TÍO PEPE CHALLENGE CONTEST RULES AND REGULATIONS

CONTEST GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS January 2018 1

TÍO PEPE CHALLENGE CONTEST RULES AND REGULATIONS 1. - THE COMPETITION: The Tío Pepe Challenge is an international competition in which professional bartenders of various nationalities compete with the aim of demonstrating their knowledge about Sherry Wines and their enormous potential as a star ingredient in cocktails. Now in its 5th edition, and the first time offered in the United States, the Tío Pepe Challenge has earned a place of honour on the Sherry Wines events calendar, attracting bartenders of the highest rank from around the world. The Challenge offers them not only the opportunity to deepen their knowledge about Sherry by receiving training from the world s leading experts on Sherry, but also to demonstrate their talent in making classic Sherry cocktails as well as new and original creations. The competition is made up of 3 stages: Training, The Tasting Panel Magazine will organise a series of Masterclasses, where bartenders can learn from the greatest experts about Sherry Wines, discovering what they lend to cocktails and how to master the venencia technique. National competitions will be held in each participating country. To enter the Challenge, U.S. candidates must register at www.tastingpanelmag.com/thetiopepechallenge, demonstrate their knowledge about Sherry and submit their cocktail proposal. The jury, comprised of representatives from The Tasting Panel, Gonzalez Byass, and leading mixologists, will select six finalists from among all the candidates, who will compete in the National Final to represent their country at the International Grand Finale. 2

The International Final, to be held on 9 May 2018 in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, where National Finalists will compete to become winner of the Tío Pepe Challenge. 2. - WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? 2.1. IN THE MASTERCLASSES The first part of the Challenge invites professional bartenders from every participating country to attend a series of training sessions on Sherry Wines and how to use them in mixology. Registration for these Masterclasses is open to all professionals, who can request to attend by applying at www.tastingpanelmag.com/thetiopepechallenge. More details are provided in section 3.1 of this document. Masterclasses are not a prerequisite for entry into the competition. 2.2. IN THE CONTEST To be eligible to participate in the National Finals, candidates are required to be employed as professional bartenders, to have registered for the contest and successfully completed the evaluation test about Sherry. Subsequently, candidates can submit their cocktail recipe at www.tastingpanelmag.com/thetiopepechallenge between 1 January 2018 and 1 March 2018. Entering the Tío Pepe Challenge is free of charge and participation in this activity is subject to the entrants acceptance of all the contest s rules, regulations, legal terms and conditions. 3

3.- STAGES OF PARTICIPATION 3.1. TRAINING The Tasting Panel Magazine will organise a series of Masterclasses, allowing registered participants to learn more about Sherry Wines, including their elaboration and ageing process. There will also be practical sessions on subjects such as wine tasting, serving suggestions, using Sherry in cocktail mixology and the venencia wine-pouring technique. Complete details about date, place and time of the masterclasses will be available at www.tastingpanelmag.com/thetiopepechallenge. Those interested in taking part in the training sessions must make a request to attend by filling in the form provided. Requests to attend will be handled by The Tasting Panel Magazine, who will respond to interested professionals regarding availability and other details regarding the Masterclasses. Registering for these Masterclasses is not mandatory to enter the Challenge. Between 1 January 2018 and 1 March 2018, any candidate can register for the contest at www.tastingpanelmag.com/thetiopepechallenge, take the evaluation test and, once successfully completed, submit his/her signature cocktail recipe. Participation in the Masterclass is free of charge. The Tasting Panel Magazine is not responsible for travel and expenses related to participation in the Masterclasses. 3.2. REGISTRATION, EVALUATION AND SUBMISSION OF RECIPES Registration and evaluation Registration to enter the Challenge will be done online, through a specific registration form which will be available at www.tastingpanelmag.com/thetiopepechallenge from 1 January 2018 until 1 March 2018. 4

