Christian Jude Basog from The Vault Room emerged as the first Make Your Mark Grand Champion at Maker’s Mark Bartending Competition.

Basog, who was one of the top three finalists alongside Abby Leyte from Southbank Cafe & Lounge and Edward Reyes from The Spirits Library, created a unique twist on a whiskey sour.

His concoction consisted of guava, passionfruit, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup and Maker’s Mark 46. The combination of fresh and fruity ingredients contributed to a harmonious blend of sweetness and sourness while also elevating the main highlight of the drink which was Maker’s Mark 46.

Brian Crisologo, Maker’s Mark channel manager, said he is dedicated to giving the brand a stronger presence in the Philippines by cultivating a deeper connection with their customers through innovative drinking experiences.

“Continuously making our mark here in the Philippines, we strive to strengthen our relationship with our patrons by offering new drinking experiences through the boldness and craftsmanship of our products,” Crisologo said.

He added: “Maker’s Mark is a brand that believes in pursuing only the best, and we are proud to provide our industry’s rising stars with a platform to showcase their remarkable skills through the brand’s first-ever bartending competition in the Philippines.”

The journey prior to the much-awaited competition was remarkable at best. With 64 aspiring bartenders from different restaurants, bars and coffee shops around the country, they were motivated to take on a challenge to create the best cocktail with Maker’s Mark.

During the first stage of the competition, participants were tasked to submit a recipe by making a great concoction using Maker’s Mark.

With the competition getting stiffer, the top 30 entries were tasked to upload a photo or a video of their creations through their social media pages. This round of the competition was a rally for likes and shares while also allowing Maker’s Mark to shine through and be known by the general public.

Then, the top 12 bartenders met for the final showdown to demonstrate their top-tier bartending skills while also sharing their personal experiences and stories through their handcrafted drinks.

Finally, the top three finalists were presented with a list of mystery ingredients that they were required to incorporate into their cocktails. For this round, Basog stood out from the competition by crafting the perfect cocktail that elevated each ingredient, creating a balance of flavors.

Moreover, his show-stopping bartending skills showcased his personality and wit, making him deserving to be the first-ever Make Your Mark Grand Competition.

Maker’s Mark is known for its intense yet distinctive flavors. Its oak, vanilla and fruity essence, as well as its woody oak and caramel aroma, make every drinking session an enjoyable and unforgettable experience.