On February 24, 2025, CVH Spirits proudly partnered with Angostura Limited to host the United Kingdom National Final of the prestigious Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge — held at The Gate in Glasgow.
As the sole UK distributor for Angostura bitters and rums, CVH Spirits was honoured to bring this international competition to Scotland, where some of the UK’s most talented bartenders competed for the chance to represent the nation at the global finals in Trinidad & Tobago later this year.
A Showcase of Bartending Excellence
The competition brought together three national finalists, carefully selected from top bars and venues across the UK. Hosted by Angostura’s UK Brand Ambassador Samuel Shekleton, the event was structured into two rounds designed to test creativity, storytelling, and technical skill.
Round One: Signature Swizzle Cocktails
Finalists presented their original swizzle-style creations — each inspired by personal stories and designed to showcase Angostura’s signature flavour profile, from classic bitters to premium Caribbean rums.
Round Two: Mystery Box Challenge
In a surprise twist, competitors were given a curated mystery box of ingredients — including the newly launched Angostura 200-Year Limited Edition Bitters — and just one hour to create a brand-new cocktail under pressure.
After two exhilarating rounds, the judges announced:
- 🥇 1st Place: Callum George Huxtable Lister (Commons Club, Edinburgh)
- 🥈 2nd Place: Leighton Rathbone (Lyon’s Seafood & Wine Bar, London)
- 🥉 3rd Place: Lee Joseph Stewart (The Last Bookstore)
Callum will now go on to represent the United Kingdom at the global finals in Trinidad & Tobago — a momentous opportunity to compete on the world stage and join the ranks of international cocktail innovators.
Celebrating World Bartender Day in Style
Coinciding with World Bartender Day, the evening continued with a celebratory afterparty where bartenders, judges, and guests enjoyed a special menu of Angostura cocktails, raising a glass to creativity, camaraderie, and craftsmanship in the bar industry.
“This event not only celebrated some of the UK’s finest bartending talent but also showcased the incredible versatility of the Angostura range — from its legendary bitters to its award-winning rums,” said Jason Yankelowitz Senior Global Brand Manager at CVH Spirits.
CVH Spirits: Elevating the Spirits Experience in the UK
As Angostura’s exclusive distributor in the UK, CVH Spirits is proud to champion events that support talent development in the hospitality sector, deepen consumer engagement, and enhance the profile of premium brands in competitive markets.
We look forward to following Callum’s journey to Trinidad & Tobago — and continuing to support excellence in mixology, spirits education, and brand storytelling across the UK and beyond.
