Young bartender clinches Bacardi Martini Grand Prix prize

Damien Curmi has won this year’s edition of the Bacardi Martini Grand Prix - Malta’s most prestigious cocktail competition. The 24-year-old bartender of the Hard Rock Bar will be representing Malta and The Maltese Bartenders Guild in Turin in September where he will compete in the 44th edition of the International Finals of the Bacardi Martini Grand Prix.

Damien has won the Malta Grand Prix three times – a feat unmatched by local competitors. He clinched this year’s winning place with his cocktail ‘Special Moment’ served in a High Ball glass and garnished with pineapple, strawberry and apple.

Damien embarked on his catering career in 2001 and joined the Bartenders’ Guild in 2006. In the same year he was awarded the prestigious award of Bartender Of The Year. Last year Damien placed 6th in the Bacardi Martini international finals. He also represented Malta and the local Guild in Puerto Rico where he competed with other bartender contestants from 54 other countries.

Organised by Wands Ltd and P. Cutajar Ltd in association with the Malta Bartenders Guild, the competition saw 10 young Maltese bartenders contend for the winning place. The Bacardi Martini Grand Prix is The World Mixology Championship for young bartenders and is considered the most famous international bartender competition held by a private company. A technical jury will be composed of international professional experts who will grade competitors on a number of criteria.