Bourbon Lens Fast Facts – Nikka Perfect Serve
- This is year 12 of this competition
- Evan Flynn is the first American Winner
- 11 contestants from around the world competed
SAN FRANCISCO, CA [December 8, 2023] – Nikka Whisky is pleased to announce the winner of their global bartending competition, Nikka Perfect Serve presented by PDXCW, as Evan Flynn from Denver, CO. This marks the first time a U.S. contestant has taken the top spot throughout the competition’s now 12 editions.
Taking place on Monday, December 4th, the global competition was held in San Francisco at Pacific Cocktail Haven where 11 contestants from around the world competed for the coveted title. Flynn impressed the esteemed panel of judges with his knowledge and craft, his ability to cater to each guest, and effortlessly pair flavors within his creative cocktails.
This year’s theme, “The Other Half,” pays homage to the duality at the heart of Nikka, from its very beginnings building a bridge between Scotland to Japan, the love story between founder Masataka and his wife Rita, the two malt distilleries Yoichi & Miyagikyo, but also in Nikka blended whiskies which marry both malt and grain whiskies produced in both traditional and innovative ways.
Flynn’s “Other Half” winning cocktail was titled; “Strings of Light” inspired by one of his favorite modern jazz tracks. The spirit-free Collins balanced flavors of tropical fruit, bitter citrus, pepper spice, herbs, and sparkling tonic water paired with the Nikka Coffey Gin to bring out the bright, pronounced flavors of the unique Japanese gin.
Inspired by the Japanese “ichi-go, ichi-e” philosophy, which when translated describes “one moment, one encounter,” Nikka Perfect Serve defines its competitors by hospitality and service and the ability to create unique and memorable experiences. Embracing omakase – “I leave it to you” – judges play the role of indecisive customers, allowing competing bartenders to improvise a bespoke Nikka cocktail, providing their guests with an eye-opening experience and opportunity to discover something new and inspiring. Contestants are scored based on the overall experience: hospitality, communication, bartending skills, product knowledge, as well as the choice and quality of the drinks. The Nikka Perfect Serve encourages bartenders to put the guests at the heart of the bar experience, catering to their presence and palate to craft the most suitable cocktail and atmosphere.
“Nikka Perfect Serve is insanity in the best way possible,” says Flynn. “You are truly tested on so many different important facets of bartending, but none more so than hospitality. This competition is unique in that it asks you to focus on leading your guest through an unforgettable experience with not only your mind, but your heart and soul as well.”
About The Nikka Whisky Distilling Co.
Founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, the father of Japanese whisky, Nikka Whisky Distilling Co. is a world-renowned artisanal spirit brand with more than 85 years of mastery in blending behind it. Nikka Whisky continues its steadfast legacy of marrying tradition and innovation, as set forth by Masataka. Guided by his philosophies, variations of malt whiskies distilled at Nikka’s two distinct distilleries – Yoichi and Miyagikyo – and grain whiskies distilled in Coffey Stills remain the core pillars of Nikka’s complexity and creativity. Today, Nikka offers a wide variety of artisanal expressions brought by its unique assets and skillful blending, which is imported by Hotaling & Co. Those expressions include Nikka Days, Nikka from The Barrel, Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky, Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky, Nikka Coffey Gin, Nikka Coffey Vodka, Nikka Yoichi Single Malt, Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt, Nikka Whisky Taketsuru Pure Malt. You can visit Nikka at https://www.nikka.com/eng/ or follow the brand on social media @nikkawhiskyusa.
About Hotaling & Co.
A born and bred San Francisco original, Hotaling & Co. is the leading distiller and importer of artisanal spirits and cocktail essentials. Our dedication to artisanal spirits first started 30 years ago under the name Anchor Distilling Company – heralding the return to copper pot distilling in the U.S. with the original craft introductions of Junipero Gin & Old Potrero Straight Rye Whiskey. We carry on that pioneering legacy with the name Hotaling & Co. as a nod to the local legend A.P. Hotaling, who ventured West during the Gold Rush and quickly became one of the most reputable spirits dealers in the country and a notable figure in American drinking culture. Fueled by a passion for beverage expertise, education and hospitality, Hotaling & Co. carries on this tradition of artisanal excellence by bringing together a family of like-minded spirits that share our commitment to craft and care.
Today, Hotaling & Co.’s portfolio is synonymous with brands of unmatched quality and character, including Luxardo Liqueurs & Cherries, Nikka Whisky, Junipero Gin, HINE Cognac, Convite Mezcal, Severo Tequila, Kavalan Whisky, Denizen Rum, HIRSCH Selected Whiskeys, Writers’ Tears Whiskey, Old Pulteney Whisky, Speyburn Whisky, Balblair Whisky, Arran Whisky, Old Potrero Rye Whiskey, and more. Visit www.HotalingandCo.com to explore our full range of brands.
