The countdown to the biggest Sydney Bar Week ever is on! There’s just nine days until the festivities kick off on Saturday the 15th of September, and a number of events have sold out already — make sure you check out what’s in store below and get your tickets and RSVP’s to events sorted now so that once you’re indulging in the week you’re not mucking about trying to blag tickets last minute.
There’s a huge 29 events on over five days — go through the list below and we’ll see you all at the end of next week!
Saturday 15 September
From Behind the Bar to in Front of the Stills presented by Manly Spirits Co
Date: Saturday, 15th September
Time: 2pm – 4pm
Where: Manly Spirits Co. Distillery, 4A/9-13 Winbourne Rd, Brookvale
Tickets: Register here.
Join Manly Spirits Co. Distiller Tim Stones discussing how he transitioned from slinging gin to creating it. He will share his journey of changing careers, how he did this and explain how he makes award-winning spirits at Manly Spirits Co. (And how much he misses his expense account). He will then conduct a tasting of the full range of Manly Spirits’ gins, botanical vodkas, liqueurs and whisky. Tim has over twenty years spent in the drinks trade, from bartending at London’s Lab and Trailer Happiness, co-creating It’s A Rematch, Beeyatch!!! and working as the Global Brand Ambassador for Beefeater before changing careers and joining the team at Manly Spirits Co. Distillery. Limited Space so book in quickly.
Sydney Bar Week Launch Party @ Brix Distillers ***BOOKED OUT***
Date: Saturday, 15th September
Time: 5pm – 7pm
Where: Brix Distillers, 352 Bourke Street, Surry Hills
Come and kick off Sydney Bar Week in style at the newest digs in town, Sydney’s very own rum distillery right in the heart of Surry Hills. A great way to ease yourself in to the chaos of Bar Week! If you’re heading into Sydney from interstate drop us a line and we will try and accommodate you. Otherwise, invites will go out soon. Email amy@spantonmedia.com for more information.
Sunday 16 September
3rd Annual Bartenders Agave Brunch ***BOOKED OUT***
Date: Sunday, 16th September
Time: 10.30am – 1pm
Where: Tio’s Cerveceria, Ground Floor, 4 – 14 Foster Street, Surry Hills
Back for it’s 3rd agave fuelled year, the annual Bar Week Bartender’s Brunch is back at Tio’s! It’s a chance to catch up with crew from across the country, trade a few stories and eat some eggs – all with a capita in hand. Numbers are strictly limited, so get in early to secure your spot. Cost: $0
RSVP info: Tickets are SOLD OUT.
Indie Spirits Tasting Sydney ***SOLD OUT***
Date: Sunday, 16th September
Time: 1pm – 4pm
Where: Restaurant Hubert, 15 Bligh Street, Sydney
Tickets: Click here to get yours.
Indie Spirits Tasting Sydney is back for its fourth year and will again be hosted at the stunning Restaurant Hubert. The event, which is now staged in both Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane as well, will feature over 40 exhibitors showcasing more than 150 craft spirits, with master distillers on hand and free seminars going deep into the world of independent spirits. Tickets are just $55 (plus booking fee). Click here to get yours.
BACARDÍ Classics Softball
Date: Sunday, 16th September
Time: 2pm – 4pm
Where: Brazilian Fields, Centennial Park — click here for the Facebook event page to stay up to date.
During Bar Week BACARDÍ is excited to bring Australia’s best bartenders together to enjoy some friendly rivalry on the softball field and pay homage to the first BACARDÍ distillery workers in Santiago de Cuba, who finished their shifts with a game of baseball. Our pals in NZ will also be fielding a team. If you are in Sydney during Bar Week and keen to play ball please drop a line to Loy, Pete or Georgie. To get involved, email Loy Catada – lcatada@bacardi.com Peter Hollands – phollands@bacardi.com, or Georgie Mann – gmann@bacardi.com.
Tiki Face Off
Date: Sunday, 16th September
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Location: The Cliff Dive, 16-18 Oxford Square, Darlinghurst
Details: Have you got the pineapples to bust out the best tiki cocktails in town?!? Tiki Face Off puts Bar Vs Bar to see who can make the most ridiculous, most tropical cocktails of all time! Dust off your florals and join us for tiki drinks to cheer on your favourite rum bars compete for the golden pineapple! Email info@therumclub.com.au for more info.
47th Street Post Office
Date: Sunday, 16th September
Time: 8pm – 10pm
Where: Old Mate’s Place, Level 4, 199 Clarence Street, Sydney
RSVP: To RSVP, please Direct Message Kate Moran on her Instagram page: www.instagram.com/kate.lesnouveauxdistillers/
Attention bar tenders and monkey tamers. Be sure to check your letterbox’s leading up to Sydney Bar Week, as the folks from Monkey 47 will be posting out invitations to the grand opening of the 47th Street Post Office. Come down & enjoy a night of entertainment and refreshments by Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin. P.S. Word on the monkey vine is there could be some giveaways from our friends in the Black Forest, but you didn’t hear it from us!
