Australia’s The Vero Bartender winner named

Has anyone else noticed competition season is in full swing right now? Of course you have, you’re competing.

Last week it was the turn of Amaro Montenegro with it’s the Vero Bartender competition taking place at The George on Collins in Melbourne. Ten finalists from all over the country descended on Melbourne for the national final and it was Adam Lau from Grain of Four Seasons – competing in his first professional cocktail competition, who took out the title.

Speaking about the win, Lau said: “I’m thrilled to have won but also learnt so much from other competitors during the event, it was seriously tough competition. Sharing the journey with the other legends is just amazing.

“This prize has a massive impact on my career, as it’s my first ever competition and winning in Melbourne means a huge amount as it’s the place where I first picked up a shaker and started bartending.”

The finalists competed in front of a judging panel comprising Piotr Kuzmicki, VIC Montenegro & Select Brand Ambassador, Andrea Gualdi, NSW Montenegro & Select Brand Ambassador, Ashley Ng, food and drinks blogger of Imsohungree and Jimmy Burchett, drinks consultant for Menace to Sobriety. 

Gualdi said: “Adam’s presentation was flawless and he delivered on every aspect of the selection criteria across taste, balance, inspiration, creativity, technique, technical execution, presentation and performance.” 

Lau described his winning cocktail “Te Nero” as “a fruity, refreshing, complex and highly sustainable cocktail. It is a drink that has a lot of layers of flavours, elegance and sophistication. Tea cocktails are becoming a trend because of its versatility, unique flavour and depth, especially paired with Amaro Montenegro.”

He will now head to Milan in November to compete in the global final and will enjoy a fully immersive experience discovering Amaro Montenegro as well as Italy’s best bars and restaurants.