The Tío Pepe Challenge – previously known as The Sherry Apprentice – is challenging bartenders to create original cocktails using sherry as their principle ingredient.
The competition will take place in three key stages, including regional heats, where aspiring bartenders will be tested on their knowledge of sherry after participating in masterclasses to be held in a number of international markets.
These events are open to all mixologists and are designed to ‘inform, educate and instruct’ on crucial aspects of sherry including the use of a venencia (the tool traditionally used to extract Sherry from the barrel), recognition of the diverse styles of sherry wine and how to incorporate them into the mixing of a fine cocktail, it says.
Once the first stage has been completed, entrants can submit their cocktail ideas for inclusion in the national finals. The top ten bartenders who have created the best cocktail recipes from each country, will then compete to win a place at the grand final in Jerez, Spain next May.
During the Feria de Jerez the finalists will compete in front of a panel of international experts and be tested on their knowledge of sherry, the use of a venencia and their ability to make innovative sherry cocktails.
To find out more about the competition, visit www.tiopepe.es/tiopepechallenge.
