Recently I seem to have been involved in a a fair old bit of judging. At the Manchester heat for Angostura, at MFDF I’ll be judging sausages with the infamous Gordo and this month has seen something rather exciting launch. The M-League.
The idea is relatively simple – it’s like fantasy football for bar staff. Well, except there’s no football. Or fantasy, all the cocktails are real. Ok, it’s nothing like fantasy football, save that it’s a league.
Starting in the Northern Quarter, bars were encouraged to take part, nominating someone from behind the bar to create a cocktail with a specific brand. Each challenge involves a different brand and each month two rounds take place. The top three get points – 3 for the winner, 2 for the runner up, 1 point for the bar in the third spot.
And yep, I’m one of the judges. We’ve been referred to as Dave’s Angels. To be honest, we’re not sure about that at all (nor is Dave) but as it involves wrapping our tastebuds around a selection of cocktails every couple of weeks, we’ll put up with it.
So aside from Dave and myself, who are the judges? Liz, of Things to do in Manchester, Helen of Mancunian Vintage and Keeley of Phat Cupcake. All lovers of a fine cocktail.
Round one took place early this month at our first host bar, Cord. The alcohol of choice was Tequila – Excellia Tequila to be precise. To make things fair, this is a completely blind tasting, with marks awarded for the presentation and concept, as well as flavour and aroma – to really challenge the mixologists.
Round one saw some serious contenders. The Rosebud from Adam at Tusk Bar was lovely, lots of grapefruit, the smokiness from the tequila and the floral qualities of the rose made a lovely pretty drink, but you needed to nibble that garnish to really pull them through.
Take the High Road from Mark at Whiskey Jar was delicious – Dalmore Cigar Malt adding a quality to it, we just couldn’t quite define. Clever stuff.
But there can only be one winner and no, it wasn’t the chocolate garnish that won us over. Well not entirely. You can’t garnish a cocktail that prettily and not have it up to snuff. And this little pretty was from Veronika at Apotheca. Chunky bitter orange, smoky Tequila and a little Cognac made this twist on an Old Fashioned and immediate winner.
In second, came Mark’s Take the High Road, meaning he takes two points for Whiskey Jar. And finally, in third place came Mat from Cord with Dingo Juice – a deeply fruity number with Heering Cherry, lychee liquor and orange bitters.
And round two? This time Whiskey Jar were the hosts and aptly, the brand of choice was Monkey Shoulder.
Notable lovelies included the Peanut Monkey Shoulder from Laura at TV21 – like an alcoholic peanutty milkshake.
The judges also had to sip Monkey Spunk – a creation by Bradlie from Simple. Sweet, coffee filled, alcoholic – with a good dusting of cinnamon. For a lady distinctly lacking a sweet tooth, this went down nicely.
Finally, the Infused Confused Old Fashioned from Rick at Tusk. This went down rather well too – turns out the judges are rather fond of the Old Fashioned style of cocktail.
So the top three from round two? Whiskey Jar in third place, Simple taking second place and Tusk first for a full three points.
Round 3 will be held next month at Bluu Bar and will involve G’Vine Gins Floraison. Roll on October….
Photographs with thanks to the lovely Night Capture Photography.