The talented Lebanese bartender, John Mansour, has won the second place at the Grand Finals of the Angostura® Global Cocktail Challenge 2018. Ray Letoa of New Zealand won first place, and Maximiliano Vallée Valletta of Canada was ranked third. John was up against 10 other top bartenders from around the world in a fierce competition which saw the contenders create spectacular cocktails using world-famous ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters, ANGOSTURA® orange bitters, Angostura® Rums and Amaro di ANGOSTURA®.
John believes that mixology combines the best ingredients, a well-balanced delicious cocktail, and an unforgettable customer experience, which ensures the craft delivers consistency, time after time. With over 13 years mixology experience, John’s major achievements include managing a bar that was home to three different concept bars, reaching Top 3 in World Class Lebanon 2015 and consulting for various bars in Beirut.
In addition to the title of Angostura® Global Cocktail Challenge Champion, Mr. Letoa takes home US$10,000 and a two-year contract as Angostura’s® Global Brand Ambassador. The two other trophies that were awarded: Best Amaro Cocktail, to Pedro Martinez of France, representing the European Union, and Best Rum Cocktail, again to John Mansour, representing the Middle East and African Region.