THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
After reviewing an incredible collection of original cocktail submissions from bartenders across the country, our judging panel has selected the semi-finalists for our Road to Jerez Cocktail Competition.
Each bartender created an original cocktail featuring Rieger Kansas City Whiskey, drawing inspiration from its distinctive character and connection to oloroso sherry. The creativity, technical skill, and storytelling behind these drinks made the selection process incredibly difficult.
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These semi-finalists will now advance to the Regional Finals,
where they will present their cocktails live for our judges and guests.
Washington, DC
Tom Brander
Mark Rizzuto
Connor Piazza
Lindsay Hogan
Delsin Richardson
Owen Thompson
Jon Schott
Ross Nemec
Orlando, FL
Leandro Cabanillas
Brian Gottlick
William Stein
Archie Akkharasin
Michael 'Scott' Miller
Parker Jochum
Brody Schweighfofer
Jardon Derrick
Colin
Los Angeles, CA
Seth Sandoval
Taylor Brummett
Aleka Ross
Rob Hayes
Anthony Castro
Jamie Wolfe
Dominique Munoz
Marie Yoshimizu
Jennefer Weeks
Jack Chinn
Tim Weigal
Chicago, IL
Dawn Bui
Sage Huston
Nicola Tolosa
Evan Losselyoung
Kate Sikora
Ismael-Vicente
AJ Barbosa
Daniela Pedraza
Chris Kuse
Kansas City, MO
Cydney Duff
Freeha
Ben Davalos
Josue Navarro
Hannah Baugh
Madeline Buechter
Eric Soracco
Zachary Snyder
Quint Shackelford
Haley Watson
Bee Szczepaniak
From there, the top competitors will earn the opportunity to advance to the final stage of the competition at Bar Convent, continuing the Road to Jerez and the chance to experience the historic sherry region that inspired this challenge.
"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.
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 4/14/26 | 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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Submissions open till January 31st
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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​
Congratulations to this year’s Road to Jerez Semi-Finalists.