How it works | Journey Through Time presented by The Macallan

How it works

Who can join

The “Journey Through Time” talent showcase is open to mixologists of all skill levels, from juniors to seniors and those in management roles.
Participants must be at least 18 years old and actively working full-time as professional bartenders in an establishment in Hong Kong or Macau.
You must be a Hong Kong or Macau resident, either as a permanent citizen or visa holder.
Bartenders with prior wins in local or international cocktail competitions are welcome to participate.

How to enter

July 31, 2024 to September 2, 2024

In order to participate in the “Journey Through Time” talent showcase, entrants are required to successfully complete the online entry. Participants must submit two cocktail recipes that reflect the embodiment of The Macallan legacy: the “Past” and “Present”.

Cocktail 1: The Past
Craft a cocktail that narrates The Macallan’s illustrious history, incorporating six key elements that shape its renowned character:

The Macallan Estate, located in the heart of the Speyside region of Scotland
The distinctive Curiously Small Stills
The craftsmanship of Exceptional Oak Casks infusing unique aromas and flavours
Sherry Seasoning of oak casks in Jerez De La Frontera, Spain
The whiskies spectrum of Natural Colours from light gold to darkest mahogany
The distillery’s unwavering commitment to Mastery, encapsulating two centuries of excellence.

Cocktail 2: The Present
Create a cocktail that pays homage to The Macallan’s 200-year legacy:

Showcase its current status as a symbol of craftsmanship
Embrace the creativity of the ‘“Present” and draw inspiration from your city’s diverse cultural heritage to honour The Macallan’s rich tradition and unique influence
Utilise The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old ’s rich, honey-spiced oak flavours as the perfect foundation for your creation

Join Now

Journey Through Time presented by The Macallan

September 10, 2024: Announcement of twenty (20) semi-finalists selected to advance to the semi-final round.

September 17, 2024: The twenty (20) semi-finalists will attend the Creative Collective session, where an expert panel will provide guidance on refining their creations before moving on to the next round.

September 18, 2024, to October 17, 2024: Each contender will showcase their crafted cocktails in their respective bars for a month, promoting them to patrons.

judging criteria

October 21, 2024: Top five mixologists moving on to the final round will be announced

October 29, 2024: “Journey Through Time” will advance to the final round of refined selection, where the top five (5) mixologists will compete head-to-head before the panel of experts. During this stage, mixologists will be tasked with creating a new cocktail concept that reflects The Macallan’s vision for the “Future”.

Cocktail 3: The Future

Craft a cocktail that upholds The Macallan’s vision of the “Future”, highlighting its incomparable excellence and paving the path for future generations.
Incorporate cutting-edge mixology techniques and approaches that foster sustainability, benefit society, and enrich the community
Your creation should echo The Macallan’s commitment to innovation and responsible practices, aligning with the brand’s vision for a brighter future.
Incorporate one of Valdespino’s sherry variants to symbolise The Macallan’s sherry seasoning process. Select from Pedro Ximenez Sherry El Candado, Fino Inocente, or Vermouth, with the specific quantity or millilitres left to your discretion.

judging criteria

Competition Rules

For the online entry, which relates to the theme “Past” and “Present”, your cocktail recipes must contain a minimum of 30 ml of The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old. You may use any ingredients, mixers, and liqueurs.
You have full creative control over the cocktail-making process, including choosing the method, ice type, serving style, and glassware.
When selecting ingredients, there are no restrictions on the quantity as long as they contribute to your storytelling. Limit homemade elements to two and ensure they are easy to recreate. While the garnish and decorations are not counted as homemade, make sure they complement the narrative of your cocktail.

Along with the recipe, you must submit up to two pictures of the finished drink or a one-minute video showcasing the cocktail creation. While a video is ideal for demonstrating the step-by-step process, scoring will remain consistent regardless of whether you submit images or a video.
You must also include a written story (250 words) detailing the narrative and inspiration behind your cocktail. This will provide insight into the creative process and enhance your submission.

See the complete Rules and Regulations.

Got some burning questions? Refer to the FAQ section.

FAQ