We are thrilled to announce the four bartenders from the West who will be moving forward in 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 Portland, Oregon, 12 top bartenders hailing from Honolulu to Saskatoon, Denver to San Francisco went head-to-head. Their drinks were judged by Dr. Anne Brock (master distiller for Bombay Gin), Sandy De Almeida (Toronto) and Abigail Gullo (Seattle). Competition was fierce, and only four emerged victorious.
These four finalists will join the regional champions from Central 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.
ALEX JUMP
Cocktail: Sailor’s Paradise
City: Denver
Creative passion: Pursuing wellness and sustainability in the profession of bartending
CHRISTIAN SUZUKI
Cocktail: Imaginary Folklore
City: San Francisco
Creative passion: Exploring his Japanese heritage through storytelling
JAMIE SOCCI
Cocktail: A Thousand Ships
City: Portland, Oregon
Creative passion: Myths and performative storytelling
EMILIO SALEHI
Cocktail: In Bokeh
City: San Francisco
Creative passion: Videography
