Manacháin Monaghan wins UK Rum Frontiers 2019

Manacháin Monaghan, owner of Below Stairs bar in Leeds, has won the UK final of Flor de Caña’s Rum Frontiers competition 2019.

Ten contestants competed at Impossible Bar in Manchester on 19 June for a chance to win a trip to Central America.

The judging panel consisted of Mateo Ortiz Lima, Flor de Caña UK brand ambassador; last year’s winner Lachlan Rooney and Johnathan Grey, spirits buyer at the Co-op.

The winning cocktail ‘Youth and Young Manhood’, was inspired by porridge made by Monaghan’s mother and consisted of infused Flor de Caña 7-year-old with oats and Flor de Caña 4-year-old with banana.

“The highlight of the night was meeting amazing bartenders from all over the country, talking to them about what inspires them and learning from their serves,” said Monaghan.

Mateo Ortiz Lima, added: “Mannie won not only because his creation tasted magical, but because he understood Flor de Caña and what makes us special – our story, our brand heritage and our family values.”

“I also loved seeing that the contestants took care in ensuring their creations were Fairtrade – as this was not only an essential component to the competition, keeping in line with this years’ theme of sustainability but essential to Flor de Caña as a brand.”

Flor de Caña is a premium fifth generation single-family estate from Nicaragua, which is sold in more than 40 countries. It is aged without sugar, additives or artificial ingredients and distilled with 100% renewable energy.