The August issue of Australian Bartender has landed. With Sydney Bar Week and Bar Awards just weeks away, this edition is filled with stories, and inspiration to carry you through the busiest month of the year.
First things first, flip to the back of the magazine for the full four-day schedule of Sydney Bar Week. From tastings to takeovers, masterclasses to parties, it’s shaping up to be another unforgettable celebration of our industry. For the latest updates, head to sydneybarweek.com.au and lock it all in.
And then, of course, the Bar Awards. If the past 23 years are anything to go by, we’re in for a night of pure hospitality magic, recognition, and celebration. The big question: who will be crowned the 2025 Bartender of the Year? We’ll find out on Wednesday, 17 September at the Bar Awards, with the top three finalists announced during the Bartender of the Year competition at Four Pillars Laboratory in Surry Hills – proudly supported this year by Vanguard Luxury Brands.
Inside this issue, our cover story interview (page 18) with Daniel Motlop of Seven Seasons Spirits is one not to miss. He speaks about the importance of sourcing native ingredients with respect, and the opportunities for our industry to lead when it comes to cultural and environmental sustainability.
On page 22, current Bartender of the Year Joey Folkersma reflects on his reign, sharing insights and tips for those stepping up to the competition this year. We also dropped into Double Deuce for this month’s shoot – catch our profile on co-owner Sebastian Soto (page 29) and take a closer look at the venue itself on page 42.
Find Priscilla Leong in our leadership column (page 45), offering lessons from her own career on fostering effective leadership, while Alessandro Nardini (page 47) breaks down practical steps towards sustainability in your bar. Add to that a healthy mix of cocktail recipes, features, and reports from the road – including founder Dave Spanton’s postcard from Madrid – and you’ve got everything you need to keep sharp this month.
Grab your copy, get stuck in, and we’ll see you at Bar Week. And remember – tickets are selling fast for our 24th Annual Bar Awards, so don’t miss your chance to be part of the industry’s biggest night of the year, and email events@twodeforce.com.au to secure yours today!