As the hospitality industry gears up for this year’s coveted Bartender of the Year title, 2024’s winner, Joey Folkersma reflects on his year with the crown.
It took three attempts for Folkersma before he won Bartender of the Year in 2024.
“It was my third go, and I’d taken a three-year hiatus before coming back. I was only behind the bar for six or seven months before the competition,” he says. But he puts his success down to that break and more relaxed mindset.
“It was the least amount of preparedness I had, really, for the whole thing. When they announced the second place and it wasn’t me, I was in disbelief. It was overwhelming – imposter syndrome kicked in. I’m just some dude from Darwin, and suddenly my name is up there with all these amazing bartenders,” he says.
The emotional rollercoaster of the win was compounded by the sense of validation and the weight of joining a lineage of industry greats.
“Your name lines up with all these amazing bartenders that went before you. Apparently, it’s a thing now,” Joey laughs.
The award’s impact
Winning Bartender of the Year is a significant accolade. Folkersma says the best reactions came from people out-of-state who found the bar through web search results because of his win.
“We are a small local bar that already had a good reputation, so the impact of the award didn’t necessarily match that for a bar in a more crowded environment,” he says. But the recognition did open doors.
“We organise the NT Bartender of the Year awards every year, and out of the people that work behind the bar, all but one or two have been finalists. The last three editions have been taken out by one of our guys. It’s a testament to the quality of our team.”
Memorable moments and industry legends
One of the highlights of his year was meeting Leslie Gracie, the legendary founder and master distiller for Hendrick’s Gin. (See our August issue cover story)
“She is fantastic, such a warm, quirky person. After the photo shoot, I just sat with her, talking about everyday things. That private moment was very special,” he says.
Travel has been a major perk of the win. “The rest of the trip was lots of whiskey, lots of saying g’day to people who know our guide, “Wee” James McRae.
“I’ve been to Scotland before, but this time, having a local guide made all the difference. The private tour of Glenfiddich and Belvedere distilleries was unforgettable.”
Advice for aspiring competitors
Folkersma’s experience has given him a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in the competition. Here are his top five tips for those preparing to compete:
- Study up
Read the magazine and study up. Getting past the exam is really hard. I used flashcards and wrote everything down, especially when it came to the classics. Sometimes you have to relearn a classic because bars might have their own twist.
- Taste widely and responsibly
Taste as many different alcohols as you can – responsibly, of course. Even last time, I am pretty sure I got none of the spirits right in the blind tasting! Focus on what the sponsoring brands have but broaden your palate.
- Have go-to recipes
Go in with one or two classic recipes in your mind that you can adapt quickly. I always do a daiquiri because it’s easy and every bar has the ingredients. From there, you can do a little twist or add something extra.
- Prepare in advance
If you are aiming to win, bring your drinks with you. Last year, I brought everything I needed, even my garnish, just in case I made it to the stage. That way, you don’t have to think on the spot.
- Stay relaxed and enjoy the moment
Once you are on stage, just talk about your drink like you’re talking to a guest at the bar. Focus on how you made it, why you chose certain ingredients, and don’t overthink it. Being able to stand on that stage is already a win.
The reality after the win
Despite the glamour of the title, Joey emphasises that life behind the bar remains much the same. “When it comes to working in the bar, everything is still the same. You still have to wash everything by hand,” he jokes. “It’s like actors who win an Oscar and then the phone stops ringing. The reality is, you just keep doing what you love.”