Welcome to Most Imaginative Bartender Competition (the “Competition”). The US part of the Competition is managed by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (“TOTC”) and the Canadian part of the Competition is managed by Bacardi Canada, Inc. (“BCI”).

This is an opportunity to let your imagination and creativity shine. To enter, you will need to create an original recipe that showcases you as a bartender and your passions around all you do. You will also need to create a 90-second video in which you share your inspiration and interests. We want to get to know you! Give us a glimpse into your life, tell us what you’re passionate about and how you bring your passions alive in the cocktail. In other words, make the judges want to not just hear more, but taste more!

Here’s what you need to know, step-by-step.

Eligibility

1. Bartenders

The Competition is open only to individuals who (a) are legal residents of the fifty (50) United States (except Utah) and Canada, (b) are at least twenty-five (25) years old as of the date of entry, (c) work in a bar at least 30 hours per week at the time of entry, and (d) have a passport valid through March 1, 2020.

2. Exclusions

Individuals who are full- or part-time employees of TOTCF, BCI, Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. (“BUSA”), Punch, Punch, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, or New Team LLC (“Team Enterprises”) at the time of entry, as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and household members of those employees, are not eligible to enter.

Stage 1: Online Entries

3. How to Enter

Visit www.mostimaginativebartender.punchdrink.com (the “Website”) and follow the instructions on that page. You will be required to submit a cocktail recipe and a 90-second video that meet the requirements described below. Together, the recipe and the video constitute your “Entry.” Entries must be received by June 30, 2019, and there is a limit of one (1) Entry per person.

a. Recipe Requirements: Your recipe must meet the following requirements:

Recipes must be expressed in fluid ounces, divided in respectively customary measurements (0.5 oz., 1 oz., 2 oz., etc.), with dashes and/or drops being the smallest quantities.
The recipe must be gin-based and include BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® Gin. (No East, Dry, or STAR OF BOMBAY® versions.)
You can use as many ingredients as you like.
The content of the cocktail must be between 3 oz. and 11 oz. (including dashes and drops).
You may not use flaming alcohol or flames near alcohol.
Ingredients must be safe for human consumption and easily replicable.
You must specify a name for your recipe. The name may not include any copyrighted or trademarked material or any retailer’s name, except that you may use the BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® brand in the name.

b. Video Requirements: Your video must meet the following requirements:

The video cannot be longer than 90 seconds. For every second over 90 seconds of video, you will lose 2 points from the overall video score.
The video can be shot on your smartphone or other device.
The video should showcase your imagination, story-telling, overall presentation skills, and knowledge of BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin.
Don’t make your drink and tell us what’s in it – tell us what inspires you. Show us what is your creative outlet outside of bartending and put it on display.
Videos cannot contain trademarked, copyrighted or intellectual property of third-parties.
Videos must be an original creation and not have been used in previous media, competitions or other publications.
Your video may not: (a) be targeted to people under twenty-one (21) years old; (b) feature anyone who is under twenty-five (25) years old; (c) encourage, condone, promote, or glamorize under-age, excessive, or irresponsible consumption of alcohol products, drunk driving, or any behavior considered to be anti-social, illegal, or immoral or suggest that the consumption of beverage alcohol will lead to social or sexual success; (d) violate anyone else’s rights, including their copyrights, trademark rights, or rights of privacy or publicity; or (e) reflect poorly on TOTCF, BUSA, or BCI. In addition, your Entry must comply with the Code of Responsible Practices for Beverage Alcohol Advertising and Marketing of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, Inc.

c. Regions: Each entrant will be assigned to either the Eastern, Central, or Western Region, depending on where he/she resides.

