Bartender of the Year Competition
Auburn’s Neil Cooper Wins State Bartender Competition
Neil Cooper, Lucy's
Lucy’s Head Barman Neil Cooper has been crowned Alabama’s 2020 Bartender of the Year! The annual competition is held in conjunction with the Stars of the Industry Awards presented by the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association.
In October, regional competitions were held across the state. The top finalists from Auburn, Birmingham, Huntsville, and Mobile were invited to the state final at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center.
On November 2, the regional winners competed for the title, coveted trophy and a $1,500 grand prize. Contestants prepared two drinks – a classic cocktail (Boulevardier, Manhattan, Old Fashioned, or Whiskey Sour) with a unique twist and a specialty drink of their own. They were judged on taste, accuracy, showmanship, crowd interaction, and speed.
Cooper was also the Auburn regional finalist and competed at the state competition in 2019. Charleston Wine + Food Festival describes Neil as, “A newcomer to the food and beverage scene, Lucy’s Head Barman Neil Cooper is quickly making a name for himself. Hailing from New York, Cooper now finds himself in the heart of the South shaking up the scene with a healthy dose of Southern hospitality and equally exceptional cocktails.”
Due to COVID-19, the competition was not open to the public this year. The annual competition is sponsored by Old Forester, United-Johnson Brothers of Alabama, and Sculpture Hospitality.
In October, regional competitions were held across the state. The top finalists from Auburn, Birmingham, Huntsville, and Mobile were invited to the state final at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center.
On November 2, the regional winners competed for the title, coveted trophy and a $1,500 grand prize. Contestants prepared two drinks – a classic cocktail (Boulevardier, Manhattan, Old Fashioned, or Whiskey Sour) with a unique twist and a specialty drink of their own. They were judged on taste, accuracy, showmanship, crowd interaction, and speed.
Cooper was also the Auburn regional finalist and competed at the state competition in 2019. Charleston Wine + Food Festival describes Neil as, “A newcomer to the food and beverage scene, Lucy’s Head Barman Neil Cooper is quickly making a name for himself. Hailing from New York, Cooper now finds himself in the heart of the South shaking up the scene with a healthy dose of Southern hospitality and equally exceptional cocktails.”
Due to COVID-19, the competition was not open to the public this year. The annual competition is sponsored by Old Forester, United-Johnson Brothers of Alabama, and Sculpture Hospitality.
2020 State Bartender Competition
Regional Competition Winners:
HuntsvilleThe Westin Huntsville
October 5th 
First Place:
Brent Kennamer, All Shook Up Bar & Beverage Catering (Huntsville)
BirminghamElyton Hotel - Moon Shine
October 12th 
First Place: Jose Camacho, Automatic Seafood & Oysters (Birmingham)
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AuburnThe Hotel at Auburn University
October 19th 
First Place: Neil Cooper, Lucy's (Auburn)
MobileThe Battle House Renaissance Mobile
October 26th 
First Place: Raleigh Swan, The Hope Farm (Fairhope)
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Click to download.
2020 Bartender of the Year Competition Overview
2020 Bartender of the Year Competition Guidelines
2020 Bartender of the Year Competition Overview
2020 Bartender of the Year Competition Guidelines
Prizes:
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Regional
1st Place $350 2nd Place $150 3rd Place $100 Regional - Winners will also receive plaques and prizes! |
State
Grand Prize $1,500 2nd Place $700 3rd Place $500 4th Place $300 State - Coveted trophy for one year |
Questions:
Call ARHA at 334.244.1320 or email Shea Perkins for more information.
Sponsors:
