Israel [Izzy] Bennett from Rosewood Bermuda won the Best Overall Cocktail and $10,000 grand prize during the third annual Art of the Pour cocktail competition.
A spokesperson said, “Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held international spirits company in the world, hosted the third annual Art of the Pour cocktail competition this past weekend as part of the City of Hamilton’s Taste of Bermuda Festival. Held at the iconic Bacardi global headquarters, this year’s highly anticipated event welcomed over 500 guests for an unforgettable evening of cocktail creativity, hospitality excellence and immersive entertainment inspired by the company’s Cuban roots.
“This year’s theme, Havana Nights, paid tribute to the rich heritage of family-owned Bacardi, founded in Cuba in 1862. The event transformed the Bacardi headquarters into a vibrant celebration of Havana’s culture, music and timeless charm, challenging participants to push the boundaries of creativity through innovative cocktails, captivating presentations and unique guest experiences. Eight of Bermuda’s leading hotels, restaurants and bars competed for top honors, with the stakes higher than ever as the coveted Best Overall Cocktail Award carried a $10,000 grand prize.
“Participating establishments included The Loren, Rosewood Bermuda, Palmetto Beach Club at Fairmont Southampton, The St. Regis, Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio, Rock & Barrel Gastrobar, Harry’s Restaurant & Bar and Rosedon Hotel. Each brought its own interpretation of Havana Nights to life, showcasing the talent, passion and innovation that continue to elevate Bermuda’s hospitality industry.
“A notable highlight of this year’s competition was the participation of five individuals from the Bacardi Shake Your Future program, a global initiative providing free professional bartender training to unemployed and underemployed young adults. Competing alongside some of Bermuda’s most established hospitality professionals, these rising talents demonstrated their skills and creativity, reinforcing the continued commitment of Bacardi to nurturing local talent and strengthening the island’s hospitality industry.”
“Art of the Pour continues to grow from strength to strength, and we were incredibly excited to celebrate our third year with a theme that pays tribute to the heritage of Bacardi,” says Jalen Harvey, Commercial Manager at Bacardi.
“The level of creativity and talent on display was exceptional, with some of Bermuda’s finest bartenders pushing the boundaries to deliver truly unique cocktail experiences. With demand for the event at an all-time high and a $10,000 grand prize raising the stakes, the competition was fiercer than ever. At Bacardi, we are proud to continue creating world-class experiences that celebrate Bermuda’s vibrant hospitality industry, bring our community together and showcase the artistry behind every cocktail.”
A spokesperson added, “Every element of the evening was thoughtfully designed to transport guests into the vibrant culture and heritage of Bacardi. The Havana-inspired celebration featured live entertainment, captivating dance performances, DJ sets and a hand-rolled cigar station that added to the atmosphere.
“Guests were also invited to explore each establishment’s unique cocktail presentation and cast their votes through a live digital platform, helping determine the evening’s top honors. The competition recognized excellence across several categories, including the return of the Most Creative Cocktail Award and the introduction of a special Immersive Experience Award, recognizing the establishment that delivered the most unique and memorable experience for the judging panel during pre-event visits.
“This year’s winners included:
- Most Creative Cocktail: The Rosedon Hotel Siempre Libre created by Aaron Mattis-Robinson
- Best Restaurant & Bar Cocktail: Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio—Dos Legados created by Jahzuena Bradshaw-Douglas & Dante Petty
- Best Hotel Experience: Palmetto Beach at Fairmont Southampton – Rum Row created by Dae
- Immersive Experience Award: Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio
- Best Overall Cocktail: Rosewood Bermuda – La Reina del Bat created by Israel [Izzy] Bennett
“Taking home the coveted title of Best Overall Cocktail and the $10,000 grand prize was Israel [Izzy] Bennett of Rosewood Bermuda, with her winning creation, La Reina del Bat. Inspired by the story behind the iconic BACARDÍ bat symbol, the cocktail paid tribute to Doña Amalia Bacardí Moreau, wife of the Bacardi company founder. Seeing bats in the rafters of the original distillery, it was Amalia who recognized them as a symbol of good health, good fortune, and family unity and chose the bat as the logo. Adding to the significance of the win, Bennett was also a participant in Cohort 4 of the Bacardi Shake Your Future program. Her achievement highlights the impact of the program in nurturing local talent and empowering aspiring bartenders to excel within Bermuda’s hospitality industry.
“As Art of the Pour continues to evolve, Bacardi remains committed to expanding the event’s reach, celebrating local hospitality talent and establishing the competition as one of Bermuda’s most prestigious recognitions of cocktail excellence. Through its continued collaboration with the City of Hamilton and the Taste of Bermuda Festival, Bacardi aims to further elevate the island’s event landscape while creating memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.”
