Good news for fans of Edinburgh's Voyage of Buck, general manager Mike McGinty, was yesterday named the winner in the inaugural International Patrón Perfectionist competition.

Mike became the UK finalist in November last year, before travelling to Mexico this month to compete in the final.

He was joined by bartenders from across the globe including Nick Cozens from Eau de Vie in Melbourne, Brice Martaud of Le Dandy in Lille and Fernando Fastuca of Liquid Experience in Buenos Aires.

The bartender from Edinburgh won with his cocktail The Bell of Jalisco, which mixes Patrón Reposado with a chamomile infused vermouth and a yellow bell pepper shrub.

It pays homage to the farmers and distillers involved in making the tequila and the time and dedication it takes to produce.

This is the first year that Patrón opened the competition globally and Mike had this to say about winning on a worldwide stage: “It’s still rather surreal. To be here in Jalisco, Mexico where Patrón originates, it’s very humbling.

“I’ve been competing with some world-class bartenders and it’s testament to the talent back home that I’m here. Not just in the UK, but in Scotland particularly, we’re definitely making our mark in the global industry. I’m really pleased to be here representing that, representing Edinburgh, and to have my efforts recognised with this title is just amazing.”

Mikes non-competition version of his world beating cocktail ‘Yellow Pepper Sour’, which combines Patron Silver, chamomile infused sherry, grapefruit bitters, lemon, Buck’s yellow pepper syrup and smoked sea salt, can enjoyed at The Voyage of Buck on Edinburgh’s William Street.

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