Bonface Makori has been declared the victor of Procera Gin’s inaugural bartender competition.
He emerged triumphant from a field of 35 competitors, securing a coveted spot at the prestigious Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans in July 2025.
Tales of the Cocktail serves as the annual gathering point for the global drinks industry, fostering an exchange of innovative ideas, products, and techniques through in-depth education, tastings, networking opportunities, and awards programs.
Aligned with Bartales East Africa, Procera Gin is dedicated to empowering Kenyan mixologists, cultivating confidence, and inspiring them to showcase their exceptional talents on a global platform. Procera Gin, renowned in key European markets, is committed to elevating the Kenyan spirits industry and nurturing local creativity.
The competition, hosted at the Procera Distillery in Nairobi, challenged participants to craft unique cocktails that celebrated the distinctive flavour profile of Procera Gin, a premium African gin renowned for its high-quality ingredients and artisanal distillation process.
Makori’s winning cocktail, a harmonious fusion of local botanicals and innovative techniques, captivated the judges with its originality, impeccable balance, and exquisite presentation. His ability to capture the essence of Procera Gin while infusing his signature style distinguished him from the competition.
“I am deeply honored to have won this competition,” expressed Makori. “This victory signifies not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the immense potential of African ingredients and creative expression within the world of mixology. I eagerly anticipate representing Kenya and Procera Gin at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans.”
The judging panel, comprised of esteemed mixologists and industry experts, lauded Makori’s exceptional technical skills and inventive approach. “Bonface’s cocktail stood out for its complexity and elegance,” remarked one judge. “His passion for the craft was evident in every sip.”
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Guy Brennan, CEO of Procera Gin, expressed his enthusiasm for the competition’s resounding success and Makori’s impending journey. “We are immensely proud to have Boniface as our champion. His creativity and dedication embody the spirit of Procera Gin. We are confident he will shine on the international stage and inspire bartenders worldwide.”
Tales of the Cocktail stands as one of the world’s most prestigious events in the mixology industry, uniting top-tier bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts from across the globe.
Makori’s participation marks a significant milestone for Kenya’s burgeoning cocktail scene and underscores the growing international recognition of African talent.
John Gakuru, a Board member of Tales of the Cocktail, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “The winner will strive diligently to showcase to the global audience at TOTC the true essence of Kenya – luxury spirits crafted, celebrated, and produced by incredibly passionate and talented Kenyans. Let us demonstrate to the world the remarkable progress of Kenyan hospitality.
Procera Gin serves as a staunch advocate for Kenyan bartending. Let us elevate Procera Gin and Kenyan hospitality onto the global stage. Our competition winner will be tasked with precisely this!”
The competition invited participants to create innovative cocktails featuring Procera Gin, with a panel of esteemed judges evaluating their creativity, presentation, and flavour profiles. The selected mixologists were drawn from Procera Gin-listed outlets in Nairobi.
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