4. Judging

Judges will review each Entry and score it based on the criteria set forth below. The judges will select up to one hundred (100) Preliminary Semi-Finalists, as follows: (a) thirty-three (33) from the Eastern Region; (b) thirty-three (33) from the Central Region; (c) thirty-three (33) from the Western Region; and (d) one (1) Wild Card, who will be highest scoring entrant who was not selected from any Region.

a. Recipe Criteria: The following criteria will account for 40% of the score:

Originality: Up to 10 points. The recipe should be uniquely yours.
Imagination: Up to 25 points. This measures how well a cocktail demonstrates a creative cocktail concept and how well it uses modern, experimental techniques, ingredients, flavors, and flavor combinations in the execution of the cocktail/mixed drink.
Concept/Story: Up to 5 points. This measures the ability to bring the cocktail’s story to life.

b. Video Criteria: The following criteria will account for 60% of the score:

Imagination: Up to 25 points.
Presentation: Up to 15 points.
Concept/Story: Up to 15 points.
Knowledge of Bombay Sapphire gin: Up to 5 points.
Please note that two (2) points will be deducted for every minute (or fraction of a minute) that you go beyond the allotted time of 90 seconds.

5. Notification of Preliminary Finalists

TOTCF or BCI will notify all Preliminary Semi-Finalists by July 15, 2019 and invite them to participate in the Local Market competitions.

Stage 2: Local Market Competitions

6. Bar Visits

If you are a Preliminary Semi-Finalist, TOTCF or BCI will arrange a visit to your bar between July 24, 2019 and August 28, 2019 by one or more Judges. During the visit, you will be asked to create two (2) full-sized servings of your recipe during normal business hours. (Alternate arrangements may be made on an individual basis, and at TOTCF’s or BCI’s sole discretion, if that is not possible.)

7. Judging

Judges will evaluate each Preliminary Semi-Finalist based on the criteria set forth below. The judges will select up to thirty-six (36) Semi-Finalists, as follows: (a) twelve (12) from the Eastern Region; (b) twelve (12) from the Central Region; and (c) twelve (12) from the Western Region.

Hospitality: Up to 15 points.
Balance: Up to 10 points.
Flavor: Up to 10 points.
Imagination: Up to 20 points.
Appearance: Up to 5 points.

8. Semi-Finalist Requirements

TOTCF or BCI will notify Semi-Finalists by August 30, 2019 by email. Each Semi-Finalist may be required to complete and return a declaration of eligibility, a liability/publicity release, and an authorization to conduct a background check. TOTCF reserves the right (in its sole discretion) to disqualify a Semi-Finalist if he/she does not sign the necessary forms within five (5) days of the date notification is sent. If a Semi-Finalist returns these documents on time, and in TOTCF’s or BCI’s sole discretion, passes the background check, he/she will be invited to participate in the Regional competitions in one (1) of three (3) cities in the United States: Nashville; Philadelphia; or Portland.

Stage 3: Regional Competitions

9. Trip to the Regional Competitions

Each Semi-Finalist will receive: (a) round trip coach-class airfare for one (1) person from an airport close to his/her home to the Regional competitions; (b) hotel accommodations for one (1) night; and (c) an immersive experience in the regional city. Please see the Prize Details section below for additional details. The approximate retail value of the trip is $1,500 USD. Semi-Finalists will be responsible for tax, meals, and the cost of other incidental expenses.

10. Regional Competitions

The Regional competitions will take place over the course of two (2) days between September 9, 2019 and September 24, 2019. See the website for specific dates and times. During the Regional competitions, the Semi-Finalists will compete against each other by presenting and making three (3) full size cocktails of their submitted recipe. The challenges will be judged according to the criteria disclosed at the event. The judges will select twelve (12) Finalists, four (4) per region based on the scores.

Stage 4: Laverstoke

11. Trip to London

Each Finalist will receive: (a) round-trip coach class airfare for one (1) person from an airport close to the Regional Finalist’s home to London; (b) hotel accommodations for four (4) nights; and (c) an immersive experience at Laverstoke. The approximate retail value of the trip is $8,500 USD. The actual value of the trip will vary depending on various factors, including the date of booking, the point of departure, and the dates of travel. Please see the Prize Details Section below for additional details. Finalists will be responsible for tax, meals, and the cost of other incidental expenses.

12. Research for Creative Challenge

During the final competition in Chicago (described below), each Finalist will participate in a Creative Challenge in which they will compete for $25,000 USD to help them bring a creative idea to life. After the trip to London, each Finalist will have access to up to $5,000 USD to start working on their idea for the Creative Challenge, as determined by TOTCF, in its sole discretion. Additional details will be provided at the time of the award.

