Gonzalez Byass Launches Tío Pepe Challenge 2017

Leading Jerez family winery, González Byass, has launched the 2017 edition of the Tío Pepe Challenge: the international cocktail competition that invites top bartenders globally to explore the diversity and potential of Sherry wines in the creating of imaginative cocktails.  [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSy8kJmSDUs Jerez de la Frontera, December 2016.- The Tío Pepe Challenge 2017 has just been launched to find the best Sherry mixologists in the world. Previously known as the The Sherry Apprentice, the competition has been renamed as the Tío Pepe Challenge, created by leading Sherry producer, González Byass to inspire bartenders and mixologists from around the world to create original, great tasting cocktails using Sherry as their principle ingredient. The competition will take place in three key stages, including regional heats, where aspiring barmen will be tested on their knowledge of Sherry after participating in exclusive master classes to be held in 9 international markets. These events are open to all talented bartenders and are designed inform, educate and instruct on crucial aspects of Sherry including the use of a venencia (the tool traditionally used to extract Sherry from the barrel), recognition of the diverse styles of Sherry wine and how to incorporate them into the mixing of a fine cocktail. Once the first stage has been completed via an on-line theory test, entrants can submit their cocktail ideas for inclusion in the national finals. The top ten bartenders who have created the best cocktail recipes from each country, will then compete to win a place at the grand final in Jerez, Spain next May. During the Feria de Jerez the finalists will battle it out live in front of a panel of renowned, international experts and be tested on their knowledge of Sherry, the use of a venencia and, of course, their ability to make delicious and innovative Sherry cocktails. Previous participants have made it to the Jerez final from as far away as Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Sweden, Italy, Germany and Norway. The 2016 grand champion was Italian mixologist Marco Macelloni who won with his two creations Jerez Rulez and Lady Dynamite. The Tío Pepe Challenge is an unprecedented opportunity for bartenders to find out about the variety and scope that Sherry has to offer. Learning from experts, participants will get to showcase their creativity and talent when it comes to mixing cocktails with Sherry. Potential entrants can find out more about the master classes and the competition at www.tiopepe.es/tiopepechallenge. Facebook: TioPepeWine Twitter: @tiopepewine