After an exciting final held on 5th September, Jamie Lock of The Dead Canary was crowned winner of Black Cow Vodka’s annual competition, the Black Cow Cup, with his cocktail, ‘Bedtime Snack’ in a competition which is known for celebrating bartending excellence from around the world.
This year’s theme was “Sonic cocktails: Blending the senses – if music be the food of love, play on”, where bartenders from around the world were challenged to think about how the senses affect taste, and to create a drink utilising sound in an innovative way using Black Cow, the world’s smoothest vodka.
This year’s esteemed judges comprised of Black Cow founders Jason Barber and Paul “Archie” Archard, Managing Editor of Bar Chick Hannah Lodge, Professor Barry Smith (founding director of the Centre for the Study of the Senses at University of London), Simon Mills, Bespoke Editor of Wallpaper* and Erica Brown, who won the Black Cow Cup in 2017, from Bar Stella in LA.
Jamie Lock from The Dead Canary in Cardiff saw off strong competition from finalists from some of the world’s top bars with the winning cocktail, Bedtime Snack which combined Black Cow Vodka and chocolate chip vermouth and was accompanied by tracks from the album, ‘Cant Buy a Thrill’ by Steely Dan. Jamie says, ‘The drink draws inspiration from drinking warm milk as a child, using tea and temperature for their soothing qualities. The track, ‘Story Music Box’ played while Jamie served his cocktail, designed to be served warm to invoke a soothing, feeling of nostalgia for the drinker.
Jamie wins the coveted Black Cow Cup as well as a prize of $1,500. Now in its 4th year, entrants competed in regional heats with winners from each individual heat battling out at the final which was held at The Black Cow Distillery, Bar + Kitchen situated in the beautiful West Dorset countryside.
Black Cow founder Archie said: “This year has seen the highest calibre of creations yet since we started the Black Cow Cup. Each bartender rose to the challenge in their own, unique ways and the quality of the drinks was exceptional. Jamie took the win as his creation perfectly captured the brief and celebrated our vodka in the most delicious and intelligent way.”
Cocktail Recipe: 60ml Butter Washed Black Cow Vodka, 25ml Chocolate Chip Vermouth, 25ml Quarrier’s Dream Tea, 15ml Whey & Almond Syrup and Double Cream Float.