First, each entrant should complete the form with information in the required fields. After The Tasting Panel Magazine has confirmed eligibility, the entrant will receive email confirmation of entry. Entry includes an evaluation test on theoretical knowledge about Sherry Wines and the González Byass winery. Candidates must pass, in two attempts or less, this online test as a prerequisite to and prior to submitting their cocktail recipe. Submission of cocktail proposals Once having passed the evaluation test, each candidate will have access on the website with instructions for submitting his/her cocktail proposal, following the Rules and Regulations stipulated for the Challenge, along with a photograph of the cocktail. The recipe submitted by participants must fulfil the requirements set out in section 5 of this document. 3.3 - NATIONAL FINALS A jury will select the best cocktails from among all those submitted. The creators of these cocktails will compete in person at The U.S. National Final. The selection of finalists will be based on the following criteria: - Flavour - Aroma - Glass - Decoration - Overall Presentation - Oral Description The date and place of the National Finals will also be published at www.tastingpanelmag.com/thetiopepechallenge. The top proposals will be considered Finalists, and will compete in the following categories: 5

Blind tasting of 4 Sherry Wines (20% of final score) Use of the venencia (20% of final score: 10% technique + 10% amount in wine glass) Preparation of the contestants' signature cocktail with a Sherry Wine (60% of final score) o Flavour (20%) o Aroma (10%) o Overall Presentation (10%) o Description (10%) o Glass (5%) o Decoration (5%) Each participant will be given a maximum of 5 minutes to prepare his/her cocktail. Prior to the National Final, each finalist will receive a professional venencia to enable them to practise their technique. The finalists will also have access to a tutorial video about the venencia for viewing at www.tastingpanelmag.com/thetiopepechallenge. The jury will judge contestants on their performance in each category, and the contestant who obtains the highest final score will be chosen to represent his/her country at the International Final in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. The Tasting Panel Magazine will cover roundtrip airfare and one-night hotel stay incurred by contestants at the National Finals. 3.4 - INTERNATIONAL FINAL The winner at the National Final will advance to the final round of competition which will be held in the city of Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, on 9 May 2018, as part of a 4-day program of activities organised for the finalists. 6

The contestants at this International Final will be judged by a panel of experts on Sherry Wines, cocktail mixology and the technique of pouring wine with the venencia. The competition and rounds will be identical to those held at the National Finals, consisting of: - Blind tasting of 4 Sherry Wines (20% of final score) - Use of the venencia (20% of final score: 10% technique + 10% amount in wine glass) - Preparation of the contestants' signature cocktail with a González Byass label Sherry Wine (60% of final score) The finalist with the highest final score after all three rounds of competition will be named International Winner of the Tío Pepe Challenge. The Tasting Panel Magazine will cover all travel expenses and 4 days accommodation in Spain (as described in section 4 of these Rules and Regulations) for the U.S. contestant participating in the International Final. The contestant is responsible for securing his/her own valid travel documents (passport, visa, etc.) applicable in his/her country of origin for travelling to Spain. Any contestant who does not comply with the aforementioned requirements to participate in the International Final will be disqualified from competing and will be replaced by the participant with the next highest score. 4. - AWARDS The contestant participating in the International Final will enjoy a fully paid 4-day trip to Spain, with an approximate itinerary as follows: - DAY 1 (Monday, 7 May): Arrival and activities in Madrid - DAY 2 (Tuesday, 8 May): Travel to Jerez and activities at González Byass winery. - DAY 3 (Wednesday, 9 May): Practice with the venencia and competition. 7

- DAY 4 (Thursday, 10 May): Return trip. The winner of the International Final will be awarded a trophy, attributing him/her as overall winner of the 5th edition of the Tío Pepe Challenge. The Tasting Panel Magazine reserves the right to modify, in full or in part, the travel itinerary mentioned above. 5. - COCKTAIL PROPOSAL The cocktail recipe sent via the form on the website, once having completed registration and successfully passed the evaluation test, must meet the following criteria and requirements: - At least 50 ml of Sherry Wine must be used as an ingredient in the cocktail. - Maximum 5 ingredients + garnish 6.- DATES AND DEADLINES TRAINING SESSIONS: During the months of January and February, a Sherry and venencia expert from Gonzalez Byass will host a series of training events about Sherry Wines, their tradition, and use in mixology. Complete details and information about these Masterclasses will be published at www.tastingpanelmag.com/thetiopepechallenge. REGISTRATION AND RECIPE SUBMISSION: All professional bartenders are invited to complete the registration form and send in recipe proposals between 1 January 2018 and 1 March 2018. NATIONAL FINAL: The U.S National Final will be held in New York City on March 20 at Leyenda. 8

