The Bacardi Legacy global final was held in Sydney’s Town Hall last night, with bartender Frank Dedieu of Redwood bar in Lyon, France, taking out the title.
Frank Dedieu competes in the final with his cocktail Le Latin.
Dedieu was one of eight finalists who presented their Legacy cocktails to a panel of international judges – including Ago Perrone, of the Connaught Bar in London and winner of Bacardi Legacy 2009; the 2014 Legacy winner Tom Walker, formerly of The Savoy’s American Bar in London now at Attaboy in New York City; José Sanchez Gavito, Bacardi maestro de ron; and world-leading bartender Stephen Schneider of Employees Only in New York City.
The original field of 34 international contestants was cut to eight at the semi-final dinner on Saturday night with the contestants from New Zealand, China, Greece, Lebanon, Ireland, Singapore and South Africa joining Dedieu in the Grand Final.
The winning cocktail, Le Latin, which he described on the night as “simple” and “elegant” was inspired by his family roots in Montpellier and Marseille, and features Bacardi Carta Blanca rum with white wine, lemon juice, olive brine and white sugar – garnished with a single green olive.
The top three was rounded out by Jad Ballout of Central Station in Lebanon, Barney Toy of Society & Nook in New Zealand.
Australia’s representative, Alissa Gabriel, of The Manhattan Line in Brisbane, competed well in the semis, unfortunately missing out on a spot in the finals with her drink The Bouteiller.