Business
Keoghán Crowned UK Champion
He will travel to France in July to compete in the global final
Keoghán Taylor, of Kiki Lounge has been crowned the UK winner of the Joseph Cartron ‘Unexpected Tour’ Cocktail Competition.
He will travel to France in July to compete in the global final against bartenders from seven other participating countries from around the world.
Cartron Unexpected Competition is designed to bring international professional bartenders together to compete to present an ‘unexpected’ or surprising element either through a cocktail itself or through accompanying presentation.
Keoghán winning cocktail ‘A Coin Toss’ is created using Joseph Cartron’s Smoked Black Tea, Chairman’s Reserve White Label, Laphroaig, Joseph Cartron William Pear Eaux de Vie, Gin, and Dolin Vermouth. The ‘Unexpected’ aspect behind the cocktail was that it appears to be a regular cocktail, however it is two cocktails in one glass through the use of denser liquids at the bottom so the top drink can sit on top and appear as one.
Commenting on the cocktail, Keoghán said: ‘My inspiration came from an episode of Chef’s Table featuring Grant Achatz. In the episode, he explained in detail how they make their dishes seem like regular dishes but actually hide other parts of the dish within it.’
It has been quite the year for Kiki Lounge, with the bar and it’s team receiving global industry accolades and nominations including company Director Drew Fleming being crowned winner of ‘The Blend Scholarship’ at the prestigious 50 Best Bar awards in October 2022; Head Bartender Freddy Whittle achieving silver medal at the Chairman’s Reserve Mai Tai Challenge in September 2022 and most recently the bar itself being shortlisted for ‘Bar Employer of the Year’ at the CLASS Bar Magazine awards, alongside another nomination for Drew Fleming as ‘Emerging Bartender of the Year’.
Extra Fancy Managing Director, Jamie Lewis, said: ‘It’s been a truly bonkers year, it’s incredible to see our team flying the flag not only for team Extra Fancy and Kiki’s, but for the Isle of Man as well. For our bartenders to be receiving accolades on a national, really is testament to their hard work and dedication. Keoghán joined our team in early 2021, and his passion was apparent from day one, I’m so proud of him and his achievement, heading to Burgundy for the final is a truly once in a lifetime opportunity.’
