EDINBURGH bartender Lachlan Rooney has mixed his way to Costa Rica after being crowned the winner of Nicaraguan rum brand Flor de Caña’s 2018 Rum Frontiers cocktail competition.
The annual contest, which was held in Edinburgh’s Voodoo Rooms where Lachlan is bar manager, challenged nine finalists in a number of elimination rounds, including to create a cocktail “inspired by the spirit and culture of Nicaragua” using the brand’s seven year old Gran Reserva rum.
Lachlan’s winning serve in the final round, The Family Tree, included homemade marmalade, Champagne and Flor de Caña 18 year old.
Said to have been inspired by Don Francisco Alfredo Pellas Canessa, the first member of Flor de Caña’s history, the winning drink impressed judges Mateo Ortiz Lima, Flor de Caña’s UK brand ambassador; global brand ambassador Ian Burrell; and Marc Catalan, area manager for Europe.
“I was up against some really strong competition and was shocked and surprised to have won this year’s Rum Frontiers challenge,” said Lachlan.
“I put a lot of time and effort to think up the story, ingredients and even the garnish of The Family Tree and I’m so glad it paid off.
“It was a long and hard day with many of the rounds putting my skills and knowledge to the test. Entering the competition was nerve-wracking but it was a fantastic experience and I can’t wait to go on the trip and continue on this journey learning more about Flor de Caña.”
Mateo Ortiz Lima said the finalists’ skill level at this year’s competition was “really exceptional”.
“We love to see the innovative, creative and tasty ways the contenders use Flor de Caña in their drinks and we hope they continue to do so in their work,” said Mateo.
“Lachlan was a stand-out winner and we wish him all the best with the future and we’re sure he will enjoy the trip to Costa Rica.”
