our top finalist
THE MAHON EXPERIENCE 2017
BARTENDERS CHALLENGE
CONGRATULATIONS SAM - See you in SPAIN.
Thanks to ALL those who Entered everyone was Awesome!
Sam Treadway
JOURNEYMAN RESTAURANT
BACKBAR UNION
SOMERVILLE MA
@Treadwas
This cocktail was created for a young woman named Maria who was celebrating her birthday at my bar. (crazily she has a sister with the SAME birthday who is named Rose which I found out only after I presented her this drink!) She wanted something gin based that was light, herbal and well balanced.
I developed the drink around the savory notes of Mahon Gin. The fino sherry dries out the cocktail and helps emphasize the grape based distillate of the gin. Of course sherry, coming from the coast of spain also accentuates the sea salt quality in the gin. The lemon plays with the juniper and botanicals. The rosemary is a fun additional botanical element and hints at the wood fire stills and the old wind mill. Throwing the cocktail helps to liven up the gin while slightly muting the lemon flavor so you end up with a smooth, balanced gin forward cocktail. Perfect for a picnic or a birthday celebration!