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The Asahi Rising Stars After a year on tour around the UK, the Asahi Rising Stars Cocktail Competition reached its grand final in a glitzy evening at The Park Plaza Riverbank London in October.
Cocktail Competition
The nationwide competition was open to aspiring young mixologists under the age of 30, with a first prize of an all-expenses-paid trip to Japan. Three regional winners from heats at Cheltenham, Manchester and Earl’s Court plus the best runner-up contested the final in front of an enthusiastic crowd, entertained by comedian Patrick Kielty, who hosted the event. More than 500 specially-invited guests enjoyed complimentary Asahi and cocktails, canapés by Yo! Sushi, and music from new Los Angeles girl band Beach Girl 5 and DJ Dan Williams, of Jade Jagger’s Jezebel Sound System. Former Destiny’s Child singer and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Michelle Williams joined Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame on stage to present the first prize to Charlene Holt of Manchester bar Apotheca.
Charlene’s cocktail turned up the heat with a showstopping drink marrying chillies, wasabi, lychee liqueur, dragon fruit and gin, presented in spectacular style by pouring flaming spirit down two Asahi bottles expertlybalanced on cocktail glasses. Other celebrated guests included Vanessa White from The Saturdays, and TV presenters Zoe Salmon and Jenni Falconer.
Clockwise: Aspiring young mixologist prize winner Charlene Holt; TV presenter Zoe Salmon; LA girl band Beach Girl 5; TV presenter Jenni Falconer; and the glitzy Park Plaza Riverbank London
Above: Patrick Kielty and Michelle Williams join Jonathan Neame and prize winner Charlene Holt / Right: DJ Dan Williams
Award wins for ales and lagers 1698 Bottle Conditioned Ale won a gold medal, as did Asahi Super Dry, and another Oriental favourite brewed under licence, the Hong Kong style Sun Lik Beer, was awarded a silver medal. Diplomas went to Master Brew and Bishops Finger, as well as Gentleman Jack, a premium ale brewed exclusively for Asda by the brewery. In a further success for our brewers, Kingfisher lager won two Grand Gold awards at the 2010 Monde Selection, the premier international food and drink awards.
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Spitfire Ale won a bronze medal in the 2010 Brewers Association Word Beer Cup, the world’s largest-ever beer competition, held in Chicago, USA. Spitfire achieved success in the “special bitter or best bitter” category. Shepherd Neame was the only British regional brewery to win an award. Six bottled beers brewed by Shepherd Neame have won awards from the British Bottlers’ Institute.