Liquor.com in conjunction with The Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation will be searching for bartenders who are passionate about whiskey, and what it means to create a truly meaningful cocktail experience. Bartenders will be asked to share their best Gentleman Jack Whiskey Sour for a chance to win a cash grand prize of $10,000.
Create one recipe:
Kansas, Louisiana, New Hampshire, Texas and Utah
7 (Seven) contestants from each of the seven participating regions will advance to the regional video competitions.
Regional Event Dates
Regional Event Dates are between: October 5 – 16. Exact date and time will be communicated to potential regional competitors. Winners must be able to attend and participate.
Regional contestants will be provided with bank gift cards which they can use to purchase any necessary recipe ingredients for the creation of their entries. Taxes are the sole responsibility of regional contestants. No substitution/transfer of gift cards are permitted (ARV $60).
Additionally, Gentleman Jack and Liquor.com will provide regional contestants certain Gentleman Jack branded POS materials. These items include, but not limited to, bar mats, caddies, Gentleman Jack swag, and similar point of sale items (ARV $150).
Certain items that will be considered “on loan” to assist contestants in the production of their competition video that are not returned to Gentleman Jack will involve additional taxing implications to the contestants.
One winner from each regional competition will move on to the finals.
Finals event dates:
Liquor.com and The Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation will award one final competition winner a cash grand prize of $10,000.
Taxes are the sole responsibility of prize winners. A 1099 will be issued to the winner for the prize awarded. No substitution/transfer of prize permitted. Alcohol is not part of any prize. Approximate retail value of each prize will not exceed $10,000.
When awarding the grand prize (gift/reward) to the winner and the winner is currently receiving government issued unemployment benefits, there is a chance that by accepting the gift/reward through this competition the individual may not be able to claim one of their monthly unemployment checks.
Exact date and time for regional finals will be communicated to potential regional competitors. Winners must be able to attend.
By entering this program, you are giving Liquor.com, The Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation, Gentleman Jack, and its affiliates explicit rights to use your photo, an image of your drink, drink recipe name, and your drink recipe for publicity purposes, including but not limited to: press, social media, digital activation and promotional activation.
For the purposes of determining the regional finalists, entries will be assigned to the closest applicable market, as determined by the Sponsor/Administrators. All complete entries submitted to gentlemanjack.liquor.com within the entry time frame will be judged against the below criteria based on the perceived qualities of the written recipes and essay entry. Entrants will be notified via email by Liquor.com if they have been selected as a top 7 regional finalist. All competitors proceeding to the regional competition event will be notified by August 21, 2020. The competitors proceeding to the finale will be notified at their video regional competition, taking place on a day between August 21 — September 16, 2020.
The regional finalists will participate in one (1) video regional competition as assigned by Sponsor/Administrators. There will be one Regional Competition in each region (see above). There will be one (1) Finalist selected from each Regional Competition.
Regional finalists will be asked to create their whiskey sour before a panel of judges over a video presentation. Details of the regional competition requirements, rules, a video how-to guide and how to access necessary materials will be communicated a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the competition.
The seven (7) FINALISTS will receive a trip to Nashville/Lynchburg, TN to compete in the FINAL event. The bartenders who win the video regional competitions will participate in the finals week. One Grand Prize Winner will be selected during the Final Event.
Details of the final competition requirements and rules will be communicated a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the competition.
Initial scores will be based on the judges’ interpretation of the written description submitted. In some cases, judges may recreate the cocktails to settle closely ranked submissions.
Competitors will submit one original whiskey sour recipe, including description and a photo of the cocktail. Entries will be judged and scored based on the following criteria:
Scores based on criteria below.
Original Cocktail (50 pts.):
The Liquor.com and The Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation Gentleman Jack Whiskey Sour Classic is more than your typical cocktail competition. It’s an exploration of the sour as an important category of classic cocktails. At each stage, participants will be asked to explain and explore the origins of the sour. We want to understand the process and intent behind your version of the sour. You will also need to highlight how Gentleman Jack has influenced your creation and give context for the decisions you made when creating this drink.
Any entries attempted through the use of agencies or robotic, repetitive, automatic, programmed or similar methods will be void. Any attempt by a person to use multiple email accounts or identities to gain more entries than permitted by these Official Rules shall result in disqualification at the sole discretion of Sponsor/Administrators. In the event of a dispute regarding the identity of the person submitting an entry, the entry will be deemed to be submitted by the “authorized account holder” associated with the email address at the time of entry, which must comply with these Official Rules. The authorized account holder is defined as the natural person who is assigned an e-mail address by the service provider or other organization that is responsible for assigning email addresses. Potential winners may be required to provide evidence (to Sponsor’s/Administrators’ satisfaction) that they are the authorized account holder of the e-mail address associated with a winning entry. In the event a dispute regarding the identity of the person who actually submitted an entry cannot be resolved to Sponsor’s/Administrators’ satisfaction, the affected entry will be deemed ineligible. Entries and other submitted material become the property of Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned. Refer to Additional rules below for more details regarding the requirements for your entry.
