The 10 finalists in the Moutai Enter the Dragon Three Australian cocktail competition have been revealed ahead of the grand finale, which will take place at the Sydney Opera House next week.
The competition, which is designed to challenge the creativity of the region’s top bartenders, required participants to submit an original cocktail recipe incorporating 30ml of Moutai.
Next week’s final will see the finalists present their cocktail over the course of five minutes to a panel of distinguished judges. These experts evaluated each entrant’s ability to capture the essence of Moutai while blending flavours, technique and innovation into their final masterpiece.
The top 10 finalists and their cocktails are:
- Bertie Boekemann – Now and Then, NSW
- Brendan Scott Grey – Bar Love, WA
- Cristiano Beretta – Pocket Bar Terrigal, NSW
- Dave Whitehead – 18th Amendment, Geelong VIC
- Doris Yiyang Gao – PS40, NSW
- Ed Quatermass – Cuatro Group, QLD
- Gorge Camorra – Non Disclosure Bar, Geelong VIC
- Jono Carr – Chuck & Sons, NSW
- Jenny Wang – Sokyo, QLD
- Simon Dacey – Applewood Distillery, SA
Commenting on this year’s finalists, Dan Zhao, Brand and Marketing Manager of Moutai Australia, said: “This year’s ‘Enter The Dragon 3’ competition has been nothing short of extraordinary. We’ve seen a record number of entries, and the creativity displayed by bartenders has been truly astounding.
“The ability to pair Moutai’s rich complexity with diverse ingredients has shone through, and we can’t wait to see these finalists compete in the final round.”
The Drink Cabinet’s Jason Crawley, