Why Aren't YOU in Cognac?

What do bartenders from South Africa, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, the USA, Spain, France, England, Germany have in common?This week, at least, the answer is G’Vine Gin.The “Gin Connoisseur Program” (or G’Vine GCP) preliminaries took place in various regions, countries and continents. One winner from each of those is now in Cognac, France – where G’Vine is made – for the global finals. The person with the highest score at the end of this week will go on to be part of the gin seminar teaching panel at Tales of the Cocktail in July and Bar Convent Berlin in the fall, as well as a cash prize, and the notoriety of taking their careers to the next level.The word “program” is more accurate than “contest” because the focus here is on education and practical experience. In short, it’s the career-building crash course of a lifetime.This is the 4^th year of the competition, and each year the contest has a different theme. This year’s theme is Brand Ambassadorship, so many of the challenges not only focus on bar skills and the gin category but also on how to represent a bar or brand in the real world.The 15 finalists are participating in rigorous exercises such as a blind grape-based spirits tasting, a make-your-own gin exercise, an efficiency bartending competition, a brand presentation, written tests and seminars from leaders in the world of mixology, such as Gary Regan, Dale DeGroff, Philip Duff and a special guest lecturer Angus Winchester.Yes, that’s right. All week the finalists are tested by, hang out with, have a chance to speak up-close-and-personally with these bartending mentors (and idols) while also forging friendships and sharing professional tips with their peers from around the globe. And, of course, there is a whole lot of fun along the way.I’ll be sharing some insights from the various activities happening this week so you can vicariously experience it with us.  But, of course, the best tip I can give you is to enter next year and join us in person…