Entries must be in English. Entries must not allude to the overconsumption or irresponsible consumption of beverage alcohol. Entries that do not include all required information and do not adhere to the foregoing and following requirements will be considered void and will not be considered in the judging of this contest. Entries that are deemed by Sponsor/Administrators in their sole discretion to be illegal, obscene, profane or not in keeping with Sponsor’s or Administrators’ image will be disqualified.
By submitting an entry, you warrant that:
Sponsor's/Administrators’ determination as to whether any entry potentially violates the rights of any third party is final.
Employees of Brown-Forman, Liquor.com, The Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation, their affiliates, liquor wholesale licensees, as well as advertising/promotion agencies and their immediate family members and household members of each and retail license holders are not eligible. This promotion is void wherever prohibited, taxed or restricted by law. In the event that the contest is challenged by any legal or regulatory authority, Sponsor or Administrators reserve the right to discontinue or modify the Contest, or to disqualify participants residing in the affected geographic areas. In such an event, Sponsor and Administrators shall have no liability to any entrants who are disqualified due to such an action. You must be at least 21 years of age to be eligible. Contest void wherever prohibited or restricted by law.
By accepting a prize, any winner: (a) releases Brown-Forman/Liquor.com/The Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation and their affiliated companies and licensed alcohol wholesalers and retailers from any/all liability claims, action or proceedings arising out of or for injuries or damages sustained while involved in any promotion activity or connection with the use of the prizes; as well as (b) consents to the use by Brown-Forman/Liquor.com/The Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation for promotional purposes in connection with this promotion, of his or her name and/or likeness and/or voice without further compensation where permitted. Winner must complete an affidavit of eligibility and liability release. A 1099 will be issued.
The Sponsor, Administrators and participating promotional companies are not in any way liable for damage, loss or injury resulting from computer malfunctions, misdirected or incomplete entries or acceptance and use of the prize. Brown-Forman/Liquor.com/The Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation reserves the right in its sole discretion, to cancel or suspend this contest should virus, bugs or other causes beyond the control of Sponsor or Administrators corrupt the administration, security or proper play of the contest. The Sponsor/Administrators reserve the right at their sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who tampers with the entry process, and to cancel, terminate or suspend the contest. The Sponsor/Administrators assume no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communication line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, entries. CAUTION: Any attempt by an entrant to deliberately damage any website or undermine the legitimate operation of the game is a violation of criminal and civil laws and should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor/Administrators reserve the right to seek damages from any such attempt.
Entrants will be automatically opted-in to receive messages from Liquor.com. (Entrants may unsubscribe from the list at any time.)
I acknowledge that I have read and understand the rules & regulations pertaining to The Gentleman Jack Whiskey Sour Classic.
For a list of prize winners, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Liquor.com ATTN: Gentleman Jack Sour Classic, 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10036. Do NOT send entries to this address.
Administrators:
Liquor.com
1500 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10036
The Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation is a 501c3 organization (EIN: 82-2737963) and all donations are tax-deductible.
https://www.restaurantworkerscf.org
Sponsor:
Brown Forman Corporation
850 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY 40210
Gentleman Jack is a registered trademark used with permission.
Drink Responsibly.
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Thank you,
At the iconic Rainbow Room in New York City, DeGroff led the cocktail revival in the '80s and beyond, then went on to win two James Beard Awards for wine and spirits professional and write two acclaimed and popular cocktail books: "The Essential Cocktail" and "The Craft of the Cocktail." These accomplishments have earned him the nickname, King Cocktail.
On experimenting with the classic sour: "Once you’ve laid down the basic architecture, the sky's the limit. You can finish it with smoke—add smoky mezcal or single-malt scotch. Try a different sweetener, like a touch of maple or an infused simple syrup."
Tecosky’s experience in the industry goes far beyond his current role as U.S. brand ambassador for Jack Daniel’s. He has over two decades of bartending experience, mixed drinks at famous Los Angeles bars, served as bar manager at Jones Hollywood and released a line of premium bottled olive juice—perfect for Dirty Martinis—called Dirty Sue.
On the importance of using Gentleman Jack: "The double-charcoal-mellowing process results in smoother, lighter, slightly sweeter whiskey. In cocktails, Gentleman Jack is a team player and allows all the flavors in a cocktail to be represented and not overpowered."