INTERNATIONAL FINAL: The international final will be held in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, on 9 May 2018. 9

LEGAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS 1. - PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS. Tío Pepe Challenge (hereafter, the Contest or the Competition ) is a Contest open to professional bartenders who legally reside in the United States. The Contest will be immediately cancelled if the Contest s framework, procedures, Rules and Regulations or Legal Terms and Conditions contradict the laws of the United States. The Contest will be sponsored by The Tasting Panel Magazine (hereafter, the Sponsor ), a legally established company with domicile at 17203 Ventura Blvd Suite 5 Encino, CA 91316. All entrants in the Competition agree to the procedures, Rules and Regulations and Legal Terms and Conditions governing the Contest. All documents required for participation must be completed solely and exclusively by the registered participants. The Tasting Panel Magazine reserves the right to modify, at any time, the Rules and Regulations of the Competition, in which case it is committed to publicly announcing any changes in this respect. All professionals who fulfil the requirements set out in section 2 of the Rules and Regulations of the Contest are eligible to register to enter the Contest. No individual who is employed by or has direct family ties with the Sponsor or any of its employees is allowed to participate in the Contest. The same applies to professional or family ties to employees of the Sponsor s filial companies, staff of advertising agencies, 10

PR companies or any other entity involved in the development and design of the Contest. The Sponsor reserves the right to verify the participants qualifications by requesting them to provide a resume during the registration process. Likewise, the Sponsor reserves the right to inform of any incident or conflict that arises either during the Contest or relating to it. Except where prohibited by law, each participant may be required to provide a signed statement of possessing the required qualifications, and lend his/her consent to terms of liabilities and publicity and provide any other additional information required by the Sponsor. 2. - EXPENSES Contest participation, both during the training stage as well as in the cocktail competition, will be free of charge for all interested professional bartenders who legally reside in the United States. Travel and accommodation expenses for participating at the National Final will be paid by the Sponsor. The Sponsor will not pay for any expenses incurred from participation in the Masterclasses that precede the National Final. The Sponsor will cover travel and accommodation expenses and the 4-day programme of activities for the National Finalist attending the International Final which will be held in May 2018 in Jerez de la Frontera SPAIN. 3. - JURY The Sponsor will maintain maximum discretion at all times during the jury s deliberations, partial scoring and tallying of participants final scores in each round of the Competition. This information will be maintained strictly confidential and will not be made public by the organisers. 11

In the case of a draw or even scores, the jury will proceed to re-evaluating the performance and proposals of the participants with even scores. 4. - WINNERS If the winner of the National Final or the International Final is disqualified for any reason, the contestant with the next highest score will be declared winner of the Competition. The finalist from the U.S. will be notified by the Sponsor in a discreet manner, either by telephone or email, after deliberations by the jury have been finalised. 5. - PRIZES The prizes to be awarded to winner are described in section 4 of the Contest Rules and Regulations. The Sponsor reserves the right to modify, in full or in part, the prizes awarded to winners, for whatever reason it deems appropriate. The winners shall not be allowed to replace prizes with their monetary equivalent and will be responsible for their use. The Sponsor will not be held responsible for the maintenance or upkeep associated with the use or enjoyment of the prizes. The Sponsor will not be held responsible for any guarantees, either implicit or explicit or of a legal or factual nature, related to the use, enjoyment or value of the prizes, with the exception of the standard guarantees established by the organisers. 6. - TAXES All expenses and travel costs incurred as a result of seeking, winning, and/or making use of a prize are the sole responsibility of winner. Any expense or cost not expressly stated in the description of the prizes set forth above is the sole responsibility of winner. 12

