TORONTO, May 26, 2016 /CNW/ - Corby Spirit and Wine is delighted to announce that Shane Mulvany from Toronto's own Bar Alo has been selected to represent Canada at the global final of the 11^th biennial Havana Club Cocktail Grand Prix. Taking place in Havana, Cuba from May 30^th-June 4^th, Mulvany will battle representatives from 40 other markets in a challenge to create the next classic serve by mixing Cuba's cocktail tradition, authenticity and local ingredients with their own personal experiences.

Born and raised in Ireland, Shane Mulvany got his start pulling pints in his homeland before honing his cocktail skills in New York City and London, England. Since moving to Toronto in 2012, he's helped open some of the best restaurants in the city: The Chase, DaiLo and now Bar Alo. His contest entry cocktail impressed the judges by combining Havana Club 7 Años, Manzanilla Sherry, Pineapple Juice, Lime Juice and Salted Syrup to create his "The Constante Daiquiri" cocktail.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to be representing Canada at the global final of the Havana Club Cocktail Grand Prix," says Shane Mulvany. "To me, the king of all rum is Cuban rum – and Havana Club is the standard bearer. The Maestros Roneros (master rum-makers) create and blend some of the finest rums and have an incredible understanding of the product and how to use it best. This is constantly something that inspires me."

During the global final, Shane Mulvany will benefit from exclusive Cuban rum and cocktail education, delivered by a team of globally renowned mixologists during two days of intensive workshops and masterclasses. A visit to the Havana Club distillery will provide further inspiration for Mulvany, before the intense competition begins. The finals will be chaired by Dave Broom, renowned spirits industry writer, and judged by a panel of mixologists from the World's 50 Best Bars.

"The Havana Club Cocktail Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious cocktail competitions in the world, and we are proud that someone who has helped open some of the most notable bars and restaurants in the city will be representing us on the global level," says Nicolas Seguin, Corby's Brand Manager of Rum. "We wish Shane the best of luck, and know he will make Canada proud on the world stage of rum cocktailing."

As a first this year, the Cocktail Grand Prix champion will win the opportunity to undertake a global rum project on behalf of Havana Club and in-line with their own personal ambitions – possibilities include creating their own rum, writing a book on the spirit or even launching their own rum pop-up. The victor will also be returning as a judge at the next global final, and will work as a Havana Club consultant for two years.

About Corby Spirit and Wine
Corby Spirit and Wine Limited is a leading Canadian marketer and distributor of spirits and imported wines. Corby's portfolio of owned-brands includes some of the most renowned brands in Canada, including J.P. Wiser's®, Lot No. 40®, Pike Creek® and Gooderham & Worts® Canadian whiskies as well as Lamb's® rum, Polar Ice® vodka and McGuinness® and Criollo® liqueurs, produced by its sister company, Hiram Walker & Sons Ltd., based in Windsor, Ontario. Through its affiliation with Pernod Ricard S.A., a global leader in the spirits and wine industry, Corby also represents leading international brands such as ABSOLUT® vodka, Chivas Regal®, The Glenlivet® and Ballantine's® Scotch whiskies, Jameson® Irish whiskey, Beefeater® gin, Malibu® rum, Kahlúa® liqueur, Mumm® champagne, and Jacob's Creek®, Wyndham Estate®, Stoneleigh®, Campo Viejo®, Graffigna® and Kenwood® wines. In 2016, Corby was named one of the 50 Best Workplaces in Canada by The Great Place to Work® Institute Canada for the fifth consecutive year, and was also listed for the second time among Greater Toronto's Top 100 Employers. Corby is a publicly traded company based in Toronto, Ontario, and listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbols CSW.A and CSW.B. For further information, please visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter (@CorbySW), and Instagram (@CorbySW).

SOURCE Corby Spirit and Wine Communications

Image with caption: "Shane Mulvany from Toronto’s own Bar Alo has been selected to represent Canada at the global final of the 11th biennial Havana Club Cocktail Grand Prix. (CNW Group/Corby Spirit and Wine Communications)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160526_C8933_PHOTO_EN_699398.jpg

Image with caption: "Born and raised in Ireland, Shane Mulvany got his start pulling pints in his homeland before honing his cocktail skills in New York City and London, England. Since moving to Toronto in 2012, he’s helped open some of the best restaurants in the city. (CNW Group/Corby Spirit and Wine Communications)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160526_C8933_PHOTO_EN_699400.jpg