By Sacha Delfosse
Ten of Australia’s best bartenders will be battling it over three days next week in the Diageo Reserve World Class national finals.
The ten finalists are Rinna Kato from Bacchus Bar (QLD), Ben Lancaster from The Kodiak Club (VIC), Evan Stanley from Black Pearl (VIC), Daniel Warren from The Understudy and 1806 (VIC), Luke Ashton from Vasco (NSW), Jessica Arnott from The Roosevelt (NSW), Christian Blair from Eau-de-Vie (NSW), Krystal Hart from The Walrus Club (QLD), Andrew Bennett from The Classroom (WA) and Ben Blair from The Corner House (NSW).
From June 10 to 12 the finalists will have their bartending skills tested through a series of events held at The Star in Sydney, including a multi-course cocktail pairing challenge at Black by Ezard.
The winner will be crowned the Australian Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year, and will receive a $100,000 cash grant towards opening their own venue as well as heading off to represent Australia in the global finals, which will be held from July 4 to 9.