The Havana Club International Cocktail Grand Prix is one of the most important and prestigious competitions for bartenders all over the world. Held every two years in Havana, the competition is celebrating its 11th edition this year as it brings together bartenders from over 30 countries mixing their take on classic cocktails, always based on Havana Club Rum, the authentic rum of Cuba. 

On the 8th of March, 18 participants gathered at Westin Dragonara Resort to showcase their talent and skills in Malta’s heats of the International Grand Prix. The judges as well as spectators and guests were impressed by the professionalism and high standard of the presentations. The event was organized by Farsons Beverage Imports Company (FBIC) Limited, Importers of Havana Club Rum, in collaboration with the Maltese Bartenders Guild.

The winner of the Maltese competition was Stefano Zerafa, Bar Manager at Haywharf Clubhouse, who will be travelling to Havana, Cuba for 5 days in June to participate in the Grand Prix final event. During the trip, the finalists will be immersed in Cuban life and culture with renowned rum experts, including Havana Club’s maestro ronero Asbel Morales, spirits historians Jared Brown and Anastasia Miller, pioneering mixologist Tony Conigliaro and leading spirits writer Dave Broom, all on hand to share their knowledge of Cuban culture, cocktails and flavours, rum production and cantinero bartending techniques and style.