Norwegian wins 2026 El Dorado Rum Heritage Cocktail Competition

Daniel Pappa of Svanen Bar in Norway captured the 2026 title of the El Dorado Rum Heritage Cocktail Competition when the international leg was held on Thursday at the Demerara Rum Heritage Centre located at the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) headquarters in Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
His winning cocktail showcased outstanding originality and a meaningful reflection of heritage, captivating the judges with its seamless blend of innovation and the rich legacy of El Dorado Rum.

Andrew Williams of The Crane Resort in Barbados secured second place, while Leo Coquand of Ottolenghi Spitalfields in the United Kingdom (UK) placed third. Both impressed the judges with their inventive use of local ingredients and compelling expressions of Demerara Rum Heritage. Their cocktails reflected a strong connection to their roots while seamlessly blending Guyanese flavours with the essence of El Dorado Rum.
Following a series of regional competitions, eight finalists: Jonathan Ayala (Thompson & Twain, California, US), Veronica Alvarado (Teff, New York, US), Leo Coquand (Ottolenghi Spitalfields, UK), Justin Vail (Sugar Run, Ontario, Canada), Andrew Williams (The Crane Resort, Barbados), Manfridas Kazbaras (Vault Bar, Netherlands), Daniel Pappa (Svanen, Norway), and Mahendra Ramkellawan (LERH Inc, Guyana) earned the opportunity to present their cocktails in pursuit of the global title.

As part of their achievement, each finalist was awarded an all-expenses-paid trip to the renowned Diamond Distillery, the home of El Dorado Rum and Guyana’s last remaining distillery, located along the banks of the Demerara River.
In an effort to succeed last year’s winner, Erick Lerch of Canada, competitors were challenged to complete two cocktail submissions. The first required them to recreate their winning cocktail from the regional heats, while the second called for the creation of an original cocktail inspired by ingredients native to the Guyanese market and featuring one of the El Dorado Single Still Rums: El Dorado Single Still Enmore, Port Mourant, or Versailles, or their respective cask strength expressions. In this highly competitive showcase, finalists demonstrated exceptional expertise in presenting cocktails that seamlessly fused local ingredients with El Dorado Rum in innovative and exciting ways. The competitors were judged on various criteria, including visual appeal, taste and balance of flavour, creativity and originality, the story behind their heritage, and the name of their cocktail. The judging panel, comprised of seasoned experts in the industry, included Daniele Dalla Pola, International Rum and Cocktail Specialist (USA); Sasha Siegel, Bar Owner and celebrated bartender (Canada); and Sharon Sue-Hang-Baksh, Master Blender at DDL.
International Rum and Cocktail Specialist, Daniele Dalla Pola posited, “We are truly honoured to have been part of this year’s competition. Being in Guyana and experiencing the warmth of the people and the richness of the culture firsthand has been incredibly special. What stood out most was the strong presence of the El Dorado brand throughout the experience; it was evident in every detail, from the storytelling to the cocktails themselves. The competition was not only a valuable learning experience but also a unique opportunity to engage with and appreciate some of the best rum in the world.”
Bar Owner and celebrated bartender Sasha Siegel stated, “Selecting a winner was no easy task, given the exceptional level of knowledge, skill, and expertise demonstrated by the bartenders. The standard of competition was incredibly high, making this a truly rewarding and memorable experience. It was also a great opportunity to come to Guyana and interact with the people and culture,”
In addition, Marketing Director of DDL, Sharda Veeren-Chand stated, related “Each year, the El Dorado Rum Heritage Cocktail Competition continues to raise the bar, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity within the global bartending community. It is great to see how our rums inspire originality while staying deeply rooted in Guyana’s rich heritage, and we congratulate this year’s winner for presenting two exceptional cocktails that reflect both his journey as a mixologist and El Dorado’s rich legacy.” The new global champion of the El Dorado Rum Heritage Cocktail Competition receives a prize of US$5,000 and a collection of rare El Dorado Rums, cementing their place in the legacy of this prestigious competition. The El Dorado Rum Heritage Cocktail Competition continues to serve as a vital platform for fostering skill development and meaningful connections within the global bartending community while highlighting the versatility of El Dorado Rum and celebrating the rich heritage of Guyana.
Marking a significant milestone for the brand, the competition underscores its ongoing commitment to engaging bartenders worldwide and ensuring that the legacy and timeless appeal of its world-renowned rums endure for generations to come.