Taste Cheshire Cocktail Competition 2023 Crowns a new Champion #News

Victoria Hayes
9th November 2023

The Abode Hotel Chester’s 5th floor bar was the scene of a thrilling cocktail showdown on November 8th, as eight of Cheshire’s top mixologists battled for the title of Taste Cheshire Cocktail Champion 2023. Sponsored by Three Wrens Gin, a local distillery renowned for its exceptional spirits, the competition challenged contestants to create a signature cocktail embodying the theme “A Taste of Autumn” using at least one Three Wrens product.

The judging panel, comprised of industry experts Haydn Gelling from Three Wrens Gin, Rick Warrier from RW Training and Development, and Izzy Grey from We love Good Times, was deeply impressed by the exceptional talent and creativity displayed by all participants. After careful deliberation, Ryan Maughan from Kuckoo, Chester, emerged as the victor, captivating the judges with his innovative cocktail “Metamorphosis.”  More information about his venue is available here :- https://kuckoorocks.com/

Drawing inspiration from autumn’s transformative nature, Maughan’s creation, an autumnal twist on a classic gin martini, featured a harmonious blend of Three Wrens London dry gin, homemade pumpkin butter (made with locally grown gourds) and sage-infused vermouth. The judges praised Maughan’s originality, masterful balance of flavours, and impeccable presentation.

As the Taste Cheshire Cocktail Champion 2023, Maughan will receive an array of prestigious prizes, including a distillery tour of Three Wrens Gin, the opportunity to collaborate with the distillery to create his own gin, and the chance to showcase his cocktail-making skills during a live demonstration at the Taste Cheshire Food and Drink Festival’s chef demonstration stage at Chester Racecourse during Easter weekend 2024. Information about the food and drink festival can be found at https://chesterfoodanddrink.co.uk/

“The level of talent and creativity displayed by this year’s contestants was truly remarkable,” remarked Tori Hayes, Taste Cheshire Marketing Director. “We were particularly impressed by the way they embraced the autumnal theme and incorporated Three Wrens gin into their creations. It’s clear that we have a new generation of exceptional bartenders emerging in Cheshire, and we’re incredibly proud to have established this annual event to recognise and support their contributions to the industry.”

The Taste Cheshire Cocktail Competition has become a cherished tradition, fostering a platform for talented mixologists to showcase their expertise and passion for the craft of cocktail making. By partnering with Three Wrens Gin, Taste Cheshire further underscores its commitment to celebrating the region’s culinary excellence and promoting the unique flavours and creativity of Cheshire’s food and beverage scene.