Iron Bar Competition Winners Jacob Sweetapple & Justin Taylor

August 22, 2011 (Vancouver, BC) – Jacob Sweetapple of Fairmont Pacific Rim and Justin Taylor of Four Seasons YEW Restaurant + Bar have won the 2011 Iron Bar Competition, and will be representing Canada in the Giffard International Cocktail Challenge on October of 2011.

The Iron Bar Competition was held on Monday, August 22, 2011 at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel in Vancouver. 39 local mixologists competed in the event, which required them to prepare and present original sparkling cocktails. Each cocktail had to include Giffard’s new Violette Liqueur, made from natural violet extracts, and Louis de Grenelle Crémant. A panel of six judges consisting of three media members and three Bar Experts evaluated the original cocktails presented.

Jacob Sweetapple of Fairmont Pacific Rim won the competition with for his cocktail, Eau de Vie. Justin Taylor of Four Seasons YEW Restaurant + Bar was the runner-up, with an entry called Elizabeth Taylor.

Both competition winners will be flown to France to represent Canada at the Giffard International Cocktail Challenge in October 2011.

Jacob Sweetapple’s Winning Iron Bar Cocktail

Eau de Vie

• 5ml – Giffard Violette
• 20ml – Beefeater Winter Edition
• 15ml – Domaine de Canton
• 15ml – Cremant de Loire Grand Cuvee
• 10ml – House made Orange peel bitter syrup
• 5ml – Fresh Lime Juice 

The word “Aperitif” is the inspiration behind this cocktail.  I want to combine the flavours of white orchid fruits, almonds and honey from the Cremant with the floral notes of the Violette. A delicate balance of fresh citrus Spice from the gin and a house made bitter orange peel will also be added.  A final step using the Perlini shaker will allow all of the ingredients to each an even carbonation level.