29 February – 3 March 2016 in Reykjavik, Iceland
The Reykjavík Bar Summit is an annual event where bars and bartenders from around the world gather to compete on neutral ground. The event is also a celebration for the bar community where those with a shared love of cocktails can meet, compete, mingle, party and get inspired. Bars from around the world will compete in preparing drinks, service, bar set up, creativity, atmosphere and more, providing a great way to introduce your bar to the best bars and bartenders from around the globe. This could also be an opportunity for those artisanal producers to get acquainted with the legends of the trade! There will be spots to meet and mingle, guest shifts at select bars and unforgettable parties. This event is set to light the city on fire with cocktail culture, bringing Reykjavík to the world and the world to Reykjavík!
REYKJVÍK BAR SUMMIT SCHEDULE
MONDAY 29.02
19:00 Opening party Slippbarinn
Bar teams competing in Reykjavik Bar Summit 2016 will be introduced as well as the program and competition set up. Slippbarinn will be offering their famous cocktails and bar food.
22:00 After party B5
From Slippbarinn the direction will be taken to down town and everyone is welcome to join an after party held with the sponsorship of Stella Artois.
TUESDAY 01.03
10:00 Throwing Slippbarinn
Dan Priseman will have a brief seminar of the 3,900 Year history of throwing drinks, including how Jerry Thomas almost killed off the art of the throw. Everyone that is interested will be able to join a workshop hosted by Dan Priseman on the art of throwing cocktails after the seminar.
11:00 Boxing Gloves Slippbarinn
Jan Warren will host a Rocky themed contest for the bar teams. Each bar team will get three minutes to make a drink while wearing boxing gloves and listening to Eye of the Tiger.
12:30 First, do no Harm Slippbíó
For the past year, Avery Glasser has been working to educate bartenders on the dangers of various botanicals commonly used in house-made infusions and syrups. This interactive masterclass will help bartenders know where some of the most prevalent botanical-based dangers hide and how to avoid them.
21:00 Tasting Time Kaffislippur
The sponsors of Reykjavik Bar Summit welcome guests to Kaffislippur located in Reykjavik Marina Hotel, where they will be introducing their products by offering guest to taste and have a chat in a relaxed atmosphere.
Participating sponsors Brennivín, Eimverk, Drykkur, Mekka, Foss Distillery, Reykjavik Distillery.
WEDNESDAY 02.03
11:00 The Merlin of Berlin Slippbarinn
The modern alchemy of Tom Zyankali in theory and practice. A talk about Cocktail-aging, fatwashing and easy molecular techniques with examples.
14:00 First Day of Competition Kex Hostel
Reykjavik Bar Summit competition will be taking place from 14:00 – 18:00 in Gym & Tonic at Kex Hostel, on this first day 9 bars will be competing. Each bar will get 15 minutes on stage to make drinks and present a concept for the judges. They will make one drink from their local ingredient, one from Icelandic local ingredients and one of their bar‘s signature drinks. Afterwards they will make cocktails offstage so the audience will get a change to taste the drinks, chat with the bartenders and vote for their favorite bar team.
Competing bars on Wednesday Tiki Tolteca (US) Holmens Kanal (DK) La Chine (US) A21 (FI) Amor Y Amargo (US) Super Panda Circus (CZ) Orchid (UK) Little Quarter (SE) Dead Rabbit (US)
21:00 Battle of the Continents Harpa
Battle of the Continents is an event which is sure to rattle the glass facade of this newly-built city center landmark! The bar crews from America form a team to battle bar crews from Europe and prepare a cocktail menu for the locals. During the event, guests will decide on a winner by spending their coupons at the bar of their favorite cocktail-making continent. For those who don’t have a wristband tickets will be available on the door.
THURSDAY 03.03
11:00 Let’s Make Some Gin Slippbarinn
In 60 minutes Henrik Hammer will talk about gin distilling – while distilling gin. We will make a gin on-the-go with predominantly Icelandic ingredients.
13:00 Second Day of Competition Kex Hostel
Reykjavik Bar Summit competition will be taking place from 13:00 – 17:00 in Gym & Tonic at Kex Hostel, on this second day 7 bars will be competing. Each bar will get 15 minutes on stage to make drinks and present a concept for the judges. They will make one drink from their local ingredient, one from Icelandic local ingredients and one of their bar ‘s signature drinks. Afterwards they will make cocktails offstage so the audience will get a change to taste the drinks, chat with the bartenders and vote for their favorite bar team.
Competing bars on Thursday Jigger’s (BE) The Normandie Club (US) Stranger (SE) Little Red Door (FR) Up & Up (US) Liberty or Death (FI) Seamstress (US)
18:00 Returning Bars Guest Bartending Local Bars in Reykjavík
Returning bar teams from Bar Summit 2015 will be guest bartending at chosen bars down town on Thursday from 18:00 – 22:00. The bartenders will create a cocktail menu in cooperation with the local bar, guests with wristbands get drinks for only 1500kr.
Participating bars Cane & Table (US) @ Apótek, Door 74 (NL) @ Kitchen and Wine; 101 Hotel, Raus (NO) @ Public House, Strøm (DK) @ Kol Skólavörðustíg.
22:00 Final Party Secret Location
Reykjavik Bar Summit will reach its final climax in a wild party and concert at a secret location in Reykjavík. The winners of this year’s competition will be announced to the public and either European or American team will celebrate winning the Battle of Continents. Drinks and light snack will be offered as well as we promise an unforgettable party.
Practical Stuff
Find out more
The Venue
As the name suggests the Reykjavik Bar Summit is held in the capital city of Iceland, Reykjavik. The summit however stretches its roots beyond the city limits with exciting excursions and happenings out in the countryside.
Accommodation
Icelandair Hotels is the main sponsor of the Reykjavik Bar Summit and offers great accommodation, centrally located, for both contestants and attendees at the summit.
Participating Bars
Many of the world’s best bars competed at the 2015 Reykjavik Bar Summit and many of them will return, alongside with new contenders, at the 2016 Reykjavik Bar Summit
WHAT THEY SAY
A Trip Down Memory Lane
The 2015 Reykjavik Bar Summit
The 2015 Reykjavik Bar Summit was held at the end of February in the capital city of Iceland. Many of the world’s best bars came together to compete, party, mingle and have fun.
