"That magic ingredient, a beautiful 15-year Oloroso sherry, is what makes our Kansas City Whiskey truly special and unique."
- Ryan Maybee, Co-Founder
A LEGACY SHAPED BY SHERRY
The bond between American whiskey and the sherry houses of Southern Spain stretches back centuries. Spanish ships arriving in the Americas carried massive sherry casks from Jerez, making sherry one of the most widely enjoyed beverages in the U.S. by the mid-1800s. Bartenders embraced it in cocktails like the Sherry Cobbler, and distillers even added small amounts to their whiskey blends—a style that defined an era.
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Founded in 1887, J. Rieger & Co. rose to become one of the most prolific whiskey brands in the country, known nationally as the Largest Mail-Order Whiskey House in America. After Prohibition forced the distillery to close for more than 90 years, the brand's revival included a commitment to honoring this lost historic style.
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That tradition lives on in Rieger Kansas City Whiskey, a blend of straight bourbon, straight rye, and light corn whiskeys brought together with a touch of 15-year-old oloroso sherry from Williams & Humbert. The 2% sherry addition creates a balanced, expressive spirit that shines in cocktails and connects directly to our heritage.​
THE COMPETITION
The Road to Jerez competition celebrates this timeless relationship—inviting bartenders to explore the flavors, history, and creativity that link Kansas City to Jerez de la Frontera.
CREATE
Compose an original cocktail using Rieger Kansas City Whiskey (min 1 oz; max 6 ingredients, excluding garnishes).
CAPTURE
Submit a clear photo that showcases your cocktail.
ENTER
Complete the entry form, upload your recipe + photo, and answer the questionnaire.
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WHAT YOU COULD WIN
REGIONAL
SEMI-FINALS
Six semi-final events will take place across the United States. Competitors will prepare their cocktails live for the judging panel.
DISTILLERY EXPERIENCE
Finalists will travel to Kansas City for a behind-the-scenes experience at the historic J. Rieger & Co. distillery.
NATIONAL
FINALS
Regional winners advance to the national finals held during Bar Convent Brooklyn, one of the country’s most prestigious industry gatherings.
GRAND
PRIZE
One winner will earn an all-expenses-paid trip to Jerez de la Frontera with:
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Ryan Maybee, Co-Founder
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Nathan Perry, Master Distiller
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Steve Olson, Global Educator
REGIONAL SEMI-FINAL CITIES
Finalists from each region move on to Bar Convent Brooklyn for the national competition.​
Los Angeles 4/13/26 | Kansas City 3/23/26 | Chicago 4/06/26
Orlando 3/30/26 | Washington D.C 3/30/26
JUDGING CRITERIA
WHO CAN COMPETE
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Must be a working bartender
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Must be 21+
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Must be a legal U.S. resident
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One entry per person
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No purchase required
ONLINE
SCORING
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Story & Name: 20%
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Connection to Rieger Heritage: 20%
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Presentation: 20%
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Taste & Balance: 20%
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Ingredient Intention: 20%
REGIONAL
SEMI-FINALS
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Prepare two of each cocktail (one for judges, one for photography)
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Minimal glassware provided
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Bring any specialty ingredients not commonly stocked
GRAND
FINALE
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Compete live at Bar Convent Brooklyn
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Present your cocktail to an expert judging panel and a blind-tasting judge
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Win the ultimate prize — a journey to Jerez, Spain​