The 2023 Zignum and El Recuerdo Mezcal competitions came to thrilling conclusions on the 19th June at the grand final in Birmingham with mixologists James Plant from Albert’s Schloss and Miley Kendrick from Tiki Hideaway being crowned the respective champions.
The two winners will be taken on an all-expenses paid trip to Oaxaca for the Day of the Dead festivities in November. The two runners-ups Selina Otremba and Giorgia Di Stefano plus Angelo lo Greco and Joe Scott who received special mentions, are being treated to a special trip to Barcelona.
James Plant’s winning Zignum cocktail was called Montezuma’s Mole and Miley Kendrick’s winning El Recuerdo drink was named What’s up Guac?
Organised by the sustainable mezcal brand’s UK importer Love Drinks in collaboration with Barlife, the competition was widely regarded as one of the best of 2022 and mixologists have once again raised the agave bar even higher this year.
The grand final took place at Albert’s Schloss in Birmingham following four incredible regional heats, which saw mixologists battle it out and showcase their mezcal mastery.
The regional heats took place at Verve in Leeds, Hacha in Brixton, Hoot the Redeemer in Edinburgh and The Rum Distillery in Bristol in May and June.
The full list of finalists, winners and runners-ups
Zignum Competition Finalists
- James Plant – Albert’s Schloss – Liverpool – ZIGNUM CHAMPION 2023
- Selina Otremba – Milk, Reading – ZIGNUM RUNNER UP 2023
- Angelo Lo Greco – Stables Bar, London – ZIGNUM SPECIAL MENTION
- Courtney Francis – Couch, Birmingham
- Ahsoka Wallace – The Ivy Lodge, Aberdeen
- Jamie Gimmour – The Washhouse, Manchester
El Receurdo Competition Finalists
- Miley Kendrick – Tiki Hideaway, Leeds – EL RECUERDO CHAMPION 2023
- Giorgia Di Stefano – Demon, Wise & Partners – EL RECUERDO RUNNER UP 2023
- Joe Scott – Escapism Bar, Leeds – EL RECUERDO SPECIAL MENTION
- Cameron Chittleborough – Hoot the Redeemer, Edinburgh
- Mike Widge – HMSS, Bristol
Samantha Burke, Managing Director of Love Drinks, commented: “I can’t thank the mixologists who entered and the bars who hosted the heats and final enough as it’s once again been a thrilling and incredibly exciting competition. All the judges agreed that the standard has never been higher with a massive amount of work, dedication, creativity and skill being put into the drink creations. It’s fantastic for the mezcal category and highlights the growing desire in the UK for this special spirit.”
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 Distillery, Einstök Icelandic Craft Beers, Goslings Bermuda Rums, Hernö Gins, The Ikigai Collection from BBC Spirits, Pedrino Spritz, White Heron Drinks and the Recuerdo and ZIGNUM® Mezcal Brands.
Love Drinks holds the silver accreditation for Investors in People and pioneered Love Well – an 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 https://lovedrinks.com/
Follow on Facebook @lovedrinksltd – Instagram @love_drinks_ltd – Twitter @Love_Drinks.
To speak to someone, please call 0207 501 9630.
