Twelve of some of the very best mixologists converge at Sage Bar to spin their magic with one of the world's best brandy...
...and what an afternoon, with twelve inventive and unique cocktail creations to raise the bar in the local bar scene. It's the first Chateau de Laubade Cocktail Competition Manila 2016 at Sage Bar, and it's looking good.
The talented mixologists pulled all the stops in creating their concotions, each one highlighting the distinct flavors of Chateau De Laubade Bas Armagnac, the culmination of expertise and craftsmanship in the art of blending and aging mastered for over three generations for the ultimate expression of the Bas Armagnac terroir.
The deep amber hues of the magnificent brandy from the famed Armagnac region of Gascony in southwest France delivers rich hints of ripe fruit, vanilla, and plum with a soft and velvety smooth finish from a blend of Ugni blanc, Folle blanche, Colombard and Baco grape varieties. Take it neat as is, or in a variety of cocktail concoctions, and it's easy to appreciate the versatility of Chateau De Laubade Bas Armagnac.
And for over three generations, Chateau De Laubade has nurtured its precious brandy, garnering international awards along the way. Best served as an aperitif or digestif, Chateau De Laubade Bas Armagnac will serve as the base spirit to test the creativity, and imagination, of the select group of master mixologists. 
And the participating mixologists drew on diverse range of inspiration to create their special cocktails, playing with the elegant notes and finish of Chateau De Laubade Bas Armagnac, with an homage to a mother and wife's love recreated in a cocktail. And the same level of creativity is seen in the next round of cocktails...
Jed Servena of Shangri-La Makati torches tobacco for a smoke infused cocktail garnished with a tart raspberry...
...followed by Bill Garma of Hooch with his own cocktail highlighting the grapes and deep notes of Chateau De Laubade Bas Armagnac. 
Sean Carlo Vera of Mandalay spins his own magic with a blend of fresh fruit juices...
...while Syrian Ebdane of Sofitel infuses Asian notes with tea and honey in his cocktail for Chateau De Laubade Bas Armagnac.
Mary Jovy Ocampo of Hooch brings her own specially concocted bitters for her special cocktail...
...as Sage Bar's very own Sam Alcantara infuses the aromatic fragrance of coffee beans in his cocktail... 
...and John Lorenzo of Shangri-La at The Fort combines ginger and lemon for a unique and refreshing blend.
Jay Lopez of Shangri-La at The Fort concocts a rich spice blend for his cocktail creation...
...and John Ardy Silva of Rambla brings his own handcrafted bitters for potent yet perfectly balanced notes.
Derek Lopez of Smith Butcher and Grill Room prepares his spice-infused cocktail, garnished with cinnamon and mint...
...as Gladys Gloraine Munar of Shangri-La at The Fort brings her own poached apples, spices and liquid nitrogen for an elegant cocktail creation that looked good while being made. 
The tales of the Three Musketeers is the source of inspiration for the next cocktail by Kenneth Lloyd Misagal of ABV. Gascony is, after all, the birthplace of Charles de Batz Castlemore, the swashbuckling musketeer and royal guard to King Louis XIV, where novelist Alexander Dumas based his timeless adventure classic. 
The wide range of ingredients, the different techniques, and the variety of flavors made each cocktail unique, making the job of the judges a lot more difficult.
As the judges tabulated the results, the participating mixologists enjoyed a well-deserved drink while waiting for the results.
Then, the much awaited results were announced, with an Honorable Mention awarded to Mary Jovy Ocampo of Hooch.
The Second Runner-Up was awarded to Kenneth Lloyd Misagal of ABV, with his playful pairing of Three Musketeers chocolate with his cocktail, flanked by (L-R) LEDA Asia Area Manager, Aymeric Dehont; LEDA Owner and Proprietor, Arnaud Lesgourges; and AWC Philippines Sales & Marketing Manager, Hugo Moronval.
John Ardy Silva of Rambla was awarded First Runner-Up...
...and the Grand Prize was awarded to Gladys Gloraine Munar of Shangri-La at The Fort for her elegant cocktail. Balanced flavors and showmanship, and a great start for the first ever Chateau De Laubade Cocktail Competition Manila 2016. Creativity, imagination, and flair, and each of the mixologists that day showed it all.
It was a pretty exciting afternoon at Sage Bar, and a wonderful encounter with Chateau de Laubade Bas Armagnac. You may be more familiar with the grape varieties and brands associated with the Cognac region, but it's definitely time to discover one of the best kept secrets of France, and the unique flavors of the Bas Armagnac region. And the best way to start your journey is with Chateau De Laubade Bas Armagnac.
Sage Bar is located at at the Lobby Level Makati Shangri-La, Manila, Ayala Avenue corner Makati Avenue, Makati City or call Restaurant Reservations at (632) 814-2580 or email rric.slm@shangrila.com for inquiries and reservations.
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