Black Pearl invades PS40
Date: Sunday, 16th September
Time: 10pm – 2am
Where: PS40, Skittle Lane Sydney
Description: Bringing the unique style of Fitzoy’s Black Pearl to Skittle Lane, Sunday night will see Australia’s most awarded bar host the hospo party to end all hospo parties. Not to be missed. Theme tbc.
Monday 17 September
Bartender of the Year Rounds 1 & 2
Date: Monday, 17th September
Time: 10.00am – 3pm
Where: NOLA Smokehouse & Bar, Barangaroo
RSVP: sam@spantonmedia.com
Bartender magazine’s Bartender of the Year sponsored by BACARDÍ and De Kuyper kicks off with the written test to find the Top 16 bartenders in the country. Join us for Daiquiris and a talk by the one and only Jacob Briars. This will be followed by a mystery box challenge and a spirit tasting to find the Top 8 bartenders in the country. Buckle up guys, it looks set to be a hot competition in 2018.
Coleman’s Academy Human Library
Date: Monday, 17th September
Time: 10am – 1pm
Where: Big Poppa’s, 96 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
Tickets: click here to get yours.
Rent the minds of some of the industry’s best for a 30-minute open book session. From venue owners to distillers to brand managers, this is your unique chance to sit down and ask all of the questions you’ve got.
“Hecho En Mexico”– Flavours of Amatitan
Date: Monday, 17th September
Time: 1pm – 3pm
Where: Secret Location
RSVP: herraduratequilaau@gmail.com
The Details: Join us for a progressive long lunch – Tequila Herradura style, hosted by the Brown-Forman Advocacy team from the east and west coast. Those who’ve achieved greatness didn’t get there by luck, and at Tequila Herradura we’re no different. “Luck is earned” That’s the way it should be done. And at Tequila Herradura, it’s the way we’ve been doing it for the past 145 years. The team will take you on a journey of discovery, unlocking flavours of “La Hacienda de San José del Refugio” Amatitan.
The Casa welcomes you. Limited spots available, please RSVP to herraduratequilaau@gmail.com.
Russell’s Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon: Fermentation Workshop
Date: Monday, 17th September
Time: 3pm – 5pm
Where: Kittyhawk upstairs, ‘The Officer’s Mess’ – 16 Philip Lane, Sydney
RSVP: wildturkeyau@campari.com
The Details: Father & Son Bourbon Master Distillers, Jimmy and Eddie Russell, have created a unique bond through their unwavering commitment and passion for high quality craftsmanship. To celebrate this bond, Russell’s Reserve invites you to a hands-on workshop to learn about the fermentation techniques applied to bourbon, cured meats and bread. Join Russell’s Reserve Brand Ambassador Jay Lambert, expert baker Antonio Zambarelli and master salumi artisan Michael Dalsk who will share their family legacy, heritage and secrets to enrich your fermentation repertoire.
Bartending as an Art Masterclass by Hidetsugu Ueno sponsored by MONIN ***BOOKED OUT***
Date: Monday, 17th September
Time: 5pm – 7pm
Where: Ivy Sunroom, 330 George Street, Sydney
RSVP: SOLD OUT
Legendary Master Bartender Hidetsugu Ueno will share the history, myths and secrets of Japanese cocktail culture. Take the opportunity to learn about his famous diamond ice carving, Japanese style shaking and sample some of his world-famous Bar High Five recipes. Numbers are strictly limited.
Jagermeister’s Hubertus Circle presents A Taste of the Underground
Date: Monday, 17th September
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Where: 173 King Street, Sydney
RSVP: Invite Only
“Dark, mysterious and oh so German. The Hubertus Circle Australia members take over the reigns, to bring the distinctive brand to life; and deliver the essence of Berlin down under in Sydney. This is an invite only event. If you do happen to be on the list, don’t expect your usual party. For now, not a word more shall be uttered.”
House of William Grant
Date: Monday, 17th September
Time: 9pm – 11pm
Where: The Standard Bowl, Level 3, 383 Bourke Street, Taylor Square
RSVP: house-of-william-grant-rsvps.me
Toast to the man that started it all and his legacy that continues to this day through you, the bartenders. Join the William Grant and Sons Brand Ambassadors for a night to remember with their annual House of William Grant Event, celebrating with incredible drinks from the Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Hendrick’s Gin, Monkey Shoulder and Sailor Jerry.
Southern Comfort NOLA Party
Date: Monday, 17th September
Time: 11pm – 1am
Where: Harpoon Harry – 40-44 Wentworth Ave, Surry Hills
RSVP: marketing@southtradeint.com.au
Southern Comfort is set to bring the Spirit of New Orleans down under! Slinging drinks, live music, Bourbon St specials and New Orleans vibes – it’s all going down. Let the good times roll.
Tuesday 18 September
The Business of Bars Conference ***SOLD OUT***
Date: Tuesday, 18th September
Time: 11am – 5pm
Where: Restaurant Hubert, 15 Bligh Street, Sydney
This year our Business of Bars Conference is moving to the tailor-made conference room at Restaurant Hubert to accommodate more guests and increase the offering to include food and drinks… and of course, our best line-up to date!
