By Sacha Delfosse
The nominees for the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards have been revealed, with a large number of Australian bars and bartenders amongst those recognised for their innovation and professionalism.
The awards will be announced on July 28 and amongst those who will be waiting with anticipation to see if they received one of the coveted Riedel Crystal trophies will be Sven Almenning, who is nominated in the Best Bar Mentor category.
Two bars under Almenning's Speakeasy Group, Eau-de-Vie and The Roosevelt, have also received nominations – Eau-de-Vie for World's Best Cocktail Bar and World's Best Drink Selection, and The Roosevelt for World's Best Cocktail Menu. In addition, Eau-de-Vie head bartender, Max Greco, is also nominated in the International Bartender of the Year category.
"It's incredible to once again be honoured and included in such esteemed company and fantastic to also see more Australian venues earn nominations in an increasingly competitive market," Almenning said.
Melbourne's Black Pearl, the 2011 ALIA Best Bar of the Year, is nominated in two categories – World's Best Cocktail Bar and World's Best Cocktail Menu, while The Everleigh, also from Melbourne, is nominated in the World's Best New Cocktail Bar category.
The Everleigh's Michael Madrusan is also up for the International Bartender of the Year award alongside former Melbourne bartender Sam Ross. Other local nominees include Jamie Terrell and Manuel Terron who are both up for the Best International Brand Ambassador award.