The Spirits Business reported on Friday that High West is deep in the throes of its Mountain Bartender Experience Cocktail Competition in Europe. The contest is one of two bartending competitions in the media this month, and it is in its final leg. The winners get to go to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in the French Alps to win.
“Bartenders are crucial to the success of High West as they act as the primary bridge between the brand and the end consumer,” said Local Brand Ambassador Vitek Melichar for High West Whiskey in a statement. “They directly influence purchasing decisions and shape perceptions — trends start in the on-trade.”
The finalists are going to Chamonix at the end of January for the final round. Chamonix, like Park City, is an alpine region in France.
“It represents a strategic opportunity to transport the Rockies-based distillery to experience the Alps, showcasing Utah’s pioneering craft heritage while engaging with Europe’s leading mixologists in meaningful brand immersion,” said Senior Director of Sales for High West Christian Bottegal in a statement.
Another Bartending Competition from J. Rieger, a Kansas City Whiskey Brand
A competition that is currently in early stages is J. Rieger’s Road to Jerez contest. The grand prize involves a tour of the Jerez region with the brand’s Co-Founder and Master Distiller Ryan Maybee, Master Distiller Nathan Perry and Williams & Humbert, a sherry brand that partners with J. Rieger.
Sherry is a critical component to J. Rieger’s identity as a brand. J. Rieger dates back to 1887, and the flagship whiskey consists of a blend of bourbon, rye, and light corn whiskeys with just a small kiss of 15-year-old Oloroso sherry from Williams & Humbert.
“That magic ingredient, a beautiful 15-year Oloroso sherry, is what makes our Kansas City Whiskey truly special and unique,” said Co-Founder and Master Distiller Ryan Maybee in a statement.
To enter, bartenders can create a cocktail using a minimum one ounce pour of J. Rieger’s Kansas City Whiskey. Bartenders can use a maximum of six ingredients for their cocktails. Those entering can take a photo that showcases the cocktail, complete the entry form, and answer the questionnaire.
Only working bartenders 21 and up can enter, and submissions are open until January 31st. For J. Rieger’s bartending competition, six semi-final events are set to take place across the country. The winners get to advance to Bar Convent in Brooklyn to compete. Finalists get to visit J. Rieger’s distillery in Kansas City where the winner will win an all-expense trip to Jerez.
All cocktails are evaluated via blind tasting, and any “specialty ingredients” must be brought in by the competitors.
Jack Daniel’s Teams Up With Tales of the Cocktail
On Monday, The Spirits Business reported that Jack Daniel’s was partnering with Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) to unveil a team-based contest called Proof of Concept. This contest involves 2 or 3 bartenders to create a pop-up bar concept.
Interested parties are to have a theme prioritizing an “immersive atmosphere” complete with a menu of cocktails, and a menu using two cocktails with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey or Jack Daniel’s Bonded Series.
Applications close at 12 AM PST on Feb. 15, 2026. Teams will be judged and then selected to advance to regional finals. The regional finals will occur in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City, Miami, and Nashville. Teams that go to the national finals will have all travel and lodging expenses paid for by Tales of the Cocktail.
The winning team receives a Tales of the Cocktail scholarship, cash prize, and all lodging, hotel, and meals accommodated in New Orleans.
No responses yet