In amongst the current global situation, we were fortunate enough to execute the VIC/TAS final with 16 incredibly talented and deserving finalists. The two days of competition showed a strong sense of community, and how in times like this we become sturdier than ever!
We have announced earlier in the week we are postponing The Perfect Blend activity until further notice. However this article is all about highlighting who won, all our brilliant finalists, and what happened over the course of the two days.
What went down…
On Tuesday morning, the third Regional Final for The Perfect Blend Cocktail competition 2020, was held in Melbourne.
Bartenders flocked to BYRDI (like what I did there?) meeting their host for the day, Luke Whearty, before embarking on a day of outdoor adventures.
The destination was Spurrell Farm in Yarra Valley for a foraging expedition learning about the origin of their produce and new flavours from a variety of flora.
14 finalists, (6 Apprentice Category and 8 Professional Category) were whisked away from the city, to a day in the peaceful Yarra Valley. As part of the day’s agenda, they were treated to an intimate and informative hands-on session, learning from Liam Spurrell, new flavours and species of flora, then exploring the production of Bee keeping and honey production.
After an informative time with Liam, the bartenders returned to Melbourne CBD for a session in the ‘Aviary’ aka workshop hosted by Luke himself, on techniques including how to extract flavours, cocktail concept and creation also breaking down and simplifying the Rotary Vap machine….
Post this, was a night of celebration and a Jim Beam dinner, welcoming the finalists to the competition at Blue Bonnet.
This Regional Final saw another group of finalists competing for the very first time – although you wouldn’t have known by the strength, and confidence of each performance. The Perfect Blend also welcomed back a few finalists all vying for another attempt at the title!
The competition day saw finalists take to the stage, in which each had their 7 minutes of fame to present their ‘ A toast to… ‘ cocktail in front of their fellow competitors and a judging panel consisting of Tom Scott, Cara Devine, Owen Westman and Tim Laferla ( last years Professional Category winner).
Before competition day, finalists were required to promote their signature creations within their respective venues for a total of two (2) weeks, to celebrate World Bartender Day. Points toward their final scores were awarded on their approach to this component of this competition. See the 100 finalists and their cocktails at www.worldbartenderday.com
After the presentations had concluded – Zhou Zhou in South Yarra, hosted the finalists to an intimate Haku vodka dinner and it was here they were able to relax and enjoy time together before the announcement. The judges deliberated, and scores were in, the VIC/TAS Regional finals winners were announced.
Apprentice Category winner was awarded to our first every Hobart Winner – Madeleine Irwin. Back for a second time into the competition, was, Tony Huang taking out Professional category from The Cloakroom.
Madeleine and Tony now proceed to the Grand Final held later this year, with the 10 other state finalist winners yet to be announced.
APPRENTICE CATEGORY
Hieu Thai
Surekha Krishnan
Francesca CamillI
Jordan Taskovski
Madeleine Irwin
Isabella Byrne
PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY
Luke Kelly
Tony Huang
Shenai Jones
James Campbell-Graham
Alexander Chaplin
Dylan Spowart
Campbell Nicol
Ash Turner
Please note, even though we’ve postponed The Perfect Blend regional finals, we are not going far. Once we know it’s safe, we will come back larger than ever, to support and celebrate you all. In the meantime, we are busy planning online education as well as giving back to our incredible community. Our family.
Any questions please contact us. Hayley.morison@beamsuntory.com