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Dutch mixologist Sebastian Cichowlas is named this year’s Chivas Masters winner, blending all the right ingredients to take home the crown.
Chivas announces Sebastian Cichowlas from Holland as the 2019 Chivas Masters Champion, following a heated grand finale at the Chivas Masters Cocktail Clash in London tonight.
Over the dynamic five-day finale, Sebastian impressed the expert panel of judges through his flair for creativity, exceptional leadership and a winning pop-up bar concept. Working alongside a team of four other bartenders, the collective transported the public to an 80’s dance studio with its pop-up bar, Pirouettes, complete with neon lights, vibrant colours and vintage records. The team even donned 80’s sportwear to complete the look. At the heart was their winning cocktail serves, Footloose and Electrolight, that captured the hearts and taste buds of the expert judges and more importantly the deciding public.
Sebastian travelled from Amsterdam to compete in the final, where he works in one of the city’s finest cocktail bars, The Jitterbug Saloon.
Starting the Chivas Masters final in Scotland, at the home of Chivas, Strathisla Distillery, the14 bartenders put their skills to the ultimate test via a series of masterclasses, and challenges. These were designed by a distinguished panel of acclaimed judges from London’s vibrant cocktail scene - Monica Burg, pioneering bartender and owner of Tayēr + Elementary, Alastair Burgess, founder of award- winning bars Happiness Forgets, Original Sin, Petit Pois, and Marcis Dzelzainins, bartender, consultant, and Beverage Director for Sager + Wilde restaurant group.
Over the dynamic five-day finale, Sebastian impressed the expert panel of judges through his flair for creativity, exceptional leadership and a winning pop-up bar concept. Working alongside a team of four other bartenders, the collective transported the public to an 80’s dance studio with its pop-up bar, Pirouettes, complete with neon lights, vibrant colours and vintage records. The team even donned 80’s sportwear to complete the look. At the heart was their winning cocktail serves, Footloose and Electrolight, that captured the hearts and taste buds of the expert judges and more importantly the deciding public.
Sebastian travelled from Amsterdam to compete in the final, where he works in one of the city’s finest cocktail bars, The Jitterbug Saloon.
Starting the Chivas Masters final in Scotland, at the home of Chivas, Strathisla Distillery, the14 bartenders put their skills to the ultimate test via a series of masterclasses, and challenges. These were designed by a distinguished panel of acclaimed judges from London’s vibrant cocktail scene - Monica Burg, pioneering bartender and owner of Tayēr + Elementary, Alastair Burgess, founder of award- winning bars Happiness Forgets, Original Sin, Petit Pois, and Marcis Dzelzainins, bartender, consultant, and Beverage Director for Sager + Wilde restaurant group.
The judges were impressed by Sebastian’s spirited blend of flavours, and his colourful bar which bought to life his creativity and vibrant personality. They commented that he was consistently strong throughout the various challenges of the competition and showed true leadership.
Sebastian will join the Chivas Masters alumni community alongside Aaron Grendon (2018), Atsushi Suzuki (2017), Alex Millan (2016), Josh Reynolds (2015) and Masahiro Urushido (2014). Aside from national pride, Sebastian and his winning team will get the chance to recreate their victorious pop-up bar at the Drinks Magazine Bar Awards 2019 in Shanghai.
The 2019 Chivas Masters Cocktail Clash was hosted by Rhys Wilson, 2017 UK Chivas Masters winner and Chivas Global Ambassador, who accompanied the 14 bartenders throughout the Chivas Masters’ final week. Having participated himself in the competition, Rhys commented: “I’ve been blown away by the extraordinary skills of the bartenders. Having been in their shoes, I know the level of pressure and consistency the challenges require, and every challenge they have faced has been extremely tough, with each of them driving through it, and delivering something great. They created a truly unforgettable bar experience showcasing the blend of their team, and that we truly are in the most exciting era for Scotch whisky, and contemporary cocktails.
Sebastian Cichowlas/Pirouette’s winning serve:
• Electrolight: Chivas Mizurnara, Honey, Coconut, Pineapple and Anise
• Footloose: Chivas 12 YO, Fragola, Fino Sherry and Fizz
Sebastian will join the Chivas Masters alumni community alongside Aaron Grendon (2018), Atsushi Suzuki (2017), Alex Millan (2016), Josh Reynolds (2015) and Masahiro Urushido (2014). Aside from national pride, Sebastian and his winning team will get the chance to recreate their victorious pop-up bar at the Drinks Magazine Bar Awards 2019 in Shanghai.
The 2019 Chivas Masters Cocktail Clash was hosted by Rhys Wilson, 2017 UK Chivas Masters winner and Chivas Global Ambassador, who accompanied the 14 bartenders throughout the Chivas Masters’ final week. Having participated himself in the competition, Rhys commented: “I’ve been blown away by the extraordinary skills of the bartenders. Having been in their shoes, I know the level of pressure and consistency the challenges require, and every challenge they have faced has been extremely tough, with each of them driving through it, and delivering something great. They created a truly unforgettable bar experience showcasing the blend of their team, and that we truly are in the most exciting era for Scotch whisky, and contemporary cocktails.
Sebastian Cichowlas/Pirouette’s winning serve:
• Electrolight: Chivas Mizurnara, Honey, Coconut, Pineapple and Anise
• Footloose: Chivas 12 YO, Fragola, Fino Sherry and Fizz
