It’s hard work, but as they say, someone’s got to do it. After visiting bars across the country the panel of judges — including industry legend Phil Bayly and Bacardi’s international brand ambassador, David Cordoba — in the Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competiton have whittled down the field of 25 finalists to just five: the Five Most Promising.
“Wow, what a tour!” said judge Phil Bayly. “Visiting our very best talent and tasting 25 outstanding Bacardi cocktails was a life-changing experience. The payback was choosing just five to move through to the final. I’m starting to think I need to replace more of my Tequila bottles with Rum!”
The five will now fight it out in the last round of the Australian leg of the competition, with the winner going on to represent Australia at the global finals being held in Russia in 2014.
The Five Most Promising each receive $5,000 to market their Bacardi Legacy cocktails over the next three months before presenting their drinks to judges and guests at the Australian final on March 4 2014.
So who are the finalists? Check out the names below.
Introducing the BACARDÍ Legacy Cocktail Competition’s Five Most Promising:
1. David Nguyen-Luu from Rockpool Bar & Grill – Perth (Pool 1: TAS/WA/SA)
2. Fred Siggins from Black Pearl – Melbourne (Pool 2: VIC)
3. James Irvine from Hinky Dinks – Sydney (Pool 3: NSW)
4. Marco Nunes from Papa Jack’s – Brisbane (Pool 4: QLD)
5. Niall Maurici from IXL Long Bar – Hobart (Pool 1: TAS/WA/SA)