Essence of Havana Cocktail competition to fire up Tokyo

In late August, five Japanese bartenders will be showcasing their skill behind the bar as part of the Essence of Havana Cocktail Competition at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo’s Maduro Bar. The competitors will be challenged to create an original cocktail using Havana Club 7 that pairs with either a Cohiba Short, Montecristo Open Club, or Partagas Serie Club.

The judges, including the Cuban Ambassador Mr Carlos M. Pereira, and President and CEO of Pernod Ricard Japan Mr Tim Paech will be evaluating the cocktails and how they pair with the chosen cigarillo. A trophy and prize of JPY300,000 (Euro 2318,00) awaits the winner.

“The Essence of Havana cocktail competition will be great event that brings together Cuban rum and cigars,” says Maki Nakane, General Manager of Cigar Club, a division of Intercontinental Trading Corp. and the official distributor of Cuban Cigars in Japan. “Cuban cigarillos have been chosen for this competition as they are a popular short smoke and a growing segment of the market – the Cohiba Short has had a fantastic response around the world.”