Daniel Pappa of Svanen Bar in Norway has won the 2026 El Dorado Rum Heritage Cocktail Competition, held at the Demerara Rum Heritage Centre at Demerara Distillers Limited on Thursday, April 16.
Pappa secured the top title with a cocktail that judges said demonstrated outstanding originality and a strong reflection of heritage, blending innovation with the legacy of El Dorado Rum.
Andrew Williams of The Crane Resort in Barbados placed second, while Leo Coquand of Ottolenghi Spitalfields in the United Kingdom finished third. Both competitors were recognised for their inventive use of local ingredients and their ability to fuse Guyanese flavours with the essence of Demerara rum.
The competition followed a series of regional rounds that produced eight finalists from across North America, Europe, and the Caribbean, including representatives from the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Guyana, and Norway.
As part of their achievement, finalists were awarded an all-expenses-paid trip to Diamond Distillery, Guyana’s last remaining distillery, located along the Demerara River.
Competitors were required to complete two cocktail challenges: recreating their regional winning entry and designing an original cocktail inspired by ingredients native to the Guyanese market, featuring El Dorado Single Still rums.
Judging was based on visual appeal, taste, balance, creativity, originality, and the story behind each cocktail. The panel included international rum and cocktail specialist Daniele Dalla Pola, bar owner Sasha Siegel, and Master Blender Sharon Sue-Hang-Baksh.
“We are truly honoured to have been part of this year’s competition. Being in Guyana and experiencing the warmth of the people and the richness of the culture firsthand has been incredibly special. What stood out most was the strong presence of the El Dorado brand throughout the experience; it was evident in every detail, from the storytelling to the cocktails themselves. The competition was not only a valuable learning experience, but also a unique opportunity to engage with and appreciate some of the best rum in the world,” said Daniele Dalla Pola.
“Selecting a winner was no easy task, given the exceptional level of knowledge, skill, and expertise demonstrated by the bartenders. The standard of competition was incredibly high, making this a truly rewarding and memorable experience. It was also a great opportunity to come to Guyana and interact with the people and culture,” said Sasha Siegel.
Marketing Director of DDL, Sharda Veeren-Chand, said the competition continues to showcase global talent while highlighting Guyana’s heritage.
“Each year, the El Dorado Rum Heritage Cocktail Competition continues to raise the bar, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity within the global bartending community. It is great to see how our rums inspire originality while staying deeply rooted in Guyana’s rich heritage, and we congratulate this year’s winner for presenting two exceptional cocktails that reflect both his journey as a mixologist and El Dorado’s rich legacy,” she said.
Pappa, now the global champion, received a prize of US$5,000 along with a collection of rare El Dorado rums.
Organisers said the competition remains an important platform for skill development and global collaboration, while promoting the versatility of El Dorado Rum and celebrating Guyana’s rich cultural heritage.
