Daniel Gregory from IXL Bar in Hobart, Tasmania has taken out the 2018 Southern Comfort Southern Showdown Cocktail Competition with his cocktail Where The Wild Things Are.
Held at the Lefty’s in Brisbane on Monday night, 5 of the country’s best bartenders went head-to-head for their shot to be crowned the 2018 National Champion and head over to New Orleans to compete in the International final at Tales Of The Cocktail.
The event was one not to be missed out on. Authentic cocktails – including the Southern Comfort Whiskey Sour – incredible entertainers, live music, New Orleans inspired food and of course; some of Australia’s most creative bartenders.
Daniel Gregory came out victorious with his bittersweet cocktail creation, which featured the perfect mix of Southern Comfort, Tasmanian Buttermilk, Pineapple Syrup, Tasmanian Leatherwood Honey, Ruby Grapefruit Juice, Lime Juice and Egg white infused with Truffle. Inspired by all the wild ingredients found around Tasmania, such as truffles, leatherwood honey and hand-made buttermilk; Daniel set out to tame these wild beasts into one delicious drink from the Deep South.
“Taking home the national winner title for Southern Comfort’s Southern Showdown is a great honour. I am looking forward to representing Australia in the International Showdown and putting Tasmania on the map. Thank you to the competitors, the organisers and Southern Comfort, it’s been an amazing night,” said Daniel Gregory after winning the National Final.
The judging panel, which scored each cocktail based on authenticity, flavour, presentation and delivery of their cocktail, included 2017 winner and Three Wolves Bar Manager Jacob Cohen, Australian Bartender Magazine Editor Sam Bygrave, and Bespoke Drinks drinks consultant Ben Davidson.
“It was a very difficult decision to select a winner as all the finalists had incredible stories to tell and every cocktail emphasised a different flavour note of Southern Comfort. The bartending talent we have across Australia is phenomenal, but Daniel Gregory stood out for his daring cocktail combination and passionate delivery of his story. We look forward to seeing all of the finalist’s unique creations being added to Southern Comfort cocktail lists around Australia,” said Gee David, National Training Manager at SouthTrade International.
Second place went to Ryan Lane, The Gresham and Herron Island Fizz and third place went to Phillip Weber, El Grotto and Streets At Night. Daniel Gregory will now prepare for his trip to the Big Easy, the city of New Orleans to compete in the International final to go in the chance to be the global winner of Southern Showdown 2018.