Mastroianni was one of the founding bartenders of Soho House West Hollywood and opened Soho House locations in Miami Beach and Toronto, training their bar staff on giving high-quality service, implementing proper technique and executing incredible cocktails. In addition to consulting on new bar programs, Mastroianni serves as the expert mixologist on the TV show "Bar Rescue" and works as a bar consultant on feature films.
On the key to a great Whiskey Sour: "Balance, freshness and presentation are the key to a truly outstanding Whiskey Sour. Fresh lemon juice (or citrus) is a MUST in my book: bottled juices are usually either too tart or too sweet, which can throw off the entire cocktail."
Name: Harrison Ginsberg
Bar: Crown Shy
City: Brooklyn
On the Sour Category: “The sour serves as a bartender’s compass. It helps us determine balance and create and construct new cocktails. There are currently bartenders all over the world making incredible cocktails that fall into the sour category but use alternative acids and new and unique techniques.”
Whiskey Sour: Brûlée Sour
Recipe: Made with Gentleman Jack, vin jaune wine, freshly squeezed lemon juice, palo santo lactose syrup, vanilla syrup and egg white, topped with brûléed sugar.
Inspiration for the Recipe: “Gentleman Jack is so nuanced and subtle and I wanted to keep it that way with the Brûlée Sour. The palo santo lactose syrup helps to enhance its flavor and aromas without masking them. This recipe shows ingenuity and restraint and can only come to life with Gentleman Jack.”
Name: Derrick Li
Bar: Palette Tea Garden
City: San Francisco
On Creating a New Ingredient: “Black tea pairs nicely with the slightly oaky and nutty flavor of Gentleman Jack, while vanilla bean goes well with the caramel notes in the whiskey, so I made up a vanilla-black tea syrup.”
Whiskey Sour: Palette
Recipe: Made with Gentleman Jack, vanilla-black tea syrup, citrus, egg white and coffee-infused Angostura bitters, garnished with tea leaves.
Inspiration for the Recipe: “At the Palette Tea Garden, we serve tea, craft cocktails and dim sum. Since we use tea as the base for all of our cocktails, I wanted that to be a key part of this recipe. It’s a drink I’m proud to serve at our restaurant.”
Name: Luke Nevin-Gattle
Bar: The Victor Bar
City: Chicago
On the Evolution of the Sour: “Over time, the sour has grown from its original formula of sugar, pressed lemon, spirits, water and ice to include optional egg whites and bitters when being served up without ice. I feel that as long as the sour has those traditional elements at the forefront, it still falls into the category.”
Whiskey Sour: Gentleman’s Nod
Recipe: Made with Gentleman Jack, maple-cold brew syrup, aquafaba and lemon juice, garnished with a dehydrated lemon wheel.
Inspiration for the Recipe: “My sour came from the idea that while a clearly defined Gentleman Jack Whiskey Sour must be at the core of my recipe, a thoughtful and deliberate approach to each ingredient should nod as an unspoken gesture acknowledging the dignity of the original.”
Name: Mark Sassi
Bar: Rob Roy
City: Seattle
On Using Gentleman Jack: “If Gentleman Jack were personified, it would have a strong hand with a soft touch. For that reason, I used two ounces of whiskey to ensure that the spirit would still shine and not be overpowered by the use of lemon, grapefruit, mint and baking spices.”
Whiskey Sour: The Gentleman’s Way
Recipe: Made with Gentleman Jack, lemon juice, grapefruit sherbet, cinnamon gomme and Angostura bitters, garnished with lemon zest and mint bouquet.
Inspiration for the Recipe: “It’s a sour that incorporates old and modern techniques to demonstrate how we can learn from the past and apply those lessons in the present to lead us into the future with courtesy, respect and humility.”
Name: Alex Taylor
Bar: King’s Ransom
City: Alexandria, Va.
On the Beauty of the Sour: “It’s all about its simplicity. Sours incorporate spirts, sugar, citrus and water. These four elements form the foundation, a canvas on which more nuance and artistry arises.”
Whiskey Sour: Lokum Sour
Recipe: Made with Gentleman Jack, banana-cumin syrup, lemon juice, apricot tea-infused aquafaba and black walnut bitters, garnished with a dehydrated banana crown.
Inspiration for the Recipe: “It’s a tribute to a period of my youth spent living in Turkey. Whether I was entering a new friend’s home for some friendly banter or witnessing business negotiations, the act of sharing a cup of tea and a bite of something sweet is forever ingrained in my memory.”
Name: Amy Van Buren
Bar: Bourbon Steak
City: Cane Ridge, Tenn.
On Using Egg Whites: “Eggs have been used in drinks like flips and eggnogs for centuries, but as bartenders improved their craft, they started adding egg to improve texture and body. Egg white isn’t a required element of a Whiskey Sour, but it does soften the acidity in the drink and give it a nice creamy texture.”
