We are thrilled to announce the four bartenders from Central who will be advancing to the national finals of the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Most Imaginative Bartender Competition presented by BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® Gin. In a day of intense competition in Nashville, Tennessee, 12 top bartenders hailing from Milwaukee to Toronto, Houston to Detroit went head-to-head. Their drinks were judged by Dr. Anne Brock (master distiller for Bombay Gin), Jackie Summers (New York) and Ran Duan (Boston). All of the bartenders brought their skill, creativity and passion for the craft, but only four could move forward.
These four finalists will join the regional champions from West and East in October on a trip to Laverstoke, England, to tour the distillery and experience the home of Bombay Gin. And in February 2020, the 12 finalists from the U.S. and Canada will compete for the title of Most Imaginative Bartender. We wish them the best of luck.

MARTA ESS
Cocktail: Inward Turn
City: Toronto
Creative passion: Dance and wellness

NIKOLAS ZOYLINOS
Cocktail: Oops, I Forgot My Line
City: Austin
Creative passion: Acting

VALENTINO LONGO
Cocktail: Through the Light
City: Miami
Creative passion: Photography

DAVID YEE
Cocktail: Short Story
City: Columbus, Ohio
Creative passion: Creative writing