Suntory Global Spirits, a world leader in premium spirits, has selected the 80 State finalists of the prestigious Suntory Cup bartending competition in Australia!
After a decade-long hiatus, the Suntory Cup returns, inviting talented hospitality professionals to demonstrate their skills, passion and creativity in the art of bartending. This year’s theme, “Reinvigorate the Retro,” encouraged participants to craft cocktails inspired by classic influences, using Suntory Global Spirits’ iconic brands.
“The Suntory Cup serves as a platform for bartenders to exhibit their talent and push the boundaries of mixology,” explains John Galiatsatos, Group Advocacy Manager – Suntory Global Spirits. “We are genuinely impressed by the high standard and innovative spirit of the entries. Today’s consumers are increasingly discerning, favoring quality and authenticity, as well as brands that tell a compelling story. It’s inspiring to see the creative ways our brands are being showcased.
“The finalists captivated our judges with the narratives behind their cocktails, stunning presentations, and meticulous attention to detail that brought their creations to fruition.”
The finalists will showcase their skills at Regional-based Suntory Showdowns kicking off in Melbourne on 14th July for all Victoria and Tasmania competitors, and finishing in Sydney, on 13th August. Two champions will win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan, exploring Suntory’s distilleries and engaging in spirit consultancy, bar culture, and mentorship from industry icons.
Earlier this year, Suntory reaffirmed its dedication to the hospitality sector in Oceania with the launch of Club Suntory, providing bar professionals with access to top-tier resources, programs, and content tailored to enhance every aspect of their careers.
ACT & NSW
Club Omoroi
Jet Hauge
Sam Liao
Conor Teevan
Quinn Zuo
Avery Quinn Ng
Elijah Blaszczynski
June Avery
Storm Evans
Jay Cozma
Bertie Boekemann
Angus Power
Judith Zhu
Ngametua Fatongiatau
Tua Fatongiatau
Brett Nebauer
Eduardo Conde
Club Yatte Minahare
Aidan Scoble
William Wu
Akari Ikeda
Liam Spillane
Anzhe Huang
Madeleine Smith
QLD & NT
Club Omoroi
Loic Mouchelin
Leah Dunnigan
Aidan Perkins
Jenny Wang
Francesco Squillacioti
Ned Kiely
Jacob Cohen
Matt Zarimis
Jay Playford
Elliot Pascoe
Club Yatte Minahare
Jacob Frisch
Coco Righetti
Jason Larry
Carter Stacey
TAS & VIC
Club Omoroi
Calvin Chan
John Ross-Jones
Reuben Beasley-Palmer
Joey Tai
Bingxiao Hua
Josephe Kourmouzis
Kevin Kim
Masaki Hisaike
Damien Kos-Beckwith
Richard Liu
Tristan Lefebure
Rohan Massie
Edwin Ditchfield
Clemence Carette
Nicholas Harwood
Ben Hardy
Club Yatte Minahare
Jake Lewis
Frank Taplin
Jackson Wilde
Tom Smith
Alex Roberts
Andrew Durgan
SA & WA
Club Omoroi
Rosie McClure
Charlotte MacMaster
Jack Beighton
Ryan Ng
Riley Horspool
Pippa Canavan
Charles Arias
Tyler Olley
Benjamin Brookes
Murray Walsh
Tahgan Howlett
Mike Han
Chris Hodges
James Gentile
Kate Burgess
Marcus Pascoe
Club Yatte Minahare
Laura Gardiner
Christian Perone
Mark Liao
Laura Mischler
Tyra-Jay Kelly
Antuco Cifuentes
Be Part of the Legacy. Join Club Suntory to be part of a vibrant, inclusive community where talent thrives.