Following an animated and competitive Final at Berry Bros. & Rudd, No.3 Gin has crowned Will Campbell-Rowntree of Artesian the winner of its third Unlock Taste Cocktail Tournament.
This year’s Final saw six of the UK’s best bartenders compete in a series of challenges that put their knowledge, flair and creativity to the test. Using No.3 Gin, each was tasked with re-creating, re-imagining and re-inventing two of the most iconic gin cocktails – the Martini and the Gin & Tonic. A surprise cocktail ‘duel’, held in Pickering Place (the site of the UK’s last official duel at the end of the eighteenth century), also challenged competitors to create a selection of other classic gin cocktails from mystery boxes and work against the clock to deliver their creations.
There could be only one winner; Will Campbell-Rowntree presented two exceptional creations – Layer Mill and King’s Revival – which paired Good Ordinary Claret, The King’s Ginger and The Glenrothes to name a few ingredients, and truly heroed the quintessential style of No.3 Gin. Impressing this year’s panel of esteemed judges, revered bartender Alessandro Palazzi, Simon Difford of Diffords Guide, Samantha Ryan of DrinkUp London and Brand Ambassador Richard Gillam, was no easy feat, but Will Campbell-Rowntree showcased an unparalleled creativity that saw him deserving of the 2019 Champion title.
In addition to the accolade of being No.3 Gin’s Unlock Taste UK Champion, Will Campbell-Rowntree will jet off to Hong Kong for a five-day luxury experience with £200 spending money and lead a much sought-after guest shift at one of the world’s top 50 bars.
In response to his win, Will Campbell-Rowntree of Artesian said: “I’m humbled to have won this year’s competition, especially when up against some really talented bartenders. I’ve always liked No.3 because it’s a classic, juniper-led, great-quality gin, and this prompted me to enter in the first place. For my ‘Layer Mill’, I drew on the history of Berry Bros. & Rudd and its origin as a coffee grocer, using Oloroso sherry, Good Ordinary Claret, simple syrup and coffee water to match the bitter-sweetness of a classic G&T. The ‘King’s Revival’ was my take on the classic Martini, which I chose to keep quite simple, but added The King’s Ginger and again Good Ordinary Claret to make it stand out. This has been a fantastic experience and one that will no doubt help further my career.”
Richard Gillam, No.3 Gin UK Brand Ambassador, commented: “This year’s competitors have shown incredible ability and it’s been a fantastic process whittling it down to six finalists – and then one winner! I’m really impressed with how in tune with the zeitgeist our bartending industry has become, covering hot topics like sustainability and climate change, with extreme professionalism and pride for the craft. Will impressed us with his technique, knowledge, professionalism, personable delivery and tasty drinks, and so it gives me great pleasure to see him crowned this year’s winner.”
No.3 brings together the perfect balance of juniper, citrus and spice. Distilled using three fruit and three spice botanicals, this classic London Dry gin is ideal for a Dry Martini or a deliciously refreshing Gin & Tonic. These simple yet powerful flavours provide the ideal canvas for accentuating and complementing core botanicals with other ingredients, encouraging drinkers and makers alike to ‘unlock’ different taste profiles and discover their own sense of preference.