RYAN Mittoo created a stir in the Angostura Mixmaster Cocktail Challenge held at The Deck in St Andrew last Thursday.

Mittoo beat 10 other bartenders, including co-workers from Bars To Go, to claim victory in the competition. The challenge was to produce two world standard cocktails, each based with a minimum of five dashes of Angostura Bitters or Angostura Rum in seven minutes. Drinks were scored on appearance, aroma, taste and presentation skills.

Mittoo expertly created 'Angos Cloud 19' and 'West Indian' cocktails won favour with the judges.

"Last year when I entered, I came with gimmics to gain crowd support and that backfired because I ran out of time and lost crucial points. This year, I decided no tricks. I just jumped right into it and with better time management, organisation, and support from my brother and colleagues, I pulled it off," he said.

In addition to winning US$1,000, Mittoo will now represent Jamaica at the regional finals next Saturday in Antigua and for a spot in the Global Challenge slated for Trinidad and Tobago in February of next year.

Veteran George Beckford took second place with his delightful 'Chocolate Dream' and 'Cocoa Oasis' cocktails. He won US$500. While Maurice Robinson's 'Angostura Last Dance' and 'Best of Jamaica 50' were awarded thrid place and US$300.

Renee Webley, brand manager for Lascelles — local distributor for Angostura — was pleased with the outcome.

"There was a high level of professionalism and talent among all the contestants who showed how versatile Angostura Bitters is in enhancing their cocktails. Lascelles is happy to be a part of this initiative and in the development of our bartenders," she said.