El Dorado Rum Heritage Cocktail Competition Winner Crowned in Guyana
On April 10, 2025, at the Demerara Rum Heritage Centre in Guyana, Erick Lerch from Mother Cocktail Bar in Ontario, Canada, earned the prestigious title of El Dorado Rum Heritage Cocktail Competition winner. His innovative cocktail, deeply rooted in cultural heritage, impressed a panel of expert judges with its creativity, balance, and narrative power.
Global Finalists Bring Cultural Heritage to the Forefront
Ten finalists from across the globe competed in this year’s challenge, each aiming to claim the crown from the 2024 champion, Mike Dojcsak of Canada. The competition celebrated not only cocktail mastery but also storytelling and cultural identity.
The runner-up title went to Steven Huddleston from Stir (by SQ1) in Tennessee, USA. His cocktail offered a unique blend of local ingredients and heritage-inspired flavors. Romel Persaud, representing Therapy Cocktails in Guyana, secured third place, captivating judges with a narrative-rich creation that honored his homeland.
Meet the 2025 Finalists
This year’s finalists represented a diverse range of cultures and bartending traditions. They included:
- Shelley Bowers (House of Bamboo, California, US)
- Steven Huddleston (Stir by SQ1, Tennessee, US)
- Benedetta Paris (Happiness Forgets, UK)
- Erick Lerch (Mother Cocktail Bar, Ontario, Canada)
- Nizel Waldron (Ace Bar Services, Trinidad)
- Fabio Kaufmann (Residenz Heinz Winkler, Germany)
- Charles Portail (Sauvage, France)
- Andreas Ording (Boho House, Norway)
- Daniel Hilton (Kitty Hawk, Australia)
- Romel Persaud (Guyana)
All ten received an all-expenses-paid trip to Guyana to compete at the iconic Diamond Distillery, home of El Dorado Rum and the last remaining distillery along the Demerara River.
What the El Dorado Rum Heritage Cocktail Competition Winner Had to Do
To win, each bartender had to present two original cocktails:
- Their winning drink from the regional rounds
- A brand-new creation using ingredients native to Guyana and one of the El Dorado Single Still Rums (Enmore, Port Mourant, or Versailles)
This challenge tested creativity and adaptability, as bartenders had to work with unfamiliar ingredients in a high-stakes setting.
Judging Criteria That Defined the El Dorado Rum Heritage Cocktail Competition Winner
Judges evaluated each competitor based on:
- Visual presentation
- Flavor balance and originality
- Storytelling and connection to heritage
- Brand synergy with El Dorado Rum
- Naming and conceptual alignment
Industry leaders formed the expert judging panel:
- Marie King, Rum and Cocktail Specialist (US)
- Timo Janse, Bar Owner and Cocktail Expert (Spain)
- Shaun Caleb, Master Distiller, Demerara Distillers Limited (Guyana)
After two days of high-level competition, the judges agreed unanimously.
The Prize and Recognition
As the El Dorado Rum Heritage Cocktail Competition winner, Erick Lerch takes home:
- $5,000 USD
- A rare collection of El Dorado Rums
- A place in the growing legacy of this global competition
This achievement recognizes not only his talent but also his dedication to elevating the craft of cocktail-making through cultural storytelling.
Why the El Dorado Rum Heritage Cocktail Competition Matters
The competition continues to shine a spotlight on bartenders worldwide. It empowers them to push creative boundaries, build cultural bridges, and explore the versatility of El Dorado Rum.
By focusing on heritage and innovation, the contest ensures that the tradition of Demerara rum-making stays alive and inspiring for generations to come.
Celebrate creativity. Celebrate culture. Celebrate rum. The El Dorado Rum Heritage Cocktail Competition winner represents the best of all three.
Your Rum Journey Starts Here! Join our community for exclusive content, tasting guides, and insider access to the world of rum.
Source of information
News Room’s Article — Canadian wins El Dorado Rum Heritage Cocktail competition, written by Staff
The image of the article is courtesy of © AbigailDennistonPhotography via Canva.com