Stage 5: Final Competitions

13. Trip to Chicago

Each Finalist will receive: (a) round-trip coach class airfare for one (1) person from an airport close to the Regional Finalist’s home to Chicago; (b) hotel accommodations for four (4) nights. The approximate retail value of the trip is $7,400 USD. Please see the Prize Details section below for additional details. Finalists will be responsible for tax, meals and the cost of other incidental expenses.

14. Competition

The Finals will take place in Chicago February 3 to 7, 2019. During the Finals, the Finalists will compete against each other in various bartending challenges plus the Creative Challenge. As part of the Creative Challenge, the Finalists will present their creative idea to the judges. All of the challenges will be judged according to the criteria disclosed at the event. The judging panel will pick one (1) Grand Prize winner based on the scores. The decision of the judging panel is final.

15. Grand Prize

One (1) Grand Prize winner will receive $10,000 USD from TOTCF and a creative grant of $25,000 USD. As part of the grant, the Grand Prize winner will have the opportunity to collaborate with a mentor to bring their idea to life over a six-month period. As part of the process, the Grand Prize winner will be required to participate in: (a) regular video chats with the mentor; (b) at least two (2) in-person sessions with the mentor; (c) approximately three (3) promotional events; and (d) press interviews. If travel is required to participate in any event, BUSA will provide coach-class airfare and accommodations. The schedule will be dictated by BUSA with consideration for the winner’s availability. The Grand Prize winner will be filmed during these activities and both TOTCF and BUSA may use the footage for promotional purposes. BUSA will have a right of first refusal for commercialization of the idea. Additional details will be provided at the time of the award.

16. Media Exposure

The Grand Prize winner will be featured in PUNCH editorial articles on social media.

General Terms

17. Supplies

For all stages, TOTCF or BCI, as applicable, will supply BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, but you are required to supply all other ingredients and equipment.

18. Agreement to Terms and Conditions

By participating in this Competition, you indicate your unconditional agreement to these Official Rules and BCI and TOTCF’s decisions, as applicable, which are final and binding. Moreover, by participating, you represent that you are complying with any policies your employer may have regarding participation in competitions of this nature. You cannot win a prize unless you comply with all requirements set forth herein. TOTCF reserves the right to change these Official Rules at any time, without prior notice. Any changes will be posted on the Website.

19. Background Check

TOTCF and BCI each reserve the right (at any point and in its sole discretion) to disqualify any individual if, based on the results of the background check – or on an individual’s other actions or statements – if BCI or TOTCF concludes that the individual will not be a good representative for the BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® brand.

20. Rights to Entries

By entering, you irrevocably: (a) grant TOTCF, BCI, BUSA, Team Enterprises, PUNCH, an imprint of Ten Speed Press, a division of Penguin Random House LLC (“Punch”) and each of their agents, licensees, and assigns (collectively, the “Rights Holders”) the unconditional and non-exclusive right and permission to copyright, reproduce, encode, store, copy, transmit, publish, post, broadcast, display, publicly perform, adapt, modify, create derivative works of, exhibit, and otherwise use your Entry as-is or as-edited in any media throughout the world for any purpose, without limitation, and without additional review, compensation, or approval from you or any other party; (b) waive any rights of copyrights, trademark rights, privacy rights, and any other legal or moral rights that may preclude the Rights Holders’ use of your Entry, as outlined above, or require any further permission for the Rights Holders to use the Entry; and (c) agree not to instigate, support, maintain, or authorize any action, claim, or lawsuit against the Rights Holders on the grounds that any use of the Entry, or any derivative works, infringes any of your rights as creator of the Entry, including, without limitation, copyrights, trademark rights, and moral rights.

21. Publicity

Except where prohibited, by participating in the Competition, you agree that the Rights Holders and any media attending events related to the Competition may use your name, likeness, voice, opinions, photographs, your video submission, event related audio-visual footage, recipe, biographical information, state of residence, and/or any other record of your participation in the Competition for promotional purposes in any press releases, advertisements, television, radio, film, documentary, internet, social media, or in any other publication or media without further payment or consideration and to license the right to use such intellectual property to others. You may be required to sign additional releases regarding publicity.