Nikka Masterclass Featuring Rogerio Igarashi from Bar Trench, Tokyo
Date: Tuesday, 18th September
Time: 1pm – 3pm
Where: The Baxter Inn, 152-156 Clarence Street, Sydney
The Details: Cult Japanese Whisky brand, Nikka are hosting an exclusive Masterclass presented by Nikka Global Business Development Manager Naoki Tomoyoshi and Rogerio Igarashi from Bar Trench in Tokyo. Guests will take part in a Whisky tasting as well as the newly released Coffey Gin and Vodka, while getting an insight in to Japanese cocktail culture. This event is exclusive to bar professionals and venue owners only. To register your interest to attend please email nikka@kdpo.com.au ASAP with your name, venue and contact details. Please note limited tickets available.
Looking Back, to the future of Rum with Ian Burrell
Date: Tuesday, 18th September
Time: 3pm – 5pm
Where: Rosie Campbell’s, 320 Crown Street, Surry Hills
RSVP: Email info@therumclub.com.au
Global Ambassador of the Rum Category and recently awarded International Ambassador of the Year at Tales, Ian Burrell candidly talks about his favourite subject and how the past will us understand the future of rum, as well as giving you chance to taste a few EXCLUSIVE rums.
PS40 x Never Never collaboration launch
Date: Tuesday, 18th September
Time: 3.30pm
Where: PS40 – 2/40 King St, Sydney
PS40 shares a similar fearlessness to the way Never Never approaches flavor, join us for the launch of an exciting new spirit in an afternoon of palate cleansers and cocktails. This will be a departure lounge in which you can rest and relax before the big awards evening! Walk-in only.
18th Annual Bartender Magazine Bar Awards ***SOLD OUT***
Date: Tuesday, 18th September
Time: 5.30pm – late
Where: Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf, Pyrmont
The biggest night of the bar industry kicks off on the deck at Doltone House with cocktails galore and a dinner packed with awards covering everything from the best pub to the best bar manager. Over 600 of the country’s leading bar professionals will pack the room in a night of self-congratulatory drinking and award-winning. Tickets exclusive to sponsors and finalists. SOLD OUT.
Bar Awards After Parties
Date: Tuesday, 18th September
Time: 11pm – late
Frankie’s, Big Poppa’s, Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern
We’ve hit up some of our favourite late night joints to host multiple parties across the city. So take your pick and kick on after the Bar Awards – they’ll be ready and waiting…
Frankie’s – 50 Hunter Street, Sydney
Big Poppa’s – 96 Oxford Street, Sydney
Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern – 60 Park Street, Sydney
Henrietta Rises
Time: Tuesday, 18th September
Date: 11pm – late
Where: Burrow Bar, De Mestre Place
The Darlinghurst gem, a late night parlour that brings a swell of emotions and memories for many. Henrietta Supper Club, closed it’s doors last year, and for twenty-four cold and very long months, we’ve been pining but for one more nostalgic night. Burrow Bar are getting the band back together with our friends from Bacardi, Jagermeister and Campari. Expect some familiar faces to bring those good vibes and drinks this Bar Week. RSVP: First in best dressed – if you remember the queue for Burrow Bar’s Tiki Takeover last year…. First in. Best dressed.
Wednesday 19 September
Foursquare Rum Distillery Masterclass ***SOLD OUT***
Date: Wednesday, 19th September
Time: 11am – 1pm
Where: The Lobo Plantation, 1/209 Clarence Street, Sydney
RSVP: Michael.york@quittintime.com.au
Doorly’s Barbados Rum is one of the Island’s oldest and most prestigious rum brands. Today it is produced at the Seale Family owned Foursquare Rum Distillery. This masterclass is hosted by Distiller Richard Seale a 4th generation producer on an island where rum has been made for nearly 400 years.
Whiskey Roadshow ***LESS THAN 25 TICKETS LEFT***
Date: Wednesday, 19th September
Time: 5.30pm – 8.30pm
Where: The Clock Hotel, 470 Crown Street, Surry Hills
Tickets: Click here to get yours.
The Whiskey Roadshow is a chance to take whiskies from all over the world for a spin. There will be loads of amazing whiskies to try & buy along with free masterclasses. If you’re a whisky enthusiast or even new to the world of whiskies then this show is for you. Click here to get yours.
What: Punches & Decanters – Bar Week Closing Party
Date: Wednesday, 19th September
Time: 8pm – 11pm
The Details: The Duke of Clarence, 152/156 Clarence Street, Sydney
In celebration of Bar Week 2018. The Duke of Clarence will be showcasing ‘Punches and Decanter’ drinks from there their menu — a nod to the punches from 1800 and 1900s! Join us for the Bar Week closing party and let’s raise a glass — or a bowl — to a successful year. No RSVP needed, Just turn up on the night. First in, best dressed.