The Seven Fathoms Cayman Rum Challenge expanded this year to an international stage for the first time.  Earlier in 2016, mixology contests were held in Miami, Chicago and New York where top bartenders from each city competed to put together their best cocktail using Cayman’s own Seven Fathoms Rum.  “It was interesting to watch these amazing bartenders bring their vision of a Cayman cocktail to life, sourcing ingredients like mangos, sea grapes, scotch bonnets and more in the US.  Someone even made a Swanky themed cocktail which is being served right now” noted Nelson Dilbert, from Cayman Spirits Co.

The winning contestants from each city won a trip to Cayman to compete in the finals, courtesy of the competition partners Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Cayman Airways and the Kimpton Seafire Resort.

Here in Cayman, local bartenders competed in a qualifying round as well at the King’s Head pub in Camana Bay.  The top 5 contestants were selected by a panel of judges that sent them on to compete in the finals at Taste of Cayman.

At the contest on Saturday, contestants prepared their drinks and a panel of judges selected the top three, which were then brought back on stage.  At that point, the MC’s Joey Avery and Kathy Miller revealed the secret ingredient, local Starfruit.  Each contestant then had 15 mintues to create a drink using the Starfruit and Seven Fathoms.

In the end Sabrina Kudic took the title, with Micah Jensen of the Kimpton Seafire and Valerie Balignasay from Barolo rounding out the top 3 spots.

We are very pleased with the results from this year’s international competition and we are looking forward to expanding it even further next year, said Nelson Dilbert.