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OUT caught up with Jimmy "Jazz" Sheehan from ICandy - the recently named NYC Champion in the 5th Annual Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic - fresh off his win. The Cocktail Classic is Stoli's annual competition recognizing North America's brightest Bar Stars. LGBT bartenders and allies across the U.S. and Canada compete to represent their home city during the Key West Pride Week Finale, June 5-11th, 2018. Here's what Jazz had to say about the competition.
OUT: Congrats on being picked to represent Philadelphia in the 2018 Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic! How does it feel to head into Finale Week?
Jimmy "Jazz" Sheehan: I'm very excited to head into finale week and represent Philadelphia on one of the biggest stages in bartending.
You were truly #RaisingTheBar with a super creative cocktail, "Key Crush". Can you tell us a little bit about the drink, and your inspiration behind it?
I came up with a tropical drink that someone would order in a tropical setting, and I thought of a drink you would order if you were vacationing in Key West.
Have you ever been to Key West before? What are you most looking forward to as part of this trip?
I'm looking forward to coming to Key West as I've never been there before and showing what Philadelphia is all about.
What importance have Pride celebrations had on your life?
They make me feel included and I love to be a part of such wonderful celebrations of love and community.
In Key West, you'll be competing for a chance to win a portion of $20,000 for your hand-picked charity, the William Way LGBT Community Center . Anything you want to mention on your relationship to that organization, or why you picked it to represent?
William Way in Philadelphia does so much more than anyone can imagine for the LGBT community, and I stand by and support this initiative.
Is there anything you want to say to your competitors as you head into the Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic Finale - June 5th - 12th in Key West, FL?
Good luck, and we all stand together!
Amazing. Well we can't wait to see what innovative cocktails you stir up this June. Good luck, and know that all of Philadelphia will be rooting for you to keep #RaisingTheBar!
To keep up with Jazz and the rest of the action in the 5th Annual Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic, visit OUT.com/KeyWestCocktailClassic .
