The Top 15 Finalists Advance in the 2014 Bombay Sapphire Most Imaginative Bartender Competition

By Chilled Magazine

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Conde Nast Entertainment (CNE) and GQ magazine in partnership with Bombay Sapphire gin will be airing “America’s Bartender” in October, a hit online mini-series documenting the finalists throughout the competition, for the second year in a row.

Performers during the Finals Competition

Performers during the Finals Competition

After earning the regional titles last month, the Top 15 Finalists advanced to the National Finals last week in Las Vegas – competing against 38 of the nation’s most talented mixologists.

"Judges:

Judges: Angelo Sosa, Ben Carlotto, Bombay Sapphire Global Brand Ambassador, Raj Nagra, David Nepove and (non-judge) Bombay Sapphire National Brand Ambassador, Gary Hayward

During the Semi-Finals on September 9th at Magic Hour Studio, the Top 15 Semi-Finalists competed in a ‘Chopped’ pantry format competition.

Blind Judge: Master Mixologist, Tony Abou-Ganim

Blind Judge: Master Mixologist, Tony Abou-Ganim

A secret ingredient was announced at the beginning of each round for the bartenders to use to make their drink. After five 12-minute rounds and after careful deliberation by an esteemed panel of judges including Top Chef’s Angelo Sosa, and special guest Master Mixologist, Tony Abou-Ganim the top 5 finalists were announced. The top 5 competed in the National Finals the next day, which took place at XS Nightclub at The Encore.

Bombay-bar

Bombay Sapphire bar during finals event

The Winner will be announced on the final episode of “America’s Bartender,” airing in November, as this year’s “Most Imaginative” Bombay Sapphire cocktail. The victorious drink will also land the winner a feature cover on GQ Magazine’s special December “Men of the Year” issue and will advance him to the Global Finals in 2015 to vie for the ultimate title: Bombay Sapphire World’s Most Imaginative Bartender.

Tune into “America’s Bartender” in October to witness the top 15 finalists’ journey throughout the competition.

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