El Recuerdo and Zignum Mezcal Champions announced
After an extraordinary final held at Crazy Pedro’s in Birmingham, it was a clean sweep for Scotland after Ellie Raeside from Hoot the Redeemer in Edinburgh and Zach Sapato from Absent Ear in Glasgow were crowned winners of Love Drinks’ summer mezcal competition.
A collaboration between Love Drinks and its award-winning, sustainable mezcal brands Zignum and El Recuerdo, the competition organised by Barlife saw over 100 talented bartenders send in entries from across the UK.
Samantha Burke, Managing Director of Love Drinks, said: “It’s honestly been a very long time since I have been involved with a better competition where the knowledge, skill and technique on show was off the scale. It’s a great sign for the industry and the mezcal movement as a whole. Right across the competition we have seen some astounding serves so a big thanks to everyone who was involved. It’s been an amazing way of showcasing the depth, versatility, variety and incredible sustainability credentials our El Recuerdo and Zignum brands offer.”
Bartenders could choose to create a cocktail with the El Recuerdo Joven, the Zignum Reposado or both. Semi-finals took place around the country in July before the final shake off on the 17th August at Crazy Pedro’s in Birmingham, where the mixologists had to recreate their bespoke serves, answer a series of questions on mezcal and were also tested with a margarita round.
Zach and Ellie will now be taken on an all-expenses paid trip to Oaxaca, Mexico, to experience the magic of mezcal first-hand in its home surroundings, visit the award-winning producer Casa Armando Guillermo Prieto and immerse themselves in the world’s most sustainable mezcals El Recuerdo and Zignum.
Ellie’s signature mezcal serve was called The Magpie and was made Zignum Reposado, cacao & coconut milk infused bourbon, sugar syrup and two drops of saline. She commented: “The competition throughout was so tight and everyone presented to such a high standard! It was an amazing watch all day and seriously felt like anyone’s game. So, I’m so excited and in shock to have managed to take home the win against such high calibre competition! Such a great day of seriously delicious drinks and great people! Mexico here we go!”
Zach’s bespoke mezcal serve was called A Path to Flavour and combined El Recuerdo con Gusano with White Creme de Cacao, El Bandarra Blanco Vermouth, 30 Fernet-Vallet, a dash of Cardamom Bitters with a dusting of sal de chapulin (cricket salt). He said: “Winning the El Recuerdo comp for The Absent Ear was absolutely beezin’! The other competitors are already new pals and it was a blast to see everyone go full out for such an amazing prize! The brand was a delight at every step and created an environment for fun, community, and growth from entry to finals. A huge thanks to Love Drinks, Zignum, and El Recuerdo for the amazing opportunity.”
Luis van der Velde, Europe Commercial manager for Mezcales Casa Armando, which produces the El Recuerdo and Zignum brands, said: “In terms of the skill on show – all I can say is wow! The work and dedication the bartenders put in was fantastic so I want to thank each and every one of them. It’s been so much fun to see the passion in the UK for mezcal from both the professionals and consumers and the mezcal movement is definitely marching on. I believe the opportunities to showcase and continue to grow our super sustainable Zignum and El Recuerdo brands in the UK are immense.”
About El Recuerdo and Zignum Mezcal
El Recuerdo – made famous by its association with American mixed martial artist and UFC champion Jorge Masvidal – and the ultra-premium, multi-award winning ZIGNUM® Mezcals were launched by Love Drinks in 2020.
Hailing from and proudly showcasing the vibrant and colourful Oaxaca region, the brands only use the finest Espadín plants in production and the most sustainable methods.
El Recuerdo Mezcal is the essence of Oaxaca; its attitude, character and pride in a bottle. It is a traditional smoky mezcal, with the agave cooked underground with certified wood over river rocks and is the number one selling mezcal in Mexican Duty Free.
Zignum is inspired by the beauty of the most important civilisation of the Zapotec culture, Monte Albán, the ancient city synonymous with Oaxaca and the famous Zapotec temples. Zignum distillery’s unique Método Verde® Sustainability Programs are aimed at having the lowest possible environmental impact. Zignum distillery is animal cruelty-free; operates its own wastewater treatment facility; uses solar energy for heating; is certified “Clean Industry” by Mexico’s Ministry for Environmental Protection, and Kosher, among other quality designations.
Zignum Reposado is aged in American White Oak barrels and is celebrated as an exceptionally smooth mezcal, winning many awards along the way.
About Love Drinks
Love Drinks is an independent import, distribution and marketing company for premium quality spirits, liqueurs and craft beers. Their portfolio represents quality, craft-distilled and family-owned brands that have a rich provenance, heritage and history.
Founded by Kirsty Loveday BEM in 2007, Love Drinks represent Abelha Organic Cachaça, The Bitter Truth Cocktail Range of Bitters and Liqueurs, Conker, Einstök Icelandic Craft Beers, Goslings Bermuda Rums, Hernö Gins, Pedrino Spritz, White Heron Drinks and the El Recuerdo and ZIGNUM® Mezcal Brands.
Love Drinks celebrates 15 years in business in 2022, holds the silver accreditation for Investors in People and recently launched Love Well – a pioneering initiative to help the health and wellbeing of people working in the hospitality industry. The company was named Drinks Business Drinks Distributor of the Year in 2019.
For more information visit www.lovedrinks.com or follow on Facebook – @lovedrinksltd Instagram – @love_drinks_ltd or Twitter – @Love_Drinks. To speak to someone, call 0207 501 9630.