Last night one hundred influential hospitality members gathered to watch the four Bombay Sapphire Stir Creativity Cocktail Competition finalists. Each competitor presented their inspiration and cocktail for judges, media and guests then everyone in attendance were lucky enough to enjoy the cocktails paired with a delicious dinner.
Earlier this year bartenders were asked to reframe the world around them, and see the creativity in the everyday. They created a cocktail inspired by the world around them and presented it in a ‘Saw This, Made This’ format showcasing Bombay Sapphire, Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru, Bombay Citron Pressé, Bombay Bramble or Bombay Sapphire Sunset. An astounding 204 Australian bartenders took the opportunity to open their eyes to inspiration around them and stir their creativity, the resulting entries were spectacular.
The Bombay Sapphire ambassador team whittled down the 204 entries to a shortlist of 21 then following a judging tour the four finalists; Jake Down from Apollonia in Sydney, Lachlan Bentley from Gimlet at Cavendish House, Melbourne, Martin McConnell from Frog’s Hollow Saloon, Brisbane and Pauric Kennedy from Barangaroo House, Sydney were announced.
All finalists did an amazing job on the stage showcasing their inspiration, bartending skills and of course mastering flavours to present a delicious cocktail. Following a perfect presentation and outstanding cocktail, Jake Down from Apollonia, Sydney was announced the winner.
Jake’s inspiration behind making a cocktail using sound is to create a unique experience for the senses. Sound can evoke memories, emotions, and feelings that can be translated into the flavours and ingredients of a cocktail.
Jake’s cocktail of Bombay Sapphire Gin, Young Coconut, Mint, Faux Citrus, Saline and Rain Aroma impressed the judges Sam Bygrave from Boothby Media, chef Alejandro Saravia from Farmer’s Daughters and passionate gin fan Trish Brew from Fever-Tree.
Jake’s inspiration behind making a cocktail using sound is to create a unique experience for the senses. Sound can evoke memories, emotions, and feelings that can be translated into the flavours and ingredients of a cocktail. By listening to the sounds of shaking and stirring, one can get a sense of the rhythm, pace, and intensity of the cocktail-making process. These sounds can be used to create a sensory experience that enhances the taste and overall enjoyment of the cocktail. Overall, he worked with the idea of Synesthesia, the ability to associate sound with flavour and colours. Blue being the note F# and Green being A.
Jake Down from Apollonia, walked away with the inaugural Bombay Sapphire Stir Creativity Cocktail Competition trophy, $3000 prize money, a pin will be crafted of their winning cocktail and they have a trip to London and the home of Bombay Sapphire – the Bombay Sapphire Laverstoke Mill to look forward to. Corina Retter, Australia’s Bombay Sapphire Brand Ambassador will host the winner, who will receive an exclusive experience learning about the rare production processes used to make our world-famous gin and discover the sustainable measures and ecology of the conservation area of the distillery.