What Makes Speed Rack Special: The Judge’s POV
Speed Rack Season 7 continues this weekend with a trip to NYC on Sunday, 1/7 (buy tickets here). We spoke to a few of the esteemed judges to ask them what it’s like to judge the all-female bartending competition and what makes Speed Rack so special...
Natalie Freihon, Managing partner, The Fat Radish
How has Speed Rack helped change the bartending landscape for women?
Speed Rack certainly has shined a light on many female bartenders! I believe Speed Rack has been a leader in changing the conversation towards skill level and not gender.
What’s your favorite aspect of Speed Rack?
The togetherness. I love how excited everyone is to participate in such a good cause.
What kind of environment does the Speed Rack community foster?
Speed Rack has helped to spearhead the ability for those of us in food and beverage to participate in a larger community and contribute in bigger ways. This is an industry filled with support (more so now than ever) and it’s wonderful to have a built-in outlet directed towards supporting those outside our community.
Lacy Hawkins, Monkey 47 Gin Brand Ambassador and Speed Rack Season 5 Champ
What do you look for when judging a cocktail?
With Speed Rack, the judging is more than just what’s in the drink. There is an element of grace, composure and technique that also factor in. I’ll be looking for how someone participates in Speed Rack, not just the ingredients of their cocktail. For example: How do they work with their barbacks and the other competitors? How do they react and treat others under pressure? Do they know their recipes and/or whatever modifications they’d like to make? Every bartender that competes in Speed Rack is a complete badass and I aim to give constructive and positive feedback that will help them continue to succeed in this competition.
What can bartenders learn from competitions like Speed Rack?
Speed Rack is a platform that shines a light on a lot of undiscovered talent. This is a fantastic way to build strong relationships within the industry, gain momentum for your own personal brand and ultimately hone your skills as a bartender in the process.
How has Speed Rack helped change the bartending landscape for women?
I think that Speed Rack has changed the bartending landscape for men more than women. Women have been fantastic bartenders long before Speed Rack, they weren’t created because of Speed Rack. There was a spotlight put on the talent that already existed and the results have fostered a more inclusive workplace for women, and men embracing the fact that any business without female representation is severely out of touch.
What's your favorite aspect of Speed Rack?
I love that after 7 years, Speed Rack is still going stronger than ever. The crowds are getting bigger and the competitors are really coming out of the woodwork. Women aren’t just a flash in the pan or the latest trend, they’re powerful, smart, successful and talented people and Speed Rack continues to be a testament to that.
What kind of environment does the Speed Rack community foster?
People supporting women supporting women supporting women.
Colin Appiah, Senior Portfolio Ambassador, Bacardi
What do you look for when judging a cocktail?
It's always an honor to be entrusted with the opportunity to be a judge at Speed Rack. When Judging Speed Rack contestants’ cocktails I always look for balance of flavor. Obviously, there are many other points to judge on but that is my main focus. I'm always amazed at the speed and efficiency of the contestants. I wouldn't want to go head-to-head with any of the contestants.
What can bartenders learn from competitions like Speed Rack?
Speed Rack offers bartenders the opportunity to hone their skills and pit themselves against their peers too.
How has Speed Rack helped change the bartending landscape for women?
Speed Rack has definitely shone a spotlight on the bartending landscape for women. During the competitions lifespan, there has been a rise in women in more senior positions in the industry which had been long overdue.
What's your favorite aspect of Speed Rack?
Across the US, bar communities come out in full force to support Speed Rack. I enjoy seeing friends whenever I attend a Speed Rack event.
What kind of environment does the Speed Rack community foster?
Speed Rack has always fostered a sense of camaraderie, support and family amongst the contestants, volunteers, sponsors and attendees.
Don’t forget, Speed Rack NY takes place Sunday from 3-6pm at the Melrose Ballroom in Queens. Purchase your tickets here. If you can’t make it, at least enjoy a Jameson Irish Cocktail:
Irish Cocktail 1 ½ oz Jameson Black Barrel Irish whiskey ½ oz Cointreau ¼ oz luxardo maraschino liqueur 2 dashes Pernod Absinthe 1 dash angostura bitters Stir, strain and serve up Garnish with an orange twist
