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The Reykjavik Bar Summit 2015: in search of a chocolate puffin

Andrew Wilkin heads to Iceland for the inaugural Reykjavik Bar Summit. Here’s what he found out for MIXOLOGY ONLINE at the newbie event, one where bar tending of the highest order came together with an inescapable sense of fun.

The Reykjavik Bar Summit hit the Icelandic capital in the midst of a winter bemoaned by locals as one of the worst—harsh snowstorms, biting winds and ceaseless darkness. For the participants, however, the atmosphere was anything but arctic.

Neutral island between two continents

Using Iceland’s status as an isolated Nordic island between two continents as a selling point, the Summit was conceived by Ásgeir Már Björnsson and Birgir Guðmundsson as a place for US and European bartenders to meet, compete and exchange ideas. With no drinks branding, and proudly stating their status as a non-profit operation, it was clear from the beginning: this Summit was for the bartenders.

Based at the city’s Slippbarinn bar (Reykjavik’s first bona-fide cocktail bar!), and sponsored by Icelandair, Icelandair Hotels and Reykjavik Excursions, a jovial atmosphere predominated at the event. Anyone expecting anything ‘academic’ from the use of the term Summit were to be left disappointed however— rather than being used in an academic sense, the word was instead used as an indication that people were ‘coming together’.

And come together they did! The organisers managed to assemble quite the impressive lineup of 16 bars for their inaugural edition—from acclaimed US bars such as NYC’s Attaboy and Employees Only, to the likes to Paris’ Candelaria and Amsterdam’s Door 74. Prestige names in abundance—impressive for a newbie! Notable however by emission were the GSA countries of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. MIXOLOGY hopes to see more representation next year.

Down to business

So, here’s the roundup of what went down. After the inevitable fun and frolics of the Opening Party, the Main Competition took place over the next two days, in Idno restaurant on the banks of Lake Tjordin. This afforded the possibility for each bar, represented by two bartenders, to present themselves to the four judges, led by Nikka Whiskey Ambassador Stanislav Vadrna and joined by Four Roses brand ambassador Dan Priseman, founder of the Foss distillery Ólafur Örn Ólafsson and Saga Garðarsdóttir, Icelandic actress and comedian.

Judgement lay on two levels: for their presentation, and also their bar tending skills in making a Daiquiri and a Martinez. Then there was also a Mystery Box of ingredients to conquer! All the bars used their slots to exhibit their personalities, some in ways more idiosyncratic than others. Dutch Kills went for a surprising Tiki showcase, Employees Only served up chicken soup whilst Strøm invited all up on stage for a disco-lit party, and shots!


The evening saw a Battle of the Continents contest between the US and European bars—guests were given five vouchers each to spend on drinks, and whichever continent collected the most would win. As is customary to a good battle, it was a rowdy night and one that ended in a US victory, and a floor of the stickiest proportions to boot! That’s not to mention an equally messy Whiskey Sour competition on the morning of Day Two, where each bar, under a time challenge, had to mix up the drink under the constraint of wearing one T-shirt! The quality was understandably varied, and The Gilroy came out on top.

And the winners are

However, the grand prize of the Summit went to a European bar: congrats to Copenhagen’s Strøm who were crowned Best Bar and won a chocolate puffin for their efforts. You can’t argue with a good on-stage party after all! Jonas B Andersen and Mikael Nilson from Strøm spoke to MIXOLOGY ONLINE afterwards, Nilson saying “all these bars are counted amongst the top drinking spots in the USA and EU and some of them are old time heroes of ours so it came a bit of a shock that we actually won!”. Prizes also went to London’s Worship St Whistle Shop for Best Martinez, Miami’s Broken Shaker for Best Daiquiri, Employees Only for Best Mystery Drink and Dutch Kills who won two chocolate puffins, winners of Best Presentation and the Audience Award!

Overriding impressions

As befits the neutral island, both continents came away with accolades. However, what was particularly noteworthy here was the makeup of the attendees—both highly-and-lesser experienced bartenders came together here, in a city internationally not so well-known for craft cocktails. The Summit really did afford the chance for both the hosts and the attendees to pick up invaluable knowhow and contacts!

Where the Summit also was a success was in being a showcase for the country itself—staying in the midst of the city’s indomitable Mount Esja, attendees enjoyed trips to the renowned Fontana Wellness geothermal baths, were taken on a Northern Lights boat trip (disclaimer: they didn’t show up!) and were treated to a set by the Icelandic rock band Mammut at a closing ‘blowout’ party. Three days of stunning Iceland promo—tick!

What’s next?

See you next year? The organisers say they’re already planning next year’s Summit, although there are already questions regarding size. Can this event keep its approachable vibe and indefinable intimacy with expansion? The jury is out! Until then, time for a shot of Brennivin…

 

 

Disclosure: Part of flights and accomodation of press trip are covered by Iceland Air. Iceland Air flies to Reykjavik from Frankfurt and Munich. For more information check out our transparency guidlines.

 

 

Credits

Foto: All photos via Roman Gerasymenko

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