The winner of the Oceania final of the Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge has been named, with Rohan Massie taking out the title ahead of five other bartenders on Monday night at Smoke Bar at Barangaroo in Sydney.
Massie, who is also a finalist in the Patrón Perfectionists competition, has been the Venue Manager at rum bar Rude Boy for the last three years. He made two cocktails; one using Angostura’s award-winning rum portfolio and the other using Amaro di Angostura, with both cocktails featuring Angostura’s iconic bitters range.
Speaking after being named the winner, Massie said: “I can’t believe it. The competition was so tough, I was certain one of the others would get it. Full respect to everyone else but man, it feels great to win.
“It’s a tough comp this one; you only get seven minutes to make two cocktails and because it’s all about the quality of your drinks and your chat, there’s nowhere to hide. I’m truly humbled.”
As winner Massie collects $10,000 and also a year-long contract as the Oceania Angostura Brand Ambassador. He will also head to the global final, which will be held in Trinidad & Tobago, where the prize on offer is US$10,000 and a two-year contract as Angostura’s Global Brand Ambassador.
Head Judge, Dan Gregory, is hopeful of Massie’s chances in the final.
“Any of tonight’s competitors would have done us proud at the global finalists in Trinidad. I’m looking forward to see how Rohan goes. His drinks were first class and his presentation was flawless. I think he could stand a good chance of taking out the global title.”
As the previous winner, Gregory is also well aware of the hectic year ahead for Massie.
“Being the Angostura brand ambassador has been a once in a lifetime experience and I wish Rohan all the best for the next year. Strap in, it’s a wild ride.”
Second place went to Andrea Marseglia from Madame George in Auckland with Taylor Matthews from Beneath Driver Lane in Melbourne taking out third. The other three finalists competing were Campbell Nichol, also from Rude Boy in Hobart; Storm Evans from Cobbler in Brisbane and Jordan Davies from Los Banditos in Wellington.
Massie’s created the Doctor’s Orders:
- 50ml Angostura 5 Year Old Rum
- 10 basil leaves
- 20ml strawberry cordial
- 40ml mandarin juice
- 30ml coconut milk
- 5ml fresh lime juice
- 2 dashes Angostura orange bitters
And click here for his Hidden Perfection recipe.
