Bangkok--16 Oct--Remy Cointreau
Remy Cointreau group reveals the trend of the alcohol market in 2019 has improved signs with positive factors come from the tourism sector recovering. Meanwhile announcing the winner of the LA MAISON COINTREAU Thailand 2019, the best cocktail competition to select bartender representative of Thailand, "Phongskorn Ruangjun" from Mai Bar, Rosewood Phuket, ahead to compete in the regional finals with representative from more than 15 countries at the LA MAISON COINTREAU International 2019, Bangkok, Thailand will take place on this 11-13 November.
Mr.Kittipat Chaiyakul, Marketing Director for Remy Cointreau, reveals the data from the Thai Alcohol Beverage Business Association "Alcohol industry last year, the growth rate decreased by 10%, while in 2019 has improved signs. Positive factors come from the tourism sector recovering, Thai government supports by issuing visa measures for foreign tourists, extension of the opening time of entertainment venues, and good shopping signals during festivals of Thai people. Including the beverage bar business in Bangkok and major tourist districts are still popular with decorations of bars, restaurants, entertainment venues and the signature cocktails crafted by talented mixologists who can pair unique ingredients with premium-branded spirits from leading brands.
From the unique flavor of the drink especially cocktails which is interesting in terms of taste, Remy Cointreau Group together with partners organized the competition the LA MAISON COINTREAU THAILAND 2019 in order to seek for bartenders who are able to use their skills to connect the wondrous stories into the great tasting drink. Registration is open with the "Cosmopolitan" concept by submitting the descriptions of formula, ingredients, flavors, strengths of cocktails, and cocktail photos. After an entry round and semi-final, the LA MAISON COINTREAU Thailand 2019 are judged by a panel of three, comprising by Manager –Education & Engagement South East Asia & Pacific for Remy Cointreau, Scott Fitzgerald; Wine & Spirit Guru, Thawatchai Tappitak; and La Maison Cointreau 2018 Winners, Suchada Sopajaree
The finalists come from all parts of Thailand and well-known bars are Liberation, Rabbit Hole, Honest Mistake Bar, Mai Bar Rosewood Phuket, Gardens Gastronomy bar Phuket, Eat Me, and Q&A. The finalists will compete in two challenges, creating a cocktail in each. Winners will announce during La Maison Cointreau Award Party. Whilst the winner will be a representative from Thailand to compete in the La Maison Cointreau International 2019 and receive Singapore Travel Package 3 Days 2 Nights value THB 20,000. The runner-up will be awarded Phuket, Thailand travel package value THB 10,000 and the second runner-up will be awarded a gift set value THB 5,000."
The winner of LA MAISON COINTREAU Thailand 2019
Mr.Phongskorn Ruangjun, bartender who has more than 10 years of experience from Mai Bar, Rosewood Phuket said "I am so proud and very impressed to participate in the national competition. Everyone knows the first challenge together at the same time. There is no much time to think, but everyone did it well.
I submitted the first challenge called "Timeless". The ingredient is the botanist gin infused with TWG Tea polo club made from green tea. The Timeless smell like caramel, berries, Cointreau, and Clarify milk punch. I was inspired by the Red Lime Soda mixed the Thomas Henry Tonic to add a bubble with the throwing techniques and decorated with cosmos flowers for refreshing.
The second challenge was Single Malt in Remy Cointreau's portfolio are Bruidladich, Port Charlotte, and Octomore. I choose Bruidladich to make the drink called "Catch & Release" which the character and tasting note fresh, clean, smooth, tongue like champagne bubble. "Catch & Release" goes well with pineapple from Phuket province, basil to do as shrubs, wild tomato, and homemade marmalade jam. It's an unconventional drink that Savory and easy to drink.
This year, Thailand was honored to host LA MAISON COINTREAU International 2019 on 11-13 November 2019 which more than 15 international bartenders represented in the competition. Follow up and cheer the champion from Thailand in the regional competition together.