Cocktail professionals, spirits enthusiasts, and industry leaders gathered at Vintage Green Rooftop in New York City as J. Rieger & Co. hosted the national finals of its inaugural Road to Jerez Cocktail Competition, ultimately awarding San Francisco bartender Aleka Ross the competition’s grand prize.
Held during Bar Convent week, the event brought together five finalists from across the country to showcase original cocktails inspired by Rieger Kansas City Whiskey. Set against sweeping city views, the competition highlighted both technical skill and storytelling, with each bartender drawing from personal experiences, regional influences, and the spirit’s unique connection to sherry production in Southern Spain.
Finalists, judges, and organizers gathered at Vintage Green Rooftop for the national finals of J. Rieger & Co.’s inaugural Road to Jerez Cocktail Competition. Photo Credit: Gregory + Vine
Founded in 1887, J. Rieger & Co. became one of America’s most recognizable whiskey brands before Prohibition forced its closure. Revived more than 90 years later by Andy Rieger and Ryan Maybee, the Kansas City distillery continues to honor its heritage through Rieger Kansas City Whiskey, a blend of straight bourbon, straight rye, and light corn whiskeys finished with a touch of 15-year-old Oloroso sherry from Williams & Humbert in Jerez, Spain.
Hosted by J. Rieger & Co. Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer Ryan Maybee alongside Imbibe Managing Editor Penelope Bass, the evening featured presentations from finalists Aleka Ross (San Francisco), Zachary Snyder (Aspen), Parker Jochum (Orlando), Delsin Richardson (Baltimore), and AJ Barbosa (Chicago). Their cocktails were evaluated by a panel that included beverage industry leaders Jeff Bell, Steve Olson, Alexis Soler, and Sother Teague.
Judges evaluated original cocktails built around Rieger Kansas City Whiskey during the national finals of the Road to Jerez Cocktail Competition. Photo Credit: Gregory + Vine
Throughout the competition, guests enjoyed classic serves featuring the brand’s portfolio, including a Horsefeather, Boulevardier, Revolver, and Gin & Tonic, while finalists explained the inspiration and techniques behind their creations.
When the judges delivered their final decision, Ross emerged as the winner for her cocktail, Sherry Beneath My Wings. Built around Rieger Kansas City Whiskey, the drink incorporated clarified red grape juice, Manzanilla sherry, filtered ginger syrup, and jamón olive bitters before being carbonated and served over a large-format ice cube with a jamón-wrapped grape garnish.
Aleka Ross’s winning cocktail, Sherry Beneath My Wings, earned top honors at J. Rieger & Co.’s inaugural Road to Jerez Cocktail Competition. Photo Credit: Gregory + Vine
Ross’s victory earned her an all-expenses-paid trip to Jerez, Spain alongside members of the J. Rieger & Co. team, where she will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the region that inspired both the competition and the whiskey at its center.
The celebration continued with a toast from Maybee featuring the upcoming 2026 Monogram Solera Reserve, one of the distillery’s most limited annual releases. As guests raised a glass overlooking the Manhattan skyline, the evening served as a fitting conclusion to a competition dedicated to exploring the enduring relationship between American whiskey and the centuries-old sherry traditions of Jerez.
