Gn Chan - 美國BACARDÍ Legacy調酒師大賽 2016 冠軍

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome. I'm Juan Chan. It's truly an honor to be here today, competing amongst some of the best bartenders in the world. To share my story in front of judges and Bacardi family, who are a pioneer of the industry. I'm from Taiwan. Now we've won the best bar in New York City, Angels Share. The name of my drink is Vencedemos. Vencedemos. It means we shall overcome in Spanish. Back a year ago, I was backpacking in Santiago de Cuba, the birthplace of Bacardi. A local historian, Mr. Jordan, told me this word while sharing stories. He said, Amigo, this is the word I want to teach you and give you as a gift that truly represents Cuban attitude. Vencedemos. We shall overcome. I was captivated by this word not just because it means victory or win in the end, but more than that, we overcome together. It reminds me how much I've overcome because of the support from friends, family, patrons and all the people during my bartending journey. I won't be the same without all of you, without teamwork. Being born and raised in Taiwan, sugar cane is literally everywhere. In fact, from the 17th to 20th century, we are the biggest cane sugar producing country in all of Asia. 1830 I believe if Mr. Facundo Bacardi moved to Taiwan instead of Cuba, which is totally possible, because based on history, this short period of time was a colony of Spain. Till the 19th century, there is still some business going on between Spain and Taiwan. So, 1830, if Mr. Facundo Bacardi jumped on the outer ship and moved to Taiwan, the rump history would be totally changed. That would be really interesting. But I still believe he would make himself at home, still find all the resources in sugar cane, continue making the same amazing Bacardi rum as now. Same as sugar cane, pineapple and coconut are both iconic fruits in Taiwan as well. I grew up with these sweet, refreshing, rich both in texture and flavor foods. Even I was ironically born in an absolutely alcohol-free family, and unexpectedly became a bartender, almost disowned by my family. Seriously, I had a really hard time in the beginning. Peanut clotted naturally became my favorite concoction that bring together all my nostalgic flavor. From the outer hand, from street food to fine dining, you can always find this really interesting and common food pairings in Asian cuisine. It's cucumber and sesame oil. And it's actually one of my favorite dishes because my mom always made for me. Just slice of cucumber, pinch of salt, and dress with sesame oil. And both ingredients are really common in all of the world, different cuisine as well. 1954 Mr.Maledo from Carribean Hilton who created peanut clotted. I believe at the time if he had a chance to travel to Asia, he would definitely start twisting his signature peanut clotted to what it's similar to me. The drink is really simple but complex. It's something you are familiar with but unconventional. You get the freshness from cucumber and pineapple juice. You get the sweetness from coconut liqueur. Balanced with a little bit of lime juice and just a dash of sesame oil. It really bring out all the earthy, naughty, savoury memories that would linger on your tongue. Last but not the least, the Carta Blanca. Plenty of aguardiente and le distilado. Aging some most fine barrels found in Kentucky bourbon. Slightly recharged charcoal filter become all this really clean, crisp, refreshing white rum. Really links all the ingredients together become the most robust solid body of the drink. Doesn't that sound amazing? I can't wait to share the drink with you. Vencedemos. My Bacardi family. During the past 154 years, fire, earthquake, prohibition, exile, none of these can defeat and continue making the most amazing rum in the world. True passion cannot be tamed. Vencedemos. Six years ago, fresh out of college, I just keep performing magic on the street to make a living. Unfortunately, I was scammed and lost my money and my job. That is the darkest moment in my life. Actually, today I'm here. I want to thank this city. Because if it weren't for him, I won't be here. And that's how I started the bartending journey. Without any money to pay the rent, I actually lived in a bar for seven months. Couple months later, I moved to New York. Start over again. Overcome the stereotype, adversity, and language barriers, I never gave up. Nothing in my way. When I choose to be a bartender, my parents stopped talking to me. My aunt kept calling me, saying, I got your green card. Now for you to be a bartender. Today, they all sit beside you guys under the stage. I want to make them proud. I want to make myself proud. I want to make Bacardi proud. I want to stand like a bartender warrior. Overcome all of this. Now, my passion, my dream, my American dream, my spirit of Bacardi, my legacy. I overcome it. I didn't drop that shit. Woo! Today, I'm going to serve you the drink with a special cocktail I made exactly the same way you have served me in your internship for the past couple of months. I'm going to garnish it with a pineapple leaf stemming out of a chunk of ice. I'm going to make the drink called Avoid Unwanted Dilution. I'm going to say the most in life. We all go through different stages and ups and downs. It's not about those who win and become legends, but those who lose but never quit. We shall overcome.