By Stefanie Collins, editor bars&clubs
Entries are now open for the Australian leg of the 2016 Bacardí Legacy Global Cocktail Competition. After hosting the 2015 Global Final in Sydney this May – a nod to Australia’s increasingly influential bar scene – Bacardí has introduced changes to the platform for the third Australian iteration of the contest.
This year's Legacy winner Frank Dedieu (centre) with members of the international judging panel.
This year, the top 15 entries will be selected from anywhere in the country, irrespective of region, based on their recipe and inspiration alone. These bartenders will then participate in the first Bacardí Legacy Australian national semi-final in September.
Bacardí will host the top 15 entries at the QT Gold Coast on 1 September, 2015 where competitors will present their original Legacy cocktail as well as the BACARDÍ Daiquiri to a judging panel of industry legends; and the ‘most promising’ will be announced.
Sebastian Raeburn, Trade Ambassador for Bacardi Lion, says the new set-up is both an opportunity for the best 15 to compete in front of their peers, as well as the chance to compete for some world-class mentoring.
“Only three bartenders will be announced as the ‘most promising’,” he says. “Providing the opportunity for each of those three to be individually mentored by a Bacardí brand ambassador.”
Previously the competition had merely presented five grand finalists, with no semi-finals – however the new format sees dedicated brand ambassadors partnered up with each competitor while they market and promote their Legacy cocktail with a budget of $2500 plus complimentary stock.
According to Bacardí the, now, five-month promotional period is all about how the company can help bartenders forge their place in the Australian cocktail industry. It is hoped that by reducing the number of finalists, Bacardí can offer them greater financial and developmental support.
After the five months, based on the success of their drink and overall campaign, one of the three ‘most promising’ will be selected as the 2016 Bacardí Legacy Australian Cocktail Competition winner. Bacardí Brand Ambassador, Loy Catada says that each of the three will present their cocktail and its story during an Untameable Gran Familia black tie dinner.
“The grand final will be held in Sydney in February next year,” he says. “With the 2016 Global Final being held in San Francisco.”
Following in the footsteps of Fred Siggins, from The Black Pearl in Melbourne, and Alissa Gabriel, of Brisbane’s The Manhattan Line, the successful bartender will go on to represent Australia at the Bacardí Legacy Global Final. As the final will take place in the US, this year all entrants must be at least 21-years-old by December 2015 due to legal requirements.
Bartenders can register their interest via Australia@bacardilegacy.com to receive an entry form which they will need to submit accompanied by a photo of their original Legacy cocktail. Entries close 13th August, 2015, Midnight AEST.