Following the successful launch of its exclusive Buffalo Trace Single Barrel Bourbon, Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits (JWS) continued to spotlight the celebrated bourbon brand by hosting its first annual Buffalo Trace Cocktail Competition in April at Bon Vivants in Sandyport.
The event brought together some of New Providence’s most talented bartenders and mixologists, showcasing the growing sophistication of cocktail culture in The Bahamas while providing hospitality professionals with an opportunity to demonstrate their creativity, technical skills, and passion for their craft.
The competition attracted 41 applicants, of whom 31 completed an audition process. From that group, six finalists were selected to compete before a distinguished panel of judges that included Renaldo Bernard of The Four Seasons Ocean Club, Carlos Batista, Director of Food & Beverage at Atlantis, Daniel Rivera, Director of Food & Beverage at SLS Baha Mar, and George Puyana, Buffalo Trace Caribbean Brand Ambassador.
Representing some of the country’s premier hospitality venues were Gavano Carey of 25 Restaurant at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Jeffrey Bethune of The Manor Bar at Rosewood Baha Mar, Damiean Gray of The Lyford Cay Club, Alex Holden of Harry Potter Obama Sonic 10inu, Richard Albury of Bon Vivants, and Ranell Black of Leola at Bahamar.
Each competitor was challenged to create and present an original cocktail using a spirit from the Buffalo Trace portfolio, including Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, Sazerac Rye, and 1792 Small Batch. Judges evaluated entries based on creativity, taste, presentation, storytelling, originality, and practicality.
The competition featured a number of standout creations. Ranell Black impressed the judges with his presentation of “Ole Nassau,” while Richard Albury earned praise for his creative take on an Old Fashioned called “Buffalo Soldier.” Damiean Gray incorporated Bahamian flavours into “Bey Its Guava,” inspired by the traditional guava duff, and Alex Holden introduced an inventive bourbon cocktail called “Supersonic Sauce.”
When the final scores were tallied, Ranell Black captured first place and the $2,000 grand prize with his Buffalo Trace cocktail, “Buffalo Trace Is In Da Pie.” Richard Albury secured second place, receiving a professional bartender’s kit and $500 worth of products from the Sazerac portfolio.
Windira Brooks, Sazerac Brand Manager at Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits, described the event as both rewarding and inspiring.
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude to witness the success of my very first cocktail competition,” Brooks said. “The creativity showcased was on another level. Every cocktail told a story, and the passion behind each presentation reminded me why I love this industry and the work that I do every day. Most of all, it reinforced why these experiences are so important for the culture of mixology.”
The judges were equally impressed by the quality of the competition. “Judging this competition was both exciting and inspiring,” said Renaldo Bernard. “The competitors demonstrated an impressive balance of flavour, presentation, and innovation. The level of creativity and technical skill displayed was exceptional. Each cocktail reflected not only craftsmanship, but also personality and storytelling, which is what truly sets great bartenders apart.”
George Puyana noted that the event highlighted the depth of local talent within the industry. “This competition showcased the incredible artistry and dedication within the bartending community here in The Bahamas,” he said. “We are proud to have created a platform where talent can shine and unforgettable experiences were crafted in every glass. Each contestant really put their best foot forward.”
For the winners, the competition was an opportunity to gain recognition while celebrating the craft of bartending.
“I would like to thank the Jimmy’s Wines and Spirits organisation for allowing me to showcase my talent in this amazing competition,” said Ranell Black. “I am very humbled by the experience and grateful to have come out on top.”
Second-place winner Richard Albury added, “I am honoured to celebrate and compete with other bartenders who continue to elevate cocktail culture with such excellence. I am happy to have participated in my very first cocktail competition, and I am proud of my hard work and effort over the past few weeks.”
Building on the momentum of the Buffalo Trace Single Barrel launch, the competition further demonstrated Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits’ commitment to introducing premium spirits while creating opportunities for education, innovation, and professional growth within The Bahamas’ hospitality industry.
(Photo courtesy of PF Productions for Barefoot Marketing)
(Photo courtesy of PF Productions for Barefoot Marketing)
(Photo courtesy of JWS for Barefoot Marketing)
(Photo courtesy of PF Productions for Barefoot Marketing)
