Sheen Falls Sylvia wins a place in World Class Bartender of Year Irish final
Darren Geraghty from The Exchequer in Dublin and Gillian Boyle from Dublin’s Westin were both named runners-up.
The competition, featuring Diageo’s Ketel One and Ciroc vodkas, took place at the Wright Venue in Swords and was judged by a panel including celebrity chef Kevin Thornton and renowned food and wine writer Tom Doorley.
Of the winner, Kevin Thornton said, “Sylvia exuded confidence behind the bar, impressing us with every aspect of her cocktail-making. She showed skill and intuition when mixing unique, homemade flavours to create two fantastic cocktails. A well-deserved win.”
Judge Tom Doorley added, “Sylvia has great confidence and style. With a quiet elegance and calm manner she informed the audience while creating her two well-balanced cocktails that showed a real purity of flavour”.
Niamh Henry, Reserve Brand Manager at Diageo Ireland, commented, “Diageo Reserve is committed to supporting and developing the trade and so World Class is not just a competition – it’s about raising the bar in the industry and celebrating the flair, creativity and skill of the bartender”.
Sylvia will be joining the Bushmills Malts, Johnnie Walker and Classic Malts Whisk(e)y heat winner Raf Agapito from Bar With No Name at Dublin’s Kelly’s Hotel in the all-Ireland final to be held in June 2011. Before that, the Tanqueray Gin Heat will follow to form part of the Irish bartender’s ultimate challenge.