Hudson mixes way to top
MIXOLOGIST Wynton Hudson etched his name in history when he won the Hennessy 250th Anniversary Bartender Competition, which was held at J Wray & Nephew’s @twentythree bar on Dominica Drive in New Kingston, recently.
“I expected the win,” Hudson told the Jamaica Observer.
As one of the three regional finalists in the competition, representing region two — Kingston/St Andrew/St Catherine — he took home a prize package that included a trophy, $75,000 in cash, the designation of Official 250th Anniversary Hennessy mixologist to work with the brand through 2015, and his drink served at various key bars across the island.
Second place went to Joel Beker, winner of region
one — St James/Trelawny/Hanover/Westmoreland — while third place went to Bryan Angus from region three — St Ann/St Mary/Portland.
After only six years in the business, Hudson said the win was another career highlight.
“I tried being a mixologist, I loved it and stuck with it,” he said.
Hudson’s confidence was evident from the start when he brought some energy during the first round of the competition where contestants had their creativity tested by having to generate a drink in front of the four judges — Geoffrey Bouilly, Moet Hennessy market manager for the Caribbean; dancehall artiste Konshens; Debbian Spence-Minott, Academy & Retail Operations manager, J Wray & Nephew; and Joy Spence, master blender, J Wray & Nephew, from a mystery basket of ingredients.
After a five-minute break, round two started. All three had to mix their signature drink. Hudson’s combination of Hennessy, bitters, yogurt, soursop juice, and a custom-made syrup topped with otaheiti apple slices which he called Belle Femme went over well with all.
“I was very impressed with the entries, but the judges were unanimous with his entry. The balance, aroma, creativity, and finish of the drink was smooth,” Spence-Minott explained.
Belle Femme beat out Beker’s Axe Factor and Angus’s Hennessy 250 Slammer cocktail.
— Rory Daley