By Rebecca Harris in Thredbo
The much-anticipated Bols Gods of Flair flair bartending competition final will be held at the Thredbo Alpine Hotel in Thredbo, NSW tonight (Jul 29).
Nine finalists will have five minutes to create three cocktails while bouncing, spinning and throwing bottles and bar tools around.
The top three will then advance to a final round, where they will create three new drinks to select an overall winner.
The finalists – Ton Barbieri, Dan Farr, Jay Karanouh, Ricardo Milhouse, Joao Paulo Rodrigues, Tee Rima, Robbie Stowe, Noriel Calub and Toby Hilton – have been in Thredbo for the past three days, snowboarding and practicing for tonight’s final.
Bols brand ambassador and judge Michael Dackiw said the competition has so far been a “truly memorable experience” for all involved.
“Over the last three days, the Bols Gods of Flair finalists have shown a true sense of camaraderie with snowboarding, on-the-spot challenges and a tailored Mixxit session. This is exactly what Bols aimed to achieve for the 2009 Gods of Flair competition,” he said.
The competition has been one of the most exciting flair bartending competitions in Australia, attracting entries from all across Australia and New Zealand.
An impromptu practice competition held on Tuesday night saw New Zealand finalist Ton Barbieri win a Galliano-branded snowboard.
“I’ve come all the way from Auckland just to compete in this competition,” he said. “This is the second competition I have entered in Australia and the level and organisation is so good. I am not nervous about tonight’s final just yet, but I imagine right before they call my name I will be.”
The bartenders are competing for the title of ‘Bols God of Flair’, and an all-expenses paid trip to Amsterdam, including a ‘VIP Bartending Experience’ at the Bols Academy.