Barenjager Honey Liqueur Announces Third Annual National Bartender Competition

The Original Honey Liqueur Taps Geoffrey Zakarian and Additional Industry Tastemakers to Judge

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Jul 16, 2012, 01:17 ET

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y., July 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Barenjager Honey Liqueur, the original honey liqueur, announces the launch of the brand's third national annual Barenjager Bartender Competition. As in previous years, this year's contest welcomes national* bartenders as well as amateurs to submit innovative cocktails using Barenjager Honey Liqueur and, for the first time ever, Barenjager Honey & Bourbon. Armed with top bar talent and creativity, contestants will battle to impress a panel of esteemed industry tastemakers as well as celebrity judge, Geoffrey Zakarian, for a grand prize that includes a trip for two to Oktoberfest in Munich and $1,000.

This year's competition marks the first year contestants are able to use the brand's first-ever line extension, Barenjager Honey & Bourbon. Unveiled nationwide in April 2012, Barenjager Honey & Bourbon is a delicious blend of premium honey liqueur and Kentucky bourbon whiskey, made with generous amounts of pure honey and all natural ingredients. This unique blend results in a balanced sweet bourbon taste with distinct lingering honey notes on the finish.

Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian is a celebrated chef and restaurateur who has been behind some of New York City's most iconic restaurants including, The Lambs Club and The National. Zakarian will be joined by four industry leaders: returning judge Dushan Zaric of Employees Only and Macao Trading Co.; Bridget Albert, Southern Wine & Spirits Regional Director of Mixology IL, KY and MN; Tad Carducci, award-winning mixologist, restaurateur and Tippling Brother; and Jeffrey Morgenthaler, award-winning bartender and bar manager at Clyde Common. Todd Richman, corporate mixologist at Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc., will serve as the competitions emcee; and Underground DJ of the Year nominee, DJ Bedtyme, will provide the latest tunes for guests.

The panel will score all submissions prior to selecting the top 6 recipes to move on to the final round. Finalists will mix off at a private event at The Tippler for media and industry influencers on September 10th in New York City. The contest winner, chosen by the judges, will also receive the grand prize: an all-expense paid trip for two to Oktoberfest 2012 in Munich, Germany and $1,000. Additionally, all guests will be asked to cast their vote for best cocktail, and the audience favorite will take home a check for $1,000.

Made in Germany, Barenjager is a 70 proof honey liqueur made from neutral grain alcohol and pure premium natural honey from Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Each liter bottle contains 300 grams of pure honey and other natural ingredients resulting in a subtly sweet, spicy and herb edged taste profile. During the 15th century, the Eastern Prussian bear trap company, Teucke & Konig, first introduced Barenjager, which translates to "Bear Hunter." In an effort to end the struggle between man and bear, this sweet concoction was the first professionally produced Meschkinnes - mead-like moonshine made from honey by beekeepers and farmers - and was formulated to aid hunters attract bears and lure them from their dwellings. The alluring spirit's recipe was slightly altered in the 18th century and continues to serve as the original honey liqueur enjoyed around the world today.

To enter the competition, visit www.BarenjagerHoney.com and complete the online registration form by August 20, 2012. Must be at least 21 years of age to enter. No purchase necessary. The official rules and regulations can also be found on this site. *Contest is not open to residents of Texas, Washington, California, Tennessee, Alaska and Hawaii. Barenjager Honey Liqueur 35% Alc. /Vol. Imported exclusively by Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc., New Rochelle, NY.

About Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc. - Founded in 1972, Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc. of New Rochelle, NY, currently owns or imports Jagermeister Herbal Liqueur - the number one selling imported Liqueur and shot brand in the United States, Gekkeikan Sake - the world's largest sake, American Harvest - a proprietary blend of organic vodka and organic ingredients resulting in a distinctly smooth and silky spirit with a crisp, clean taste, Michael Collins Irish Whiskey - the award-winning double distilled single malt and blended whiskeys named for the Irish legendary hero and produced at Ireland's last independent distillery, JC Cognac - the VSOP known for its unmatched quality and unique flavor extensions of Apple and Jasmine, Barenjager Honey Liqueur - the German imported honey liqueur made with generous amounts of premium natural Yucatan honey, Jacques Cardin Brandy - the French brandy of uncommon distinction defined by its rich color and superior flavor, Hudson's Bay Scotch - a smooth blend of 100% Scotch Whiskies distilled and blended in Scotland and St. Vivant Armagnac - the premium French brandy steeped in tradition dating back to 1559.