Norwegian Cruise Line’s Wade Cleophas, winner of the 2017 Bacardi Legacy Cruise Competition Bartender of the Year, has reached the semi finals of the Bacardi Legacy Global Cocktail Competition.
The two-day semi final event, which took place in Berlin last month, saw 38 semi finalists from around the world take to the stage to create two serves of their Legacy cocktails within seven minutes. The second judging element was a private presentation to a separate panel of four judges where the finalists outlined their own promotional campaign. Enrique Comas, a Bacardi family member and Bacardi Trade Advocacy Senior Manager for LATAM & Caribbean, was among the judges.
For the first time in the competition’s nine-year history, the Legacy competing bartenders were permitted to use Bacardi Ocho (8) Años as well as Bacardi Carta Blanca and Bacardi Carta Oro rums. Cleophas’ creation, Legend River, featured Bacardi Ocho Años mixed with star anise-infused sweet vermouth, caramel/cinnamon syrup with drops of whisky barrel-aged bitters and finished with a mist of absinthe.
Wade’s promotional campaign included achieving a fleet-wide cocktail listing with Norwegian Cruise Line.
Bacardi Global Travel Retail International Key Account Manager (Cruise) Zachary Sulkes commented: “Wade can be so proud of his achievement in the Bacardi Legacy Global Cocktail Competition, demonstrating that the ever-rising standards being achieved in cruise bar-tending can compete with the very best bartenders in the world. He not only created a perfectly executed and original cocktail but his presentation also blended the story of his personal journey with a powerfully resonant link to the legend of Don Facundo Bacardi.”
Norwegian Cruise Line Vice President, Food and Beverage Karl Muhlberger said: “Everyone at Norwegian Cruise Line is incredibly proud of Wade’s achievement in beating more than 2,500 contenders in the 2017 Bacardi Legacy Cruise Competition Bartender of the Year and then reaching the semi finals of the Bacardi Legacy Global Cocktail Competition.
“Wade is diligent and passionate and has consistently shown great dedication not only to the Legacy competitions but also to the quality of bar experience he delivers for vacationers onboard Norwegian Cruise Line every day.
Wade Cleophas commented: “The exceptional standard set by the Bacardi Legacy Global Cocktail Competition was incredibly challenging but hugely satisfying and, both personally and professionally, the whole experience has been an exciting and amazing experience. I’ve learnt even more from the semi final event and have lots of ideas to take back to Norwegian Cruise Line and share with our guests.”
The winner of the 2017 Bacardi Legacy Cruise Competition Bartender of the Year was Belgian barman Ran Van Ongevalle. His cocktail Clarita comprised Bacardi Gran Reserva 8 Años Rum, Amontillado Sherry, crème de cacao, absinthe and saline solution.
