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Sierra Gold's Homer Gesmundo Puts A Sting in Jack Daniel's Mixology Event at MGM's Tabu
With the launch of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey Whiskey, the race to create unique drinks that incorporate the newly released and sweeter versioned liquor from the Jack Daniel's family became the setting for the mixology competition and event at MGM's Tabu Ultra Lounge. One of Las Vegas' most colorful bar hosts, Homer Gesmundo, of the Golden Tavern Group's Sierra Gold establishment, impressed Jack Daniel's executives with his uniquely blended drink: The Bee's Knees.
Combining Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey Whiskey with Grand Marnier, Black Sambuca, fresh lime and lemon juice, and agave nector, Gesmundo topped off his drink with a garnish that incorporated black dyed ginger wrapped with a lemon twist – hence becoming the "bee" that is perched upon the rim of his specialty cocktail. Chosen to be one of fourteen to compete at the MGM event, judges based their decision on several drink factors: appearance, aroma, overall taste, and overall presentation. Organizer Dave Stewart said, "This competition shows the creativity and the craft of mixology in Las Vegas."
A veteran of mixology and bartending competitions, Gesmundo was a top finalist chosen from the world's best two years in a row at the annually held International Nightclub and Bar Convention and Tradeshow (NCB) in Las Vegas. He describes mixology as the "innovative way of taking ingredients you wouldn't normally put together."
The first year that Gesmundo was announced as a finalist came courtesy of his Golden Dragon concoction. It combined Absolut Mango, Madarin Napoleon Liqueur, blood orange juice, fresh mangos, and his homemade ingredient, a mix of basil, mint, and kumquat organic simple syrup. The recipe garnered a fifth place finish in the international competition.
Exemplifying his style of marrying unlikely combinations, he recalls his Dilly Wabbit creation that drew acclaim during his second consecutive finals invite and appearance at NCB. The drink recipe combined Plymouth Gin, Grand Marnier, Fee Brothers West Indian Bitters, fresh carrot juice, fresh Granny Smith apple juice, and fresh dill. The creation placed fourth in the competition.
At the Jack Daniel's event, Gesmundo describes his recipe as "a twist to a classic". The process of creation and presentation placed competitors under pressure. With the opportunity to prepare their ingredients prior to officially pouring, mixing, and, at times, shaking their creations, competitors, one by one, stood behind the bar and carefully crafted their drinks in real time. While Gesmundo's creation was not declared as the event's winning drink recipe, event attendee and taster Janet Colosimo said, "Homer's drink is one of the best ones here."
Looking toward the future, Gesmundo will never be too far from a mixologist competition as his mind never ceases to explore and to create new innovative drink recipes. His passion for pairing and blending flavors keeps him experimenting. "I'd like to keep competing not only in the U.S. but around the world," says Gesmundo. "I enjoy the camaraderie between my fellow mixologists and also the competitive nature of the contests. They challenge me to create newer, more avant-garde, and more flavorful cocktails."
With his innate ability to light up a venue, Gesmundo not only wants to create his own playbook of drinks, but to also share his knowledge with others. He concludes, "I'd like to start a consulting firm and to teach people and businesses how to make proper, innovative, and wonderful cocktails. I love showing everyone how a certain spirit or liquor can be showcased in a cocktail that is ‘out of the box' yet at the same time, still respecting the integrity of the product."
About the Author
Kwan International Incorporated is a global media and marketing company located at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Owner and founder of Kwan International, Christina Kwan, is a 2002 cum laude graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
While embarking on her entrepreneurial efforts since 1999, Christina has also gathered valuable experiences through working at Caesars Palace Public Relations, Stratosphere Marketing, and Wynn International Marketing.
Companies looking for strong representation from an individual who is charismatic, articulate, assertive, confident, and professional will find every bit of these qualities in Christina.
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