22. Prize Details

You responsible for paying any taxes, including income taxes and any and all other costs and expenses not listed in the Official Rules. You may be required to provide a Social Security Number for tax reporting purposes. Any prize details not specified above will be determined by TOTCF, in its sole discretion. The actual value of the trips will vary depending on various factors, including the date of booking, the point of departure, and dates of travel. A prize may not be transferred and must be accepted as awarded. You may not request cash or a substitute prize; however, TOTCF reserves the right to substitute a prize (or component thereof) with another prize (or component thereof) of equal or greater value if the prize is not available for any reason, as determined by TOTCF, in its sole discretion. You must travel on the dates specified by TOTCF. Once travel documents are issued, travel arrangements cannot be changed. If you cannot travel on the dates specified by TOTCF, or BCI, as applicable, you will not be permitted to compete in the next stage of the Competition. You are responsible for securing passports, visas, and any other documents necessary for international travel. If the Competition is canceled, no prizes may be awarded.

23. General Conditions

In the event that the operation, security, or administration of the Competition is impaired in any way, TOTCF may, in its sole discretion, either: (a) cancel or suspend the Competition to address the impairment and then resume the Competition; or (b) award the prizes according to the criteria set forth above from among the eligible entries received up to the time of the impairment. TOTCF reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify and seek damages from any individual who tampers with the operation of the Competition, violates these Official Rules, or acts in a disruptive or unsportsmanlike manner. TOTCF’s failure to enforce any term of these Terms and Conditions shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. Proof of sending any communication to TOTCF by mail shall not be deemed proof of receipt of that communication by TOTCF. The Competition is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations and is void in Utah and where prohibited. You agree that, while participating in the contest and in your private life, you will not commit an offense involving moral turpitude or engage in activities that may create public scandal, disrepute, widespread contempt, public ridicule, to harass, embarrass, offend, insult or denigrate individuals or groups, or damage the person or property of others, that you will treat all other contestants and Judges and related competition personnel with respect and that you will drink responsibly. Travel, creative grants, and cash prizes will be taxable to contestants and you should expect to receive a Form 1099.

24. Release and Limitations of Liability

By participating in the Competition, you hereby release and hold harmless TOTCF, BCI, BUSA, Team Enterprises, PUNCH, and each of their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, and each of their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents (the “Released Parties”) from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Competition or receipt or use of any prize, including, but not limited to: (a) unauthorized human intervention in the Competition; (b) technical errors; (c) printing errors; (d) lost, late, postage-due, misdirected, or undeliverable mail; (e) errors in the administration of the Competition or the processing of Entries; (f) injury or damage to yourself and your property and/or (g) injury or damage you cause to other persons or property. You further agree to defend, indemnify, release, and hold the Released Parties harmless from any claims related to your participation including damage to other persons and property and from any claims that their use of your Entry (as contemplated in these Rules) violates or infringes upon the rights of any third party. You waive the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages.

25. Disputes

For residents of Quebec, any litigation respecting the conduct or organization of a publicity contest may be submitted to the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux for a ruling. Any litigation respecting the awarding of a prize may be submitted to the board only for the purpose of helping the parties reach a settlement. Otherwise, except where prohibited, all disputes arising out of or related to these rules, the Competition or any other matter shall be resolved through binding arbitration filed and heard in New Orleans, Louisiana pursuant to American Arbitration Association Rules using a single arbitrator. Each contestant waives any rights to challenge this forum and venue or the application of Louisiana law. Should this arbitration agreement be held non-enforceable or in order to enforce an arbitration award, each contestant irrevocably submits and consents to the jurisdiction and venue of the courts located in Orleans Parish, Louisiana and waives and objection that such forum is inconvenient. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Terms and Conditions, your rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of TOTCF and BCI in connection with the Competition, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Louisiana, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules (whether of Louisiana or any other jurisdiction), which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than Louisiana. Each contestant agrees that any claim or dispute related to the Competition shall be conducted only on an individual basis and not in a class, collective or representative action or as a named or unnamed member in a class, collective, consolidated or private attorney general action.

26. Sponsor

The Competition is managed by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, 201 St. Charles Avenue, Suite 117-409, New Orleans, LA 70170. The Canadian portion of the Contest is managed by Bacardi Canada, Inc., 1000 Steeles Avenue East, Brampton, Ontario, Canada, L6T 1A1.

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