Artisans of Taste by Diplomático

Congratulations to Leon Daly, the winner of the 2026 UK final of Artisans of Taste, the global bartender engagement programme from Diplomático Rum!

The initiative brought together hospitality professionals through a series of educational experiences and culminated in a cocktail competition celebrating craftsmanship, community and sustainability. The UK competition final took place on 9 February 2026 at Thames Distillers in London.

Artisans of Taste is designed to inspire bartenders through hands-on activities, collaborative learning and creative challenges centred around Diplomático rum. The programme began with experiential events where bartenders engaged with producers, ingredients and craftspeople connected to rum culture...all providing inspiration for the final stage: a cocktail competition where bartenders were invited to submit an original cocktail highlighting Diplomático rum while incorporating ingredients or ideas developed during the programme.

The 2026 UK programme was themed "Artisans of the Equator" and explored flavours associated with equatorial regions – notably cacao, coffee, tea and spices – ingredients that naturally complement tropical rum.

The UK final

More than 100 bartenders from across the UK entered the competition, with ten finalists shortlisted to present their cocktails at the London final.

During the event, finalists also participated in a traditional Aztec-style hot chocolate-making workshop hosted by Melt Chocolates, reinforcing the programme's exploration of cacao and equatorial flavours, and enjoying some hot chocolate along the way.

Winner

After some delicious and creative cocktails were presented to the judges, the 2026 UK title was awarded to Leon Daly of the American Bar at Gleneagles, Scotland, for his cocktail Cacao Root.
- 50ml Cacao Nib Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva
- 35ml Cacao Husk Pimms
- 7.5ml Amaro Montenegro
- 2 dashes Vanilla bitters

Inspired by Porcelana cacao, an heirloom cocoa bean variety, the winning cocktail featured Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva infused with cacao nibs to accentuate its natural chocolate notes, while the cacao husk–infused aperitif introduced botanical bitterness and aromatic depth. Beautifully presented in a hand-painted coupe to resemble the colours of cocoa leaves and ripe beans, Leon's cocktail was served alongside a salted cacao nib bark garnish.

Congratulations to Leon! He wins a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Brazil!

Finalists

The ten bartenders competing in the 2026 UK final were:

• Rheanna Cromarty – The Milk Thistle
• David Riera – The Rivoli at The Ritz
• Matteo Minerva – The Connaught
• Maia Mandell – Sexy Fish
• Nicolas Vilela – Side Hustle
• Nikki Estrada – Hey Palu
• Leon Daly – American Bar at Gleneagles
• Jacopo Zola – Hawksmoor Borough
• Dionysios Tzorouchof – Twice Shy
• Liam Tierney – Maya

All finalists received a bottle of Diplomático Single Vintage, chocolates from Melt, and Difford's Guide Premium membership.

The judges were Alberto Spolverato – Diplomático Brand Manager, Northwest Europe, Chima Nwachukwu – drinks educator, and Paloma Difford of this manor.