Statistics may prove that when it comes to patrons to bars in Saint Lucia men are ahead by far. It may also show that most of the bars at restaurants and hotels are headed and manned by a higher percentage of men. But when it comes to the real test, the secret is out; women are the best bartenders here, especially when it comes to mixing drinks. At least this is what the Saint Lucia Distillers (Bounty Rum) Battle of the Bartenders competition is continuing to reveal.

Last Saturday November 14 the annual event which took place at the Delirius Bar at Rodney Bay, saw the top three places all going to the ladies. The event attracted a large crowd of supporters, friends, the organizers and media representatives and turned out to be a fun filled Saturday afternoon lime.

The 2008 winner was also a female, Kirma Mongroo who did not defend her title this year and in 2007 Fanilia Austin won and last year she won the people choice award.

Fifteen participants entered the competition, representing bartenders from across the island. The event was open to all bartenders over the age of 18, employed at a local hotel, restaurant or bar in Saint Lucia. The participants were all required to use products made from Saint Lucia Distillers or distributed by Barbay and were free to use additional juices, condiments and garnishes. During an allotted five minutes the contestants were required to prepare two cocktails, describing the process as they went along. The panel of judges, who sat at the bar while the participants mixed, blended, stirred and shook, were looking out for taste, presentation, ease of preparation and originality of name. All of the drinks prepared at Saturday’s event were placed on display and tasting with votes being allocated from the public for the people’s choice. Not only did the participants come up with some creative names for their drinks but the décor and flare that some of them put into the effort was well applauded by the audience.

But in the end it was time to separate the winners from the rest. But before that Saint Lucia Distillers director of sales and marketing, Michael Speakman, who was also one of the judges commended the efforts of the participants and indicated that the event would be back again next year bigger and better. He indicated that next year’s winner would have to sign a commitment to travel to places like Nottinghill carnival where they would represent the company. All of the participants were presented with certificates of participation and a gift pack from Saint Lucia Distillers.

And then the announcements from hosts Jennifer Gaston and John Emmanuel; the “people’s choice award” went to Peter Joseph of Jalousie Enclave who prepared Tropical Sunset and received a prize compliments Digicel.

In the main category; the third place prize went to Carol Morille of Sandals Grande who produced “Peach Sand” and “Fantasy Island.” She received EC$500, a Saint Lucia Distillers drinks hamper and a certificate. The second place winner who received EC$1,000, a Saint Lucia Distillers drinks hamper and a certificate was Hanna Annerville of East Winds Inn. Her drinks were called “Barbay’s Crystal Passion” and “Corsolla Cave.” And the winner who adorned her special madras national wear and hailed from Soufriere was Leah Popo. Leah who entertained the crowd with her special flare for shaking up those cocktails and her dance motions, is from Gee’s Bon Manje in Soufriere. She enthusiastically prepared two cocktails, “Sa Nous Memn” and “Femme St Lucie” to win the top prize.

Leah Popo took home the champion’s trophy EC$1,500, a Saint Lucia Distillers drinks hamper and a certificate. She was excited when her name was called, jumping and screaming as she came to collect her prize. Leah said afterwards she has always wanted to participate in the event, but this year was encouraged to do so by her employees.

“I am very, very happy,” she told hosts John Emmanuel and Jennifer Gaston. “And when you want the best food and good drinks, come to Gee’s Bon Manje,” she plugged with a wide grin on her face.