The International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) was created to recognize and reward excellence in wines and spirits around the world. With the support of the industry’s most important and influential brands, these recognitions were created as part of IWSC’s initiative to support, nurture, and educate across the wine and beverage industry. Every year nominations are received from more than 90 countries around the world, which are then evaluated according to each category by a jury composed of producers, distillers, sommeliers, distributors and influencers of the industry.
Last year they added new categories such as Emerging Talent in Wines, Spirit Drinks, Hospitality and Cocktails, with the aim of saving those who with their determination, ambition and effort are profiled as the “stars” of the future (the one to watch of this 2021). This award seeks to highlight the contributions made to the cocktail industry and to enhance the importance of bartenders, who today not only serve the perfect cocktail, but also influence the consecration of the local and global scene. The bartenders of 2021 are more than cocktail makers: they are artists, influencers and inventors. In this category were nominees Lucas Groglio (Argentina), Nate Brown (United Kingdom) and Matthias Soberon (Belgium).
Lucas was chosen by the judges, who highlighted his work and commitment to education as a fundamental pillar within the industry. The 31-year-old entrepreneur has been working in the industry for more than 12 years with his event cocktail company WE DO WELL. After so many years in the field, Lucas began to internalize himself in sustainability and how to apply it in his day-to-day life. Thus was born Coctelería Consciente, the first non-profit cocktail project that seeks to insert sustainability, responsible consumption and healthy habits in the DNA of the beverage industry. Lucas worked for a more sustainable and responsible industry, providing training, workshops and talks at both industry festivals and conventions as well as the general public. In addition, he provides sustainability and cocktail consulting to brands, fairs and festivals and has participated as a jury specializing in various cocktail competitions.” The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly tested us as well as our creativity and our ability to reinvent ourselves,” Groglio said. That’s why from Coctelería Consciente they developed two key initiatives during 2020: free seminars and workshops for members of the industry and Cocktails in Bottle ready to enjoy at home, made with local, organic and sustainable products. 100% of the profits generated from the sale are intended to support bartenders and gastronomics (and their families) who lost their income because of the pandemic. Coctelería Consciente not only understands sustainability as problems or environmental issues to be solved within the industry, but its scheme goes further and also includes all workers and members of the industry, promoting a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle and ensuring a better and more inclusive industry. To learn more about Conscious Cocktails, click here.