Whiskey Sour: After Jackson
Recipe: Made with Gentleman Jack, demerara cinnamon syrup, Peychaud’s bitters, egg white and blueberry jam, garnished with crushed blueberries and edible flowers.
Inspiration for the Recipe: “The way I create cocktails is often inspired by culinary dishes. This recipe is an homage to the rich history of southern cuisine, particularly the Blueberry Yum Yum dessert served at Miss Mary Bobo’s, which is just down the road from the Jack Daniel’s distillery.”
Name: Meghan Wright
Bar: Love Street Project
City: Hobe Sound, Fla.
On the Unique Flavor of Gentleman Jack: “I describe the finish as a similar sensation as natural peanut butter’s oil separation. I had never picked that up in a whiskey before; it was inexplicably exciting and it directed the rest of my cocktail construction.”
Whiskey Sour: Meyer a Gentleman
Recipe: Made with Gentleman Jack, blackberry oleo saccharum, meyer lemon juice, orange cream citrate, black peppercorn tincture and Earl Grey cream-infused egg white, garnished with a dehydrated meyer lemon wheel.
Inspiration for the Recipe: “I wanted to stay true to the classic sour while highlighting the spirit of Gentleman Jack. I chose my ingredients carefully to enhance this already beautiful expression of Tennessee whiskey.”
Present
Sponsored by Gentleman Jack
Harrison Ginsberg
Derrick Li
Luke Nevin-Gattle
Mark Sassi
Alex Taylor
Amy Van Buren
Meghan Wright
Join the Gentleman Jack Whiskey Sour Classic to connect with your bartending peers and refine your skills—and develop new ones necessary in the time of social distancing—so you can express your creativity during this unprecedented time.
The winner will walk away with a $10,000 cash prize. Submit your innovative and smooth Whiskey Sour to be part of this one-of-a-kind competition.
The entry deadline has passed.
See official rules and regulations
To ensure the safety of competitors and judges, we have made some changes to the format of this year's Gentleman Jack Whiskey Sour Classic. These changes will make it possible for participants to learn, connect and compete, virtually.
Connect with Industry Leaders Through the Whiskey Sour
The judges of the 2020 Gentleman Jack Whiskey Sour are doing a lot more than grading recipes. These cocktail experts will be leading free interactive seminars to put everyone in a position to thrive in the competition—and beyond.
Bartenders who advance to the virtual semifinals will receive everything they need to virtually present their cocktails to the judges from the comfort of home without incurring any expense to do so.
In addition to creating a beautiful and delicious cocktail, the judges will ask you to explain and explore the origins of the sour throughout the competition. The judges will also ask about the process and intent behind your Gentleman Jack whiskey sour.
Three cocktail and spirit industry leaders will share insight and feedback through every stage of the competition.
Dale DeGroff
Eric "ET" Tecosky
Mia Mastroianni
Rather than competing head-to-head in a local bar, the regional competitions will be held virtually this year. It’s still important to choose the region that includes your home state.
Each regional will feature seven bartenders, with the winner advancing to the finals to compete for the grand prize of $10,000.
*Texas, Louisiana, Utah, Kansas, and New Hampshire are not eligible. The finals will be TBD until further notice.
The entry deadline has passed.
See official rules and regulations
This year, the COVID-19 crisis and protests against racial inequality have exposed serious needs in communities essential to Jack Daniel's and Gentleman Jack. Together they've launched initiatives to help restaurant workers and African Americans overcome the unique challenges they're facing during this unprecedented time.
The Gentleman Jack Whiskey Sour Classic is partnering with the Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation to help hospitality workers who have been unable to work regular hours because of the global pandemic.
Learn More about the Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation
In addition, Jack Daniel's and Gentleman has committed $5 million dollars to its new Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative. This money will help establish the Nearest Green School of Distilling, develop the Leadership Acceleration Program (LAP) for apprenticeships and establish the Business Incubation Program (BIP), focused on providing expertise and resources to African Americans entering the spirits industry as entrepreneurs.
Invite your bartender friends to create a delicious, innovative recipe for the Gentleman Jack Whiskey Sour Classic. Because every bartender should try to win the experience of a lifetime.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN DRINK RESPONSIBLY.
GENTLEMAN JACK IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK. ©2020 GENTLEMAN JACK RARE TENNESSEE WHISKEY 40% ALCOHOL BY VOLUME (80 PROOF). DISTILLED AND BOTTLED BY JACK DANIEL DISTILLERY, LYNCHBURG, TENNESSEE.
Please do not share or forward this content with anyone under the legal drinking age. This competition is being conducted and administered by Liquor.com and The Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation. Gentleman Jack is only a sponsor. For any questions or concerns about the contest, entry, prizes or prize fulfillment, please contact Liquor.com.