Club Suntory brought together 16 bartenders from across Australia for the Maker’s Mark x Beechworth competition. Each selected through the nationwide Gold Rush activation. Venues earned their spot by championing Maker’s Mark through social media features, in-venue assets, menu listings, and promotional activations — ensuring that those who made it to Beechworth were already deeply engaged with the brand and its story.
Day One: Learning from the Bees
The first day was dedicated to exploration. Bartenders immersed themselves in the world of bees, honey, and wild fermentation — learning how pollinators directly shape the flavours behind the bar. Without bees, there would be no citrus, berries, or herbs — and cocktails would lose much of their vibrancy. From understanding different bee species to tasting unique honeys and their fermentation link, Day One was about grounding creativity in sustainability.
Day Two: Turning Knowledge into Creativity
On the second day, bartenders put that knowledge into practice in a creative cocktail competition. Each competitor crafted a drink inspired by their learnings, blending technique, flavour, and storytelling. The standard was high, but in the end Nick Francis (St Brigid Bar, WA) took the crown.
The Prize: Kentucky Awaits
Nick will soon travel to Kentucky with Maker’s Mark Diplomat Rhianna Lucas, where he’ll experience firsthand Maker’s Mark’s sustainability practices, the distillery’s iconic heritage, and what it means to be the first distillery certified as a B Corp. At Maker’s Mark, on-site bees and gardens support the distillery’s sustainability efforts, with honey and seasonal produce featured in their restaurant and cocktail program — including their version of the modern classic, the Gold Rush.
The Message
The Beechworth experience left one clear takeaway: protecting bees means protecting the future of flavour and creativity behind the bar.
Participant Credits
South Australia
- Tahgan Howlett – BRKLYN
- Dylan Foubert – BRKLYN
- Lex Mak – Hains & Co
- Sanam Rai – Hains & Co
- Josh Lever – Malt & Juniper
- Joe Maguire – Malt & Juniper
New South Wales
- Valerio Scozzafava – Charlie Parker’s
Victoria
- Jai Singh – LeBar Supper Club
- Youssouf Michel Douga Ouattara – LeBar Supper Club
- Matt Knox – Marmont Bar
- Rocio Gallego Sanchez – Marmont Bar
Queensland
- Loic Mouchelin – Santé
- Alex Percy – Santé
- Samuel Russ – Naldham House
Western Australia
- Nick Francis – St Brigid Bar
- Mohammad Jamal – St Brigid Bar
Winner: Nick Francis – St Brigid Bar (WA)
Want to be next?
If this sounds like the kind of inspiration you want behind the bar, don’t miss your chance to be part of the next Club Suntory activation. From exclusive masterclasses to competitions, tastings, and behind-the-scenes experiences with global spirits, Club Suntory connects you to the people, brands, and knowledge shaping modern bartending.
Be part of the legacy. Join Club Suntory here (club.suntory.com).