Toby Heap of The Edgbaston wins at The Ysabel Regina Fusion Competition in Jerez!

The Edgbaston Boutique Hotel & Cocktail Lounge are delighted to announce that Toby Heap, their youngest Bartender competed this week in The Ysabel Regina Fusion Competition held at Ysabel Regina Bodega in Jerez Spain.

There were 12 finalists, 3 from each of the 4 countries taking part: the U.K, Portugal, Italy and Spain. Whilst representing the brand the competition focused on the fusion of drinks and music. Bartenders were requested to design a drink which came under the following three categories: Jazz Pop, Jazz Rock and Jazz Blues

Toby was the winner of the Jazz Pop category creating a long drink, called ‘Love in Vain’ for which he was inspired by the song ‘Layla, Unplugged’ by Eric Clapton.

His recipe for the drink:

45 ml Ysabel Regina

30 ml Sauternes Wine

10 ml of Homemade Apricot Shrub 

Rinsed with an infusion of Pedro Ximenez with oak and finished with 1724 Tonic Water.

Toby is now looking forward to his prize of a trip to New Orleans in July to attend Tales of The Cocktail, a much coveted industry cocktail festival, designed to indulge those who enjoy the culture and history of liqueur and spirits, whilst enjoying a well mixed drink!

Toby said "I am truly amazed and proud to have achieved victory at the Ysabel Regina Fusion competition held in Jerez. It could not have been done without the amazing support from family, friends and everyone from The Edgbaston Boutique Hotel & Cocktail Lounge"