Created by Another Round Another Rally and supported by Hennessy, Pave the Way is a new educational initiative and cocktail competition that tasks you with expanding your knowledge of Cognac, strengthening your commitment to sustainability and expanding and building your personal brand.
It all starts with a virtual education series where you’ll brush up on your knowledge of sustainability in cocktail creation and learn more about the powerful versatility of Cognac. Discover how this iconic spirit played a role in shaping American culture.
The virtual education series will culminate with a test and cocktail submission. From there, the top 10 finalists from seven regions will move on to live competitions in each area (New York City, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles & San Francisco Bay Area).
Claim a win at the regional level and represent your region at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans, where you’ll join top performers from across the country for a National Showcase at the industry’s premier spirits and cocktail conference. You’ll also earn a spot in an immersive educational experience in Cognac, where you’ll get an in-depth look at the spirit’s history, producers and place of origin.
Program Overview
Phase one:
- Pave the Way virtual education sessions
- April 8th 11am PT/1pm ET
- April 15th 11am PT/1pm ET
- Multiple choice/essay test
- Cocktail Submission
Phase two:
Ten finalists from each region will be selected to present their cocktail live to a panel of judges at their corresponding regional competition as outlined below:
- May 26 - Los Angeles
- June 1 - San Francisco/Bay Area
- June 7 - New York City
- June 14 - Chicago
- June 14 - Atlanta
- June 16 - Houston
- June 30 - Miami
Travel arrangements will be provided for finalists who live outside of the regional hub city. See regional map breakdown here.
Phase three:
One winner will be selected from each region (seven total) for the NOLA Pave the Way showcase, Tales of the Cocktail scholarship AND an immersive educational experience in Cognac, France later this year.
- July 19-24 Tales of the Cocktail scholarship + Pave the Way Showcase (exact showcase date TBD
- Travel, accommodations, showcase stipend and Tales of the Cocktail tasting and seminar pass provided by Another Round Another Rally
- Cognac immersive educational experience (Fall 2026, exact dates TBD)
Completing the application does not guarantee acceptance. For your application to be considered, you must meet the eligibility requirements below:
- At Least 21 years of age
- USA Resident
- Have a valid US Passport
- Currently employed as a bartender, bar manager, barback or bar owner
- Must participate in two 1.5-2 hour virtual education seminars held between April 8-15, 2026 (exact dates as outlined above)
- Must complete multiple choice/short essay test and cocktail submission administered between April 16-April 30th, 2026
- If selected for phase two, must be available to travel/attend a regional education session + competition (exact dates as outlined above)
2026 Pave The Way
Created by Another Round Another Rally and supported by Hennessy, Pave the Way is a new educational initiative and cocktail competition that tasks you with expanding your knowledge of Cognac, strengthening your commitment to sustainability and expanding and building your personal brand.
It all starts with a virtual education series where you’ll brush up on your knowledge of sustainability in cocktail creation and learn more about the powerful versatility of Cognac. Discover how this iconic spirit played a role in shaping American culture.
The virtual education series will culminate with a test and cocktail submission. From there, the top 10 finalists from seven regions will move on to live competitions in each area (New York City, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles & San Francisco Bay Area).
Claim a win at the regional level and represent your region at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans, where you’ll join top performers from across the country for a National Showcase at the industry’s premier spirits and cocktail conference. You’ll also earn a spot in an immersive educational experience in Cognac, where you’ll get an in-depth look at the spirit’s history, producers and place of origin.
Program Overview
Phase one:
- Pave the Way virtual education sessions
- April 8th 11am PT/1pm ET
- April 15th 11am PT/1pm ET
- Multiple choice/essay test
- Cocktail Submission
Phase two:
Ten finalists from each region will be selected to present their cocktail live to a panel of judges at their corresponding regional competition as outlined below:
- May 26 - Los Angeles
- June 1 - San Francisco/Bay Area
- June 7 - New York City
- June 14 - Chicago
- June 14 - Atlanta
- June 16 - Houston
- June 30 - Miami
Travel arrangements will be provided for finalists who live outside of the regional hub city. See regional map breakdown here.
Phase three:
One winner will be selected from each region (seven total) for the NOLA Pave the Way showcase, Tales of the Cocktail scholarship AND an immersive educational experience in Cognac, France later this year.
- July 19-24 Tales of the Cocktail scholarship + Pave the Way Showcase (exact showcase date TBD
- Travel, accommodations, showcase stipend and Tales of the Cocktail tasting and seminar pass provided by Another Round Another Rally
- Cognac immersive educational experience (Fall 2026, exact dates TBD)
Completing the application does not guarantee acceptance. For your application to be considered, you must meet the eligibility requirements below:
- At Least 21 years of age
- USA Resident
- Have a valid US Passport
- Currently employed as a bartender, bar manager, barback or bar owner
- Must participate in two 1.5-2 hour virtual education seminars held between April 8-15, 2026 (exact dates as outlined above)
- Must complete multiple choice/short essay test and cocktail submission administered between April 16-April 30th, 2026
- If selected for phase two, must be available to travel/attend a regional education session + competition (exact dates as outlined above)