This year’s national pre-selection for the International Bacardi Martini Grand Prix 2009 was held recently at The Palace Hotel, Sliema. Malta’s most prestigious cocktail competition, organised by Wands Ltd and P. Cutajar Ltd in association with the Malta Bartenders Guild, sees 10 young Maltese bartenders contend for the winning place.

“The spirit of the competition is to instil creativity and professionalism in the field of bartending and to give young Maltese bartenders the opportunity to compete abroad,” said Clyde Attard, Marketing manager at P. Cutajar & Co. Ltd of Mriehel, importers and distributors of Martini. “The Bacardi-Martini group has always had privileged relationships with bartenders since it acknowledges that the success of its products also depends on who serves them.”

Petra Altenberger, Marketing manager at Wands Ltd, importers and distributors of Bacardi in Malta said: “Participants are judged on the characteristics of their cocktail, their preparation skills and their ability to relate to customers. It is a pleasure to see more and more keen young bartenders take up the challenge every year.”

Damien Curmi (above) 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 sixth 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.

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.