American Derek Crow Crowned Winner of the 2024 Cardenal Mendoza Gold Jigger Cocktail Competition

• The panel of judges, consisting of Borja Cortina, Ana Camacho, and Anxo Vila, highlighted Crow’s innovation and technique as key factors in his triumph. 

• The final featured two challenging rounds that tested participants' creativity and improvisational skills. 

• “Cardenal Mendoza's dedication to tradition inspired me to showcase it in a new way through cocktails,” Crow said upon receiving the award.
   

  

   

Derek Crow from the USA took first place in the 2024 Cardenal Mendoza Gold Jigger Cocktail Competition, held on Tuesday, October 29, at the iconic El Gallo Azul building in Jerez de la Frontera. Judging the event were Borja Cortina (Brandy de Jerez Ambassador and owner of Varsovia Gijón), Ana Camacho (2024 Mistura Beirão TV Show winner and bartender at Paradiso Barcelona), and Anxo Vila (Head of R&D at Salmón Gurú and Gurú Lab Madrid). They awarded Crow top honors, noting his exceptional performance in the second round, where he used ingredients from his “Mystery Box” to craft a standout cocktail. “I’m deeply grateful and thrilled,” said Crow upon receiving his award, “This honor is a tribute to the legacy of Cardenal Mendoza.”

Crow was awarded the coveted custom gold jigger as the champion, marking him as the fifth winner of the Cardenal Mendoza Gold Jigger Cocktail Competition. Ariel Rosario (Puerto Rico) received the silver, and Yuri Brian (Spain) earned the bronze jigger. The three finalists also enjoyed an exclusive experience at Sánchez Romate cellars, including a private tour with tastings of the prestigious Non Plus Ultra Brandy drawn straight from the cask, celebrating the excellence of a brand with over 200 years of history.

Competition Format: Two Rounds, One Goal

The final, held on October 29, comprised two challenging rounds. In the first round, contestants had 15 minutes to recreate their selected cocktails in front of the judges. A live drawing determined the order: Ariel Rosario from Puerto Rico went first, followed by Derek Crow from the United States, and finally, Spain’s Yuri Brian. The second round introduced a surprise element, where finalists were given 15 minutes to create a new cocktail using Cardenal Mendoza Elements Edition and three of the five “Mystery Box” ingredients provided.

Standout Performances by the Finalists

In the first round, each finalist delivered impressive performances. Ariel Rosario captivated the panel with “Santo Pecado,” a lively and festive cocktail featuring Puerto Rican souvenirs in homage to his homeland. Derek Crow presented “Garnet,” a cocktail that evoked the classic strength of North American drinks, showcasing his cocktail mastery with elegance. Yuri Brian entertained the audience with his expert shaking, turning his presentation into a spectacle as he crafted “El Capataz.”

Ultimately, the second challenge tipped the scales in favor of Derek Crow, whose cocktail the jury described as “the best of the six crafted during the competition,” according to jury president Borja Cortina. Derek narrowly edged out Puerto Rican competitor Ariel Rosario by just ten points, thanks to his high score in the final round. Crow selected cardamom, ginger, and triple sec from his mystery ingredients, while Ariel chose pineapple, coconut water, and white vermouth. Representing Spain, Yuri Brian opted for passion fruit, agave, and red vermouth.

An International Competition within the 2024 Golden Week

The Cardenal Mendoza Gold Jigger Cocktail Competition 2024 attracted a record-breaking 278 initial entries from around the world. From these, 30 contestants advanced, and three finalists were ultimately chosen in September. This competition is part of Cardenal Mendoza’s Golden Week, an annual celebration that highlights the richness and versatility of Brandy de Jerez. Now in its ninth year, Golden Week (October 25–31, 2024) has featured a series of international events in Jerez, including tastings, masterclasses, seminars, and pairings.

About Cardenal Mendoza

Cardenal Mendoza is a Solera Gran Reserva brandy produced by Sánchez Romate wineries. With over 200 years of history, this renowned brandy is aged in casks previously seasoned with Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez, resulting in a complex and celebrated flavor profile. Cardenal Mendoza is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious brands in the Brandy de Jerez category.