The global reputation of Australia’s bar scene continues to grow with three bars named as Top Four finalists in different categories for the 2020 Spirited Awards.
The Tales of the Cocktail Foundation has revealed the Top Four finalists in each category of the Spirited Awards, with Byrdi, Maybe Sammy and the Baxter Inn all in with a shout of taking one of these prestigious awards.
The Spirited Awards were established in 2007 and celebrate leading bartenders, bars, brand ambassadors and journalists to recognise every facet of the global spirits and cocktail community.
The Australian bars named as Top Four finalists are:
Best International Bar Team
- La Factoría — San Juan, Puerto Rico
- MAYBE SAMMY — Sydney, Australia
- The Clumsies — Athens, Greece
- The Connaught Bar — London, UK
Best International Cocktail Bar
- Floreria Atlántico — Buenos Aires, Argentina
- MAYBE SAMMY — Sydney, Australia
- Native — Singapore
- Swift — London, UK
Best International High Volume Cocktail Bar
- La Factoría — San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Licorería Limantour — Mexico City, Mexico
- Panda & Sons — Edinburgh, Scotland
- The Baxter Inn — Sydney, Australia
Best New International Cocktail Bar
- BYRDI — Melbourne, Australia
- Kwānt — London, UK
- Tayēr + Elementary — London, UK
- Tres Monos — Buenos Aires, Argentina
Australia also has another nomination in the brand ambassador award:
Best International Brand Ambassador
- Camille Austin — Casa Lumbre Spirits
- Martin Hudák — Mr Black Spirits
- Daniyel Jones — The House of Angostura
- Dave Mitton — Lot No. 40 & J.P. Wiser’s Canadian Whisky
Spirited Awards International Chair, Jacob Briars, said: “In this very difficult time in the global industry, it is some rare good news to be able to celebrate the hard work of bartenders and bars around the world.
“My hope is that the Awards this year shine a light on this amazing, resilient community, as well as inspiring the public to visit these great nominees.”
Caroline Rosen, President of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, added: “For many months now, we debated whether an awards ceremony is what the world needs right now.
“Ultimately, we decided yes, we do need to continue to celebrate the resilience of our peers. Doubling down on philanthropic recognition and introducing categories that more accurately depict the range of voices contributing to the progress of our industry in meaningful ways — these are just a few of many steps forward we’re looking to make as an organisation.
“Changing policies mid-awards cycle and recasting votes was a very difficult decision that we do not take lightly, but our hope is that it will create a more equitable and fair structure for all nominees.”
The winners will be announced on 21 September and the full list of all this year’s finalists is available on the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation website.
