Seventeen incredibly talented and deserving finalists from areas within VIC/TAS, including Hobart, Geelong, Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula and Lorne, all came together with one common goal: winning title of The Perfect Blend Apprentice or Professional Champion!
The two days of competition demonstrated a strong sense of community, flare, and showmanship! Many first-time competitors took to the stage and others returning to cocktail competitions after their own personal hiatus!
What went down…
On Tuesday morning, the third Regional Final for The Perfect Blend Cocktail Competition 2024 was held in Melbourne.
Bartenders flocked to BYRDI, meeting their host for the day, Luke Whearty, before embarking on a day of outdoor adventures at Victoria’s Restaurant of the Year, O.My.
Here the competitors enjoyed a breakfast treated by BYRDI’s local producers, before sitting their Beam Suntory Blind Tasting & Product Knowledge test.
In Beaconsfield, the finalists met O,My owners and brothers, Blayne and Chayse Bertoncello and toured the O.My farm, learning about the origin of their produce, menu conceptualization and new flavours. The Bertoncello’s shared the personalized and hands on experience at the core of their restaurant production, as well as a beautiful lunch spread, fresh from the garden.
After an informative time with Chayse & Blayne, the bartenders returned to Melbourne for a dinner at Yokimono to enjoy some Japanese flavours and delicious Toki Highballs.
The competition day saw finalists take to the stage, each presenting their “Tradition or Personality” cocktail in front of their fellow competitors and the judging panel consisting of Tom Scott, Alex Boon, Joey Tai & Gorge Camorra.
Before competition day, finalists were required to promote their signature creations within their respective venues for 2 weeks, to celebrate World Bartender Day. Points toward their final scores were awarded on their approach to this component of this competition.
After the presentations had concluded – Pearl Diver in Melbourne’s CBD hosted the finalists to an intimate Jim Beam Welcome Dinner, where the finalists were able to relax and enjoy time together before the announcement. The judges deliberated, scores were in, and the VIC/TAS Regional finals winners were announced.
APPRENTICE WINNER: Ana Mitchell, from 18th Amendment Bar
PROFESSIONAL WINNER: Richard Lui, from The Speakeasy group
Ana and Richard now proceed to the Grand Final held later this year with the 10 other state finalist winners. Three more states yet to be announced.
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