All federal, state, and local taxes, fees, and surcharges on any prize are the sole responsibility of winner of the prize. Winner will be required to submit a signed IRS W-9 Form, and will be issued an IRS Form 1099-MISC early in the year following the year in which prize was awarded for filing with his/her federal and state tax returns. Sponsor complies with all tax reporting requirements. The amount of any tax liability will vary depending on winner s tax bracket. If the winner fails to provide such documentation or comply with such laws, the prize may be forfeited, and the Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, select an alternative winner. 7. - INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS As between the Sponsor and the Participant, the Participant retains ownership of all intellectual and industrial property rights (including moral rights) in and to any Cocktail with Sherry created under the Contest ( the Cocktail ). As a condition of participation in the Contest, Participant grants the Sponsor and the Contest Entities a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free, and non-exclusive license to use, reproduce, adapt, modify, publish, distribute, publicly perform, create a derivative work from, and publicly display the Cocktail (1) for the purposes of allowing Sponsor and the Judges to evaluate the Cocktail for purposes of the Contest, and (2) in connection with advertising and promotion via communication to the public or other groups, including, but not limited to, the right to make videos, screenshots, animations and clips available for general promotional purposes of the Sponsor and its partner companies. 13

8. PRIVACY Participants agree that their personal data collected during the registration in the Contest, including name, mailing address, phone number, and email address may be processed, stored, shared and otherwise used for the purposes and within the context of the Contest. 9. - PUBLICITY By entering the Contest, Participants agree to participate in any media or promotional activity resulting from the Contest and agree and consent to use of their name and/or likeness by Sponsor and the Contest Entities, for such media or promotional activity, unless prohibited by law. 10. - WARRANTY AND INDEMNITY Participants warrant that their Cocktails are their own original work and, as such, they are the sole and exclusive owner and rights holder of the submitted Cocktail and that they have the right to submit the Cocktail in the Contest and grant all required licenses. Each Participant agrees not to submit any Cocktail that (1) infringes any third party proprietary rights, intellectual property rights, industrial property rights, personal or moral rights or any other rights, including without limitation, copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret, privacy, publicity or confidentiality obligations; or (2) otherwise violates the applicable state, federal, provincial or local law. To the maximum extent permitted by law, each Participant indemnifies and agrees to keep indemnified Contest Entities, at all times, from and against any liability, claims, demands, losses, damages, costs and expenses resulting from any act, default or omission of the entrant and/or a breach of any warranty set forth herein. To the maximum extent permitted by law, each entrant agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Contest Entities from and against any and all claims, actions, suits or proceedings, as well as any and all 14

losses, liabilities, damages, costs and expenses (including related attorney fees) arising out of or accruing from (a) any Cocktail or other material provided by the Participant that infringes any copyright, trademark, trade secret, trade dress, patent or other intellectual property right of any person or defames any person or violates their rights of publicity or privacy, (b) any misrepresentation made by the Participant in connection with the Contest; (c) any non-compliance by the entrant with these Rules; (d) claims brought by persons or entities other than the parties to these Rules arising from or related to the Participant s involvement with the Contest; (e) acceptance, possession, misuse or use of any prize or participation in any Contest-related activity or participation in this Contest; (f) any malfunction or other problem with the Contest Site; (g) any error in the collection, processing, or retention of entry information; or (h) any typographical or other error in the printing, offering or announcement of any prize or winners. 11. - ELIMINATION Any false information provided within the context of the Contest by any Participant concerning identity, mailing address, telephone number, email address, ownership of right or non-compliance with these Rules or the like may result in the immediate elimination of the Participant from the Contest. 12. - RIGHT TO CANCEL, MODIFY OR DISQUALIFY If for any reason the Contest is not capable of running as planned, which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of the Contest, the Sponsor reserves the right at its sole discretion to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Contest. The Sponsor further reserves the right to disqualify any Participants who tamper with the submission process or any other part of the Contest. 15

13. - NOT AN OFFER OR CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT Under no circumstances shall the participation in the Contest, the awarding of a prize, or anything in these Rules be construed as an offer or contract of employment with either the Sponsor or the Contest Entities. 14. - FORUM AND JURISDICTION These Rules shall be governed by, subject to, and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States, excluding all conflict of law rules. If any provision(s) of these Rules are held to be invalid or unenforceable, all remaining provisions hereof will remain in full force and effect. 16