ROAD TO JEREZ REGIONAL FINAL WINNERS
The competition continues.
After an exciting series of Regional Semi-Final events, we’re proud to announce the bartenders advancing on the Road to Jerez to the final in Brooklyn, NY.
Each competitor presented their original cocktail featuring Rieger Kansas City Whiskey, showcasing exceptional creativity, technique, and inspiration drawn from its connection to Oloroso sherry.
Please join us in congratulating our Regional Final winners:
Delsin Richardson — Washington, D.C. | Dutch Courage
Parker Jochum — Buena Vista, FL | The Edison
AJ Barbosa — Chicago, IL | Bisous
Zachary Snyder — Aspen, CO | Hooch
Aleka Ross — San Francisco, CA | Kona’s
These bartenders will advance to the next stage of the competition, continuing their journey on the Road to Jerez.
Delsin Richardson
Venencia's Tribut
Parker Jochum
Heartland Solera
Aleka Ross
Sherry Beneath My Wings
AJ Barbosa
The Law of Desire
Zachary Snyder
A Dame To Kill For
These finalists now move on to the final stage at Bar Convent Brooklyn, culminating in the ultimate competition at Vintage Green Rooftop as the Road to Jerez continues
"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.
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.
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:
-
Ryan Maybee,
Co-Founder -
Nathan Perry,
Master Distiller -
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.