When you are invited to a party that has Seattle’s top bartenders, you know that it will be a good time. Bombay Sapphire gin visited the Emerald City in search of this year’s “Most Imaginative Bartender” and crowned Nik Virrey of Seattle’s Naka as the winner of this regional final. Nik will go on to compete in the finals to be held next month in Las Vegas.
It was a lot of fun to see the mixologists in action at the event. Each had their own unique drink and an elaborate table display to match. When I spoke with Nik, he talked about how you taste with all of the senses, including your eyes. His presentation was one of the best of the night, which is likely why he received such high scores from the panel of judges from the United States Bartenders’ Guild.
Nik’s winning drink was the named the “NAKA NIWA” and made with Acid Fire Ginger Shrub and Fresh Tomato water, in addition to Bombay Sapphire gin. It was interesting to sample each of the drinks dreamed up by the mixologists. Even though Bombay Sapphire gin was a common ingredient, each had a unique flavor that was complimented by each bartender’s special presentation.
When Nik goes on to compete in the finals, he will share the stage with 28 of North America’s top bartenders. The winner will receive the title of “North America’s Most Imaginative Bartender” and will get their photo on a special edition cover feature of GQ magazine’s “Men of the Year” December 2015 issue.
Thank you to Bombay Sapphire gin for the invitation to attend the event. I wish Nik the best of luck as he represents our city in the ninth year of the Most Imaginative Bartender competition.
