On stage Aissette Rivera, Tina Bislick and Rona Coster; eights bartenders in the wings waiting for their opportunity to perform magic.
Judges entrusted with the challenging task to crown Aruba’s top master-mixer: Kate Gerwin, Master Bartender, Sommelier, and Television Personality, Abraham Urdaneta, Mixologist and Hospitality Entrepreneur, and Jessika Theysen, Mixologist, Sommelier, and Restaurant Manager.
Here it goes, word for word the stage scrip:
We are proud to welcome you to the sixth edition of When in Aruba’s Bartenders’ Brawl, in Collaboration with ATA, Aruba Tourism Authority. This year’s event features eight of Aruba’s top bartenders hand-picked by our local spirits distributors.
The bartenders will take the stage one at a time and have 8 minutes to craft three cocktails for our judges.
The judges will be scoring the contestants on the following:
1) skills/style while crafting cocktail (1-5)
2) creativity: either through storytelling behind cocktail inspiration or application of a local ingredient (1-5)
3) presentation/look of cocktail (1-5)
4) taste (1-10)
Earlier today, the bartenders drew which order they will take the stage…so let us get this party started!
Luisa Rivero – Third Place Winner
Name of Cocktail: Jalea Real
Representing Romar Trading with Don Julio Tequila, a popular top-shelf tequila with a refined flavor profile with hints of rich caramel, toffee, and vanilla.
Luisa works at Marriott Ocean Club’s Campeonas Cantina & Tequila Bar where she specializes in all things tequila and is a tequila and mezcal ambassador for Romar Trading.
David Posada
Name of cocktail: Temponan di Antes
Representing local distillery Bodegas Papiamento and their Carnival Rum, a special edition rum that took home the title of Rum of the Year at the London Spirits Competition in 2023 and featured in Forbes magazine.
David is a bartender at Caya House, where Latin Caribbean flavors are complemented with a menu of signature craft cocktails.
Nelson Molina – First Place Winner
Name of cocktail: Nos Cultura
Representing Tropical Bottling with Grey Goose Essence Vodka, a refreshing vodka infused with fruit and botanical essences, and Santa Teresa Rum 1796, a super-premium rum from our Venezuelan neighbors aged up to 35 years in bourbon oak barrels.
Nelson won the People’s Choice award in the 2017 edition of Bartenders’ Brawl. You can enjoy his mixology magic in the chic environs of Renaissance’s Blue Bar overlooking the downtown marina.
Esneider Tuñon
Name of cocktail: Aruba Heritage
Representing local distillery Pepe Margo with 1499 Tesoro Rum, crafted locally by blending two distinct spirits, 15-year-old aged rum from the Dominican Republic and the first single barrel rum made in Aruba. Esneider will also be using Aloe Vera Liquor.
By day Esneider is a sales representative and trainer for local spirits distributor Romar, and moonlights as a private bartender for special events.
Yokasta Felix
Name of cocktail: Exotic Paradise
Representing Pepia Est with Bols Amsterdam 1575, classic Amaretto, and
Nikka Days, a Japanese whisky revered for its impressive floral aromas and a silky mouthfeel.
Yokasta is a popular bartender at Marriott Aruba’s The Lobby, a lively cocktail and sushi bar, where she expertly balances mixology with conversation with her guests.
Carlos Perez – Second Place Winner
Name of cocktail: Coconut Cascade
Representing Divino with Arumba, their new rum crafted exclusively for the One Happy Island. This is a Cuban rum made with authentic Cuban sugar cane molasses that is aged in the Netherlands for 6 years and then finished right here in Aruba.
You can find Carlos behind the bar at Aruba’s newest 5-star beach resort, Joia by Iberostar, when they open at the end of the year.
Giovanni Tromp
Name of cocktail: Cucumber Rose
Representing Arion Wine Company with Hendricks Gin and Planteray Overproof O.F.T.D. Planteray is made in classic Navy Rum style, bottled at a full 20 degrees overproof.
Giovanni mixes exciting tropical libations beachside at Waves Restaurant at the Marriott Aruba. He also has a bartending school offering comprehensive training in bartending techniques, mixology, and flair bartending skills.
Orlando Navas
Name of cocktail: Turista Sunrise
Representing Aruba Trading Company, featuring classic Aperol with Espolon Tequila, made with 100% hand-harvested blue weber agave.
Orlando is a bartender at Hoya Bar, located downtown at plaza at the head of Mainstreet, a favorite outdoor bar for fresh, tropical-inspired cocktails.
The blown glass trophies were made by Studio Murano, and gifts by T.H. Palm & Company, and Joia by Iberostar
DJ V kept the evening flowing.
The judges enjoyed delicious snacks by Olivia/Wilhelmina Restaurant.
