Asia bartenders in with a chance of being brand’s new global BA. By Natasha Hong.

Angostura is on the hunt for their next global brand ambassador through the Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge 2018 and for the first time in the competition’s nine edition, 16-year history, the Trinidadian rum, amaro and bitters brand has added Asia into their line of sight.

“We see it as a real testament to how fast and strongly the mixology world is spreading east, the impressive quality of bartending that exists in key cities in Asia, and more importantly, what opportunity lies ahead,” says Andy Holmes, founder of Artisan Spirits, which represents the brand across EMEAA, of the decision. “With Asia’s natural leaning for excellence, I predict that soon, many western bars will be looking east to standards and styles.”

With just days left to put yourself in the running, here are the submission deadlines that you’ll need to take note of:

Closing September 30
South Korea
Singapore
China
India

Closing October 6
Hong Kong and Macau

This year’s Malaysia final – the only national heat in Asia – took place on August 28.  

Signing up requires a four-step process on their website. After completing the entry form, you’ll need to submit:

  • Two recipes for cocktails (that must include Angostura aromatic or orange bitters)
    • one for rum using one of Angostura’s rums as a video submission
    • a written one for a cocktail made with Amaro di Angostura
  • A 200-word essay detailing your opinion on rum drinks in tiki, cocktail and regular bars
  • Answers to the Theatre of Mixing quiz that’ll test your knowledge of Angostura’s products and cocktail making

The entries will be scrutinised by a panel of judges, and one representative per country will be selected based on their submission to compete at the Angostura Asia Regional Cocktail Challenge at Kuala Lumpur’s Marini’s on 57 on October 30.  The national representatives will join Malaysia winner Joshua Ivanovic of Junglebird, to compete for a place repping the region at globals next year.

The Asia winner will head to Trinidad and Tobago to compete in the global finals in February 2018 for the grand prize – a two-year contract as Angostura’s global brand ambassador for Angostura’s aromatic bitters, orange bitters, rums and Amaro di Angostura, a seat as a judge at the next competition and a cash prize of US$10,000. Time’s a’ ticking – get a’ clicking!

To sign up for the Angostura Global Cocktail Competition 2018, visit their website.