By Sacha Delfosse
Suntory Australia has appointed Sydney bartender Luke Ashton as the 2011 Stoli Vodka ‘original’ bartender and brand ambassador for its marketing campaign.
Ashton was selected after winning a competition run through Club Suntory where contestants had to describe what made them original in 300 words or less, as well as submitting an original Stoli Vodka cocktail recipe.
“My bartending career is my true passion and I am constantly evolving and changing my cocktail repertoire to suit my customers, seasonal weather, ingredients and even moods,” Ashton says.
“To be selected to work with a cult vodka brand like Stoli Vodka and create a set of truly original cocktails that I just know are going to give people those memorable experiences that I love facilitating, is just a fantastic step for me.”
Suntory Australia brand manager, Frederick Duarte, explained that 2011 is an important year for the Stoli Vodka, and it is needs a strong brand ambassador that exemplifies the brand’s positioning as 'the world’s most original vodka in every way'.
“Luke is the perfect fit and will be speaking and appearing at various events and working with the entire Stoli Vodka team to develop unique cocktails and communicate our messages,” Duarte said.