Essequibo man wins Guyana leg of El Dorado cocktail competition

Romel Persaud from Therapy Cocktails in Essequibo has been named the winner of the Guyana leg of the El Dorado Rum Heritage Cocktail Competition, which took place on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Herdmanston Lodge in Georgetown.

Persaud stood out among the finalists with his cocktail, “Afternoon Brew” — a bold coffee Old Fashioned that pays tribute to his Essequibo roots and the rich heritage of coffee cultivation.

The other finalists were Steven Pharbo (Bistro Wine & Champagne Bar), Damon Crandon (Herdmanston Lodge), Melissa Armenteros Leyva (RS53 Etkezo), Ray Rodrigues (Tribe Gastronomic Lounge), and Mahendra Ramkellawan (Bistro Wine & Champagne Bar).

The runners-up were Melissa Armenteros Leyva from RS53 Etkezo, who finished in second place, and Ray Rodrigues from Tribe Gastronomic Lounge, who placed third.

The judges for the competition included Sharon Sue-Hang Baksh, Master Blender at Demerara Distillers Limited; Oren Coleman, internationally acclaimed mixologist from the UK; and Dhanika Singh, Cocktail Enthusiast.

As the winner of the Guyana leg, Romel Persaud will advance to the Global Finals, where he will compete for the top prize of $5,000 USD and a collection of rare El Dorado Rums. The global competition, held in Guyana at the renowned Diamond Distillery, Guyana’s last remaining distillery, will see 10 bartenders from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Trinidad, Germany, France, Norway, Australia, and Guyana competing for the title.

“I’m shocked and honored to win the Guyana leg and excited to move on to the Global Finals,” said Persaud. “This has been a great experience, and I look forward to the next round of the competition.”

The Global Finals offer participants a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Guyanese culture, lifestyle, and heritage before showcasing their final creations to a panel of esteemed judges.

The Global Finals of the El Dorado Rum Heritage Cocktail Competition will be judged by Shaun Caleb, Master Distiller at Demerara Distillers Limited; Marie King, International Rum and Cocktail Specialist from the USA; and Timo Janse, bar owner, celebrated bartender, and cocktail aficionado from Spain (Demerara Distillers Limited press release)