place and Time