Damian Murgatroyd, Bar Manager of The Blind Pig Speakeasy in Jersey, has been selected UK winner of the Graham’s Blend Series Cocktail Competition, held at two Michelin-starred restaurant, Da Terra.
He will join winners from ten other countries to compete in the Global Final in Porto on 12th May.
Judges Sandrae Lawrence, Douglas Blyde and Tyler Zielinski deemed Murgatroyd’s creation, the Graham’s Kitchen Flip, using Graham’s Blend Nº12 Ruby Port, the most impressive of the nine cocktail presentations given by bartenders from across the country.
The criteria for selection included cocktail creativity and storytelling, and the judges were impressed by the thought and craftsmanship Damian deployed in marrying the lively forest fruit notes with gum citrus aromas in the blend, alongside kitchen-inspired flavours including chocolate bitters, caramelised apple cordial and chestnut butter.
The Graham’s Kitchen Flip was a delicious riff on the New York Sour, and the presentation was also steeped in references to the Symington family, who own Graham’s Port, including a nod to the terroir of the Douro Valley. The cocktail was garnished with an isomalt port glass shard.
Born and raised in Jersey, winner Damian Murgatroyd spent time working in professional kitchens prior to becoming a bartender and manager, and food remains a passion of his. Commenting on the win, he said: “I found coming up with the concept using Graham’s Blend Nº12 Ruby Port actually very easy. The light, aromatic berry notes lend themselves to a dessert-style cocktail.
“I’ve never been to Porto and I’m super excited about the competition, and also having the chance to visit the nearby Douro Valley with bartenders from around the world.”
Pictured: Left to Right – Douglas Blyde (judge), Sandrae Lawrence (judge), Damian Murgatroyd (UK Winner Graham’s Blend Series Cocktail Competition), Tyler Zielinski (judge)
