Adam Dow, Ivy Head of Bars at Merivale, put in another strong Australian performance on the global stage, making it to the top three Grand Finalists in the Global Bacardi Legacy Grand Final.
Thailand’s Praphakorn Konglee and his Out of Sight cocktail took out the win, making Thailand the first ever market to retain the title for a second year.
As part of Legacy’s Global Finals, Bacardi made an El Coco Grant of US$5000 available to each national competitor. The grant is given to help in rebuilding the hospitality industry as it looks to recover from the past year.
Staying true to the El Coco Grant’s purpose, Dow has set aside AU$1000 to go toward his own grant, The Golden Rule.
The Golden Rule Grant aims to not only help fund applicant’s professional development to further their career in hospitality, but to help bridge the gender gap in the Australian hospitality industry. Anyone who identifies as female can apply. Just head to The Golden Rule Instagram page and use the application form there.
Dow said: “The hospitality industry has given me some wonderful opportunities, all of which I worked hard for, but I acknowledge my privilege as a white, middle-class male has handed me a head start in my career. I believe it is my obligation to acknowledge this privilege and work to actively bridge the gender gap that exits in the industry.
“Bridging the gap for gender equality is therefore an important part of my Legacy, not just for now but for years to come.”
Konglee’s winning cocktail Out of Sight combined a delicate combination of BACARDÍ Carta Blanca rum, fresh pineapple, fresh basil, yoghurt, lemon and agave.
He said: “Bringing this title to Thailand for a second year is just amazing.
“I’m celebrating here now with my family and am so excited for all the opportunities ahead of me with Bacardi, which will allow me to improve as a bartender and make my family proud. It has been such a difficult year, but I am so grateful that we have all been able to complete our Legacy journey together – even though miles apart – tonight.”
Speaking on the winning cocktail, Grand Final judge Monica Berg said: “What I loved most about the winning drink was that it was very surprising, and yet also very familiar.
“I loved how Praphakorn connected the ingredients of the drink to his own personal journey, and that this journey was also something we could all relate to. This cocktail is not only a great expression of where he comes from, but also a celebration of the new directions that he will take.”
As Konglee’s prize, Bacardi will offer year-long support to further his career as a bartender by creating experiences tailored to meet his goals, gain worldwide recognition for his drink and provide a platform from which Out of Sight will be served at some of the finest bars in the world.