URUSHIDO, an American bartender impressed an international panel of judges with his ‘The New Pal’ cocktail.
The first Chivas Master wins the opportunity to work in a partnership with Dave Arnold, inventor and co-founder of Booker and Dax – a food science development company.
The result of the partnership will be revealed at the Chivas Masters Final in 2015.
Masahiro Urushido, said: “It’s an honour to be chosen as the first Chivas Master. As a bartender, I am well aware of the long heritage of Chivas, so immersing myself in to the history of cocktails to create a drink that can stand the test of time has been very inspirational.”
The 13 finalists were all winners of national Chivas Masters heats, which took place around the world following the launch in April.
The national heat required contestants to create a new classic that ‘would stand the test of time’, inspired by one of the four ‘great cocktail eras’: Classic Age (1880-1920), the Post War Boom (1945- 65), the Disco Years (1975-90) and present Age of Revivalism.
During the two-day final, the competitors were asked to re-create one of the cocktails from the national heats and compete in a series of creativity, style and mixology challenges.
Dave Arnold, said: “There were 13 talented bartenders for the judging panel to consider.
“These are professionals from some of the most iconic venues in the world, so I would like to congratulate all of them for participating. The cocktails prepared by Masahiro were particularly impressive, and I look forward to working with him in the coming months."
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Urushido's winning 'New Pal' |
The judging panel comprised of: Ago Perrone, director of Mixology at Connaught Bar, London; Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry from The Dead Rabbit, New York; and Max Warner, Chivas global brand ambassador.
Urushido added: “I am excited to share this experience with my fellow bartenders and to introduce my the 'New Pal’ cocktail to my customers in New York. I hope that it encourages other bartenders around the world to create new Chivas cocktails inspired by the great classics”.
All 13 finalists conclude their trip with a visit to Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans this week, where Chivas is sponsoring the Best American/ International Cocktail Bar at the Spirited Awards.
THE 'NEW PAL' CONSISTED OF: 1.5 oz. Chivas 12, 3/4 oz. Chamomile infused Campari, 3/4 oz. Dolin blanc. Method: Stir, strain over hand carved ice. Garnish with Chamomile 'mist', fresh chamomile flower, and chamomile 'salt'.
