By Sacha Delfosse – editor Bars&Clubs
Twelve of the finest bartenders in the country will be gathering at The Barber Shop in Sydney tonight to battle it out in the Australian final of the Beefeater 24 Global Bartender Competition (GBC).
The Beefeater 24 GBC was launched by Pernod Ricard in 2010, drawing entries from 26 countries around the world. The competition challenges bartenders to create a classic cocktail using Beefeater Dry as well as a modern variation of the cocktail using Beefeater 24.
Competitors are also required to present the story behind the two serves and explain the rationale behind their choices.
The twelve Australian finalists are – Jason Williams (The Rook), Nick Selvadurai (Cookie), Neilson Braid (Palmer & Co.), Nathan Beasley (Black Pearl), Cristiano Beretta (The Rook), Mischa Bonova (Rockpool Bar & Grill), Perryn Collier (Alfred & Constance), Merlin Jerebine (The Loft), Fred Siggins (Black Pearl), Gerald Faundez (Public), MikeTomasic (The Wild Rover), and Simon Hough (Luxe Bar).
The finalists will be judged by: Tim Stones – Beefeater 24 global ambassador, Jamie Terrell – Pernod Ricard Australia on-premise strategy manager, and Ben Davidson – Pernod Ricard Australia spirits ambassador.
“This is a great opportunity for Australian bartenders to raise their profile on a world stage,” said Davidson.
The winner of the Australian final will be heading to London to compete in the global final on November 7.
The winner of the global final will be rewarded with an all expenses-paid trip to Japan in 2014, where they will learn more about the teas that play a key role in Beefeater 24’s taste profile, and visit local bars. The global final winner will also have their name inscribed on the Beefeater’s distillery’s Hall of Fame plaque.