The 2024 Cardenal Mendoza Gold Jigger Cocktail Competition Finalists Announced
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The three finalists for the 5th edition of the Cardenal Mendoza Gold Jigger Cocktail Competition 2024 are Yuri Brian Rubal with his cocktail “El Capataz” (Spain), Ariel Rosario with “Santo Pecado” (Puerto Rico), and Derek Crow with “Garnet” (USA).
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The competition is part of the 9th edition of the 2024 Cardenal Mendoza Golden Week.
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The judging panel of Borja Cortina, Ana Camacho, and Anxo Vila will decide who takes home the Gold Jigger on October 29 in Jerez de la Frontera.

Three international mixologists reach the final of the 2024 Cardenal Mendoza Gold Jigger Cocktail Competition
Cardenal Mendoza has announced the three finalists who will compete for the prestigious Gold Jigger on October 29 in Jerez de la Frontera. Yuri Brian Rubal with his cocktail “El Capataz” (Spain), Ariel Rosario with “Santo Pecado” (Puerto Rico), and Derek Crow with “Garnet” (USA) have been selected from 30 participants to compete in the grand final of the 5th edition of the Cardenal Mendoza Gold Jigger Cocktail Competition, one of the world’s most prominent international cocktail competitions and the largest one dedicated to Brandy de Jerez.
The selection process considered several key aspects, including the recipes' creativity, the cocktails' originality and replicability, adherence to the essence of Cardenal Mendoza, and the final presentation of each drink. The three finalists stood out in all these areas and will now face two challenges in the final: recreating their winning cocktails and taking on a surprise challenge that will test their improvisation skills.
Final Challenge Format and Prizes
The grand final will take place in Jerez de la Frontera on October 29 at the iconic Gallo Azul, where the three finalists will present their creations to a panel of experts and invited brandy enthusiasts. The jury will consist of three renowned figures in the cocktail world: Borja Cortina, Brandy de Jerez Ambassador and owner of Varsovia Gijón; Ana Camacho, winner of the Mistura Beirão TV Show 2024 and bartender at Paradiso Barcelona; and Anxo Vila, Director of R&D at Salmón Gurú and Gurú Lab Madrid. They will evaluate each cocktail and assign the coveted Gold, Silver, and Bronze Jiggers, as well as an exclusive experience at the Sánchez Romate cellars, where the winner will explore the excellence of a brand with over 200 years of history.
Golden Week 2024: A Global Celebration of Brandy de Jerez
Cardenal Mendoza’s Golden Week, which includes the competition, is an annual celebration that highlights the richness and versatility of Brandy de Jerez. The 9th edition, taking place from October 25th-31st, 2024, will feature international events such as tastings, masterclasses, seminars, and pairings. This year’s poster was created by renowned artist Carmen García Huerta, who encapsulated the vibrant and festive nature of the celebration. As she explains: “My goal was to capture the spirit of life and the essence of Cardenal Mendoza’s Golden Week.”
A Record Year for International Participation
This year, the Cardenal Mendoza Gold Jigger Cocktail Competition showcased its global reach by receiving 278 entries worldwide. Puerto Rico led the number of participants with 83 entries, followed by Spain with 67 and Italy with 37. In total, 30 participants were selected to compete in this exciting edition, representing countries such as the United States, the Dominican Republic, Germany, and Chile, among many others.