The Bartender Journal Bartender of the 12 months proudly sponsored by Monkey Shoulder & Hendrick’s.
Introduction and interviews by Jono Carr @jonothandc
It was an honour to assist facilitate this yr’s Bartender of the 12 months competitors, particularly after its lengthy hiatus. Having sat the examination a number of occasions through the years; I knew writing the examination could be difficult however I totally loved having the ability to scour by the final 12 months of Bartender journal to search out questions that would solely be answered if you happen to had studied. This yr we had 50 questions, all value one level every, and a bonus query value two. After nailing the written examination, the subsequent step for the highest eight of the examination was the blind tasting, which was very troublesome as there have been a number of curve balls within the line-up, akin to a peated Irish whiskey that fooled virtually everybody.
To get our high three, the opponents then had a cocktail problem. They needed to create a signature cocktail from a thriller field and a traditional cocktail in simply two minutes. This yr I wished to vary the traditional because it had been a Daquiri for a while. I lastly settled on a Hanky Panky. I felt this was the brand new litmus take a look at because it has few substances but is tough to steadiness and make swiftly, with bonus factors for a garnish.
With our Prime 3 determined, I centered on serving to them put together for the ultimate step, presenting on stage in entrance of a report crowd on the Australian Bartender Bar Awards. It’s daunting presenting at one of the best of occasions, not to mention in entrance of greater than 600 of one of the best within the business. I used to be impressed by how calm the opponents have been and the way effectively they offered. Kate, Liam and Priscilla have been unbelievable, and I’m so glad that Priscilla took out the 2022 Bartender of the yr title. She actually deserved it!
1st Place
Priscilla Leong, Flowing Bowl
What was your preparation within the lead-up to the competitors?
There was a whole lot of learning, apply assessments, blind tastings and dealing on the 2 drinks and presentation for the finals.
How did it really feel to be presenting on stage on the awards in entrance of a report variety of folks?
After COVID’s pause on the world, it was nice simply to be concerned and it was good to be amongst it once more after being away for 3 years. I’m a nervous presenter and adrenaline actually kicks in after I’m on stage so I don’t assume I took very a lot discover of how many individuals have been within the room.
What drives you to compete in cocktail competitions?
I really like having one thing to work in the direction of and an excellent problem. Competitions like Australian Bartender of the yr present a possibility so that you can push your self to consistently be taught and enhance in areas that may want brushing up on.
What recommendation would you give to anybody enthusiastic about coming into a cocktail competitors?
Perceive what the model is in search of by listening to the main points within the temporary. Generally you would possibly obtain a short that’s too open ended and never a whole lot of definition is given – you’ll simply should get snug with creating your individual temporary. Follow what and are assured in executing. Don’t attempt to be too inventive for the sake of being inventive. Typically the rule of Okay.I.S.S (Maintain It Easy, Silly) works extra in your favour than attempting to ship one thing that’s badly executed.
Will you proceed to compete going ahead?
By no means say by no means. 😉
What are your go-to cocktails proper now?
Give me a Champs Elysee any day! The spice-driven Inexperienced Chartreuse simply makes the fruit flavours of Cognac sing and actually places a smile on my face. It’s additionally such a shocking cocktail for most individuals whom I’ve served it to who would by no means have imagined themselves liking Chartreuse nor Cognac!
2nd Place
Liam Shephard, Bar Brutus, Brisbane
What was your preparation within the lead-up to the competitors? I began learning about 2 weeks earlier than the examination, studying by every journal and taking notes in an app. Then at any time when I had a spare second I might be flicking by my notes. My accomplice Kate (who had a really totally different technique however clearly nonetheless crushed it!) and I don’t speak about comp stuff at residence actually, however within the few days earlier than we might throw questions at one another as effectively.
How did it really feel to be presenting on stage on the awards in entrance of a report variety of folks? It was nice really, tremendous surreal because it was my first time attending the bar awards. It turned summary, looking in the direction of the again of the room and attempting to current to everyone – it’s laborious to be nervous when you possibly can barely see anybody however the judges’ faces within the sea of 700 odd folks. While you’re on stage you’ve already accomplished the work, so it’s time to simply benefit from the journey a bit.
What drives you to compete in cocktail competitions? I really like the prospect to fulfill different passionate folks within the business on each side of the bar, however I largely benefit from the alternative to flex a inventive muscle, push myself and have enjoyable. My background is in structure and design, and it permits me to strategy cocktails like a design drawback. I’ve additionally change into extra assured in myself and a manner higher public speaker consequently
What recommendation would you give to anybody enthusiastic about coming into a cocktail competitors?
Do it, suck at it, be taught all the pieces you possibly can from the expertise + ask for suggestions, rinse and repeat. In each competitors I’ve taken one thing I did/didn’t do, or one thing I watched another person do/not do, after which constructed on that within the subsequent one. I feel most significantly keep in mind that it’s enjoyable and will help you enhance.
What are your go-to cocktails proper now?
In the intervening time coming into summer time, I’m an enormous sucker for something with Fino sherry in it, bonus factors if it additionally options some form of stone fruit.
third Place
Kate Bartlett, Cobbler, Brisbane
Inform us about your comp prep? I used to be initially learning for the 2021 examination and saved it going by to 2022, and within the course of I learnt a lot greater than I anticipated. Main up nearer, I practiced some blind tasting with the group at Cobbler and actively drank extra spirits. Finding out with different folks is much more enjoyable, so because of my group and to my accomplice Liam for serving to a lot!
Have been you nervous to go on stage? My rapid response after discovering out was a little bit of dread and nervousness however after experiencing the assistance and appreciation of the hospitality group at bar week, I used to be fairly assured, snug and downright excited to be there on the night time.
Why do you enter comps? Each comp I’ve entered up to now has given me the chance to be taught extra – not simply in regards to the model sponsoring the occasion, but additionally new types of drinks, new methods, and in regards to the historical past of the spirit. After coming into my first comp earlier this yr, I used to be hooked.
Any suggestions? My recommendation for different bartenders is simply do it – enter all the pieces. While you’re involved about your ‘inventive integrity’, remind your self that everybody’s too busy specializing in themselves and that every one it may possibly do is enhance your data and expertise.
Will you be again? I’ll positively be persevering with with competitions, and am already gearing up for the subsequent bartender of the yr examination!
What makes an ideal bartender? The most effective bartenders know when and the way usually to strategy and chat to prospects, whether or not they’re learning, on a date, or having a solo night time out and are in want of a pleasant face.
The Bartender Journal Bartender of the 12 months proudly sponsored by Monkey Shoulder & Hendrick’s. The competitors will likely be returning in 2023 with a number of modifications to the schedule so keep tuned when nominations open in March subsequent yr.
