By Rebecca Harris
The Australian cocktail industry has been recognised in four categories at the Tales of the Cocktail Festival’s 2008 Spirit Awards in New Orleans.
Australian nominees include Melbourne’s 1806 bar and Sydney’s Bayswater Brasserie, nominated for Best Cocktail Menu; Melbourne’s Der Raum, nominated for Best Drink Collection; and Maxxium brand ambassador, Jason Crawley, nominated for Best Brand Ambassador.
Crawley, who won the award last year, said he was pleased to be nominated for the award.
“Following on from winning Brand Ambassador in 2007, the nomination really confirms I am on the right track to raising standards in the Australian market. This is all built on a realistic and entertaining MIXXIT format people can relate to and remember. I am very happy and will keep my wrinkled fingers crossed for New Orleans,” he said.
As part of the annual Tales of the Cocktail festival, the Spirit Awards aim to recognise individuals and establishments that have demonstrated exceptional skill in the art of cocktail creation and innovation.
1806 bartender and cocktail historian, Sebastian Reaburn, said he was “rapt” at the nomination. “We put a lot of work into our cocktail menu, and to have that recognised globally is just fantastic,” he said.
The winners will be announced in New Orleans on July 19.