Rick Stein's bartender wins prestigious cocktail competition

Norbert Drozdowski, bartender at Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, Cornwall, has won a prestigious cocktail competition.

As winner of the competition run by pioneering female-founded, organic Scottish whisky distillery Nc’nean, Norbert will now release his own single cask of single malt whisky.

It will be named Aon 20-189 and launches on January 22.

Sustainable Cocktail Innovation Earns Top Spot for Norbert

Nc’nean Creations has become one of the most prestigious cocktail competitions on the circuit, with entries open this year to bartenders across Europe.

Regional heats in Paris, Berlin, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Leeds and London saw contestants showcase cocktails created using all elements of a chosen hero ingredient to reduce waste.

Norbert’s ex-white port finish boasts flavours of chocolate, spiced orange, hazelnut and cedarwood.

He said: “It was my coastal home, admiration of nature’s true beauty, and my cocktail-making skills that encouraged me to enter the competition.

“When considering a 'hero ingredient,' I aimed not only for a 'root to fruit' approach but also to minimise waste in the restaurant where I work behind the bar.

“Bananas stood out as the perfect choice, as they are often surplus in our kitchen.

“It’s vital to me as a bartender to be environmentally conscious and reduce waste wherever possible.

“Living in Cornwall inspires me every day to take steps toward a more sustainable lifestyle.” 

The eight finalists were invited to Scotland for a three-day trip to Nc’nean’s west coast distillery and the surrounding Highlands.

The final took place at The Gate in Glasgow, where Norbert’s cocktail, Triple Bananas, earned him the title.

His drink featured Nc’nean’s organic single malt Scottish whisky, combined with three different banana-based ingredients and a banana jelly garnish.

Matthew Hastings, Nc’nean’s blender and brand ambassador, said: “The ingenuity, ability, and sheer talent on display every year during Nc’nean Creations is incredible. 

“Watching Europe's best bartenders compete for the crown is a rare and delightful privilege, and getting to taste all of their wonderful creations is the best part of my job.

“This year's champion, Norbert, exemplifies what we look for at Nc’nean: innovation, adaptability, and consideration. He's been amazing to work with, and his single cask selection is a real treat. The perfect balance of bright, sweet complexity." 

There are just 258 bottles of Norbert’s single cask whisky, being sold exclusively at ncnean.com, priced at £89.95.

Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant is this year celebrating its 50th anniversary.