The March issue of Australian Bartender is out now, landing as the industry powers through a busy first quarter marked by international awards, competition season kicking off and big brand activations across the country.
Leading the issue is a celebration of Club Suntory turning 40, with Suntory Oceania marking the milestone in style through this year’s Suntory Cup. The competition offers $40,000 in prizes, with two winners – Club Omoroi and Club Yatte Minahare – each taking home $10,000 in cash plus a European trip valued at another $10,000.
Awards season is also heating up, with nominations officially open for the Australian Bar Awards. This year sees a tightened voting process designed to create a more even playing field. As always, the awards remain industry-led, with winners decided by votes from within the bar community itself.
Across the issue, the magazine dives into several of the trends shaping bars right now. A feature on page 24 looks at how leading venues are responding to the continued rise of low and no-alcohol drinking, speaking with top bars – all finalists in last year’s Bar Awards – about how they’re adapting their menus and approach to the growing NoLo demand.
There’s also a deep dive into vermouth, with industry veteran Claudio Bedini contributing a guide to the category’s origins and current revival. Meanwhile, the classic cocktail spotlight this month lands on the Americano.
Elsewhere in the issue, the team from Maybe Sammy features heavily. The venue appears in the Back Bar venue profile, while bartender Holly Grimshaw shares her career journey in a profile on page 44.
Other highlights include a look at the Oceans 11 from Maybe Sammy, a profile on Rico Deang from Beverly, and a story on how global travel inspired the concept behind Sammy Piquant.
The issue also rounds up the latest bar openings from around the country, industry headlines, and the magazine’s regular Bar Exam – giving bartenders a chance to start brushing up for the Bartender of the Year exam later this year.