Alissa Gabriel wins the QLD Suntory Cup state final to join the Cocktail Connoisseurs at the national final in Sydney later this year!
In front of a record-breaking crowd, Alissa Gabriel was crowned Queensland Suntory Cup state final winner 2014 with her Lowlands Marsh creation, scoring herself not only a shot at the top prize but bragging rights and a selection of spirits from the Suntory portfolio.
In close second was Mitch Mcclintock from Fourth Wall with his Mare–Go creation, with Dean Scuderi from Cactus Jacks Saloon with Valenthyme being awarded 3rd place. Mitch and Dean both scored themselves selections from the extensive Suntory portfolio
On Monday 18th August, there were throngs of people waiting to get in, and inside the scene was surreal. Packing the house at host venue Jade Buddha with just shy of 500 attendees Club Suntory members, most were all flawlessly in character of the theme ‘creepy circus’. Costumes ranged from extreme ends of the spectrum resulting in weird, wonderful — and a big — mix of partygoers. There were zombies, ring masters, bearded ladies, countless animal onesies, mimes, and many other haunted carnival characters to make for an excitable evening.
Guests were treated to some wild entertainment to match the creepy circus theme, (pun intended) having a lady with an 18kg python snake allowing Club Suntory members many photo opportunities, not forgetting the suave yet cheeky magician who’s tricks could put David Copperfield to shame, and it wouldn’t be a circus without the lady reading your tarot cards giving you insights into your (hopefully) bright futures.
*Club Suntory takes no responsibility for readings given by the way!
Winner: Alissa Gabriel
Cocktail: Lowlands Marsh
Venue: Cloudland/PressClub2nd Place: Mitch Mcclintock
Cocktail: Mare-Go
Venue: Fourth Wall3rd Place: Dean Scuderi
Cocktail: Valenthyme
Venue: Cactus Jacks Saloon
To get to this point, competitors were tasked back in April with creating an original cocktail using a minimum of 45mls from Suntory’s ever-diverse portfolio and submitting it online at www.clubsuntory.com. Judges then blind tasted the 633 individual entries, assessing the appearance, taste and aroma, without knowledge of the entrant’s name or place of work, making for a truly level playing field where the best-tasting drinks are those chosen.
State finalists have been chosen from VIC, WA, QLD, SA and NSW to contest the national final consumer event in Sydney, Cocktail Connoisseur, and a chance to win the top prize of the ultimate bartender’s fantasy trip to Japan visiting cocktail bars and distilleries with $1000 spending money!
One more state final to go, NSW is on the 8th September, so log on to www.clubsuntory.com to RSVP! In the meantime, want to try the winning cocktail ‘Lowlands Marsh’ by Brisbane’s Alissa Gabriel for yourself?
Alissa Gabriel’s Lowlands Marsh
Glass: Crystal Wine goblet
Garnish: Grapefruit Twist
Method: Stir and Strain
Ingredients: 50ml Auchentoshan 12yr old
15ml Pavan Muscat grape Liqueur
2 dashes peychauds bitters
Rinse Glass Chartreuse VEP
Our full complement of competitors for the VIC Suntory Cup 2014:
Benjamin Ward, The Writers Curse, Miss Moneypenny’s
Mitch Mcclintock, Mare-Go, Fourth Wall
Dean Scuderi, Valenthyme, Cactus Jacks Saloon
Jason Hess, Dreadlock, Lot 104
Alissa Gabriel, Lowlands Marsh, Cloudland/Press Club