A new format, a new prize and a new winner will be crowned
The Bartender of the Year Competition which is proudly sponsored by Hendrick’s Gin & Monkey Shoulder is getting a bit of a shake-up in 2023. With a whopping prize of a trip to Scotland on offer, the format of the comp has also been changed, meaning the entire event will run over one day.
For the last few years (COVID excluded) the Bartender of the Year Finals have been staged during the Bar Awards at Doltone House. But this year, the first two rounds and the finals will all be staged on Monday, 11th September, all in the one place and in the lead up to the epic House of William Grant party. So start prepping those drinks and brushing up on your bartending knowledge. It’s set to be an epic competition! AND it’s so easy to register your interest.
All you have to do is email us yourself (or a manager or friend can nominate you) and you will be added to the list. All working bartenders are eligible to compete. There is no pre-requisite and no cocktails to be submitted prior. If that sounds like something you could be interested in, email amy@spantonmedia.com today! There will be regular updates and quizzes but by registering your interest you will be the first to know what’s going on. Deadline to register your interest is 1 August, 2023.
This year, the first two rounds and the finals will all be staged on Monday, 11th September, all in the one place and in the lead up to the epic House of William Grant party.
Join some of the biggest names in the Australian bar industry (think Jenna Hemsworth, Alex Gondzioulis, Dan Gregory, Lee Potter-Cavanagh and last year’s winner Priscilla Leong) and throw your hat in the ring.
THE PRIZE:
Visit Hendrick’s Gin & Monkey Shoulder in 2024
This year’s winner will be crowned Australian Bartender Magazine Bartender of the Year, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to head over to Scotland in early 2024 (tbc), hosted by one of the William Grant & Sons BAs. This winner will visit both distillery sites and have the opportunity to present their winning cocktail to both Master Distiller Lesley Gracie, and Malt Master Brian Kinsman face to face.
The format: All in one day
Competition Round 1 – Written Exam Test
Monday, 11th September, 2023
10am – 11am
WRITTEN EXAM: About 100 bartenders will sit a 1 hour written test with bartender, drinks and cocktail-related questions.
Competition Round 2 – Top 8 Blind Tasting & Practical Cocktail Challenge
Monday, 11th September, 2023
12.30pm – 3pm
Part one of Round 2 is the blind-tasting round. You will be asked to identify a number of spirits, with marks given for the category, its style, its geographical origin, and the product’s name. If you have any doubt about how to fill out each section for the spirit, always provide as much information about the spirit as you can.
There is a time limit of 20 minutes for the blind tasting.
Part two of Round 2 consists of the mystery box bartending challenge. You will need to make two drinks: one, a drink on the fly based on ingredients in the box; the other a classic cocktail specified by the judges on the spot. You will have 1 minute to look at and taste the ingredients in the mystery box, followed by 2 minutes with which to make both drinks. The drinks are scored purely on taste and appearance. You are not marked on working clean. This is a speed, memory, and invention challenge.
Competition Round 3 – Top 3 Competition Final
Monday, 11th September, 2023
7pm – 9pm
All top 3 finalists get 5 minutes stage time prior to the House of William Grant Party (venue to be revealed shortly) to make their signature cocktails in front of party guests. This is their last test and will decide who wins. All top 3 finalists have to create 2-signature drinks that must include a minimum of 30ml of sponsor’s 1st Brand in cocktail #1 and minimum of 30ml of sponsor’s 2nd brand in Cocktail #2. Or the one brand must be used in both signature cocktails.
TO ENTER:
All you have to do is email us yourself (or a manager or friend can nominate you) and you will be added to the list. All working bartenders are eligible to compete. There is no pre-requisite and no cocktails to be submitted prior. If that sounds like something you could be interested in, email amy@spantonmedia.com today! There will be regular updates and quizzes but by registering your interest you will be the first to know what’s going on. Deadline to register your interest is 1 August, 2023.
The Bartender of the Year & the Bar Awards are part of
Sydney Bar Week 2023, 9-13 September, 2023