The World Class Cocktail Mastery segment challenges World Class competitors to deliver not just on their drinks-making ability – but on the power of their palate.
Each was required to distinguish 20 aromas from a list of 40 commonly found in spirits, to blind taste and identify four brands from a chosen category of four spirits – distinguishing between a competitor brand, a supermarket brand, a different Diageo product and the Diageo Reserve brand – and to answer 20 multiple-choice questions on a spirit category of their choice.
They were then charged with making two cocktails, one classic (with any twist they liked to give), the other a wholly original creation.
As such, it was a test of the all-round capabilities demanded by modern mixology amid an ever-expanding market of products. Held at Balthazar, a large open-air bar in central Athens, our finalists faced seasoned drinks pro Gaz Regan across the bar – putting competitors at ease with his friendly and easy-going nature that belies an encyclopaedic knowledge about cocktails, drinking culture and professional bar service.
Sporting a Tanqueray No. TEN badge, there was no questioning what spirit Takumi's Cocktail Mastery challenge would centre on. His signature Botanical Garden was designed to showcase the gin's fresh botanicals, with the sudachi reflecting the coriander used in Tanqueray, and a typically intricate Japanese-style 'butterfly' garnish.
For his Aviation, Takumi first stirred the gin neat and with no ice, in order to better release its aromatic qualities. Paying close attention to the balance of the cocktail, he tasted the crème de violette, which he said was particularly strong, before and after adding maraschino and lemon juice. Did it work? Gaz Regan said: "That's the best Aviation I've ever tasted."
https://www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails ... s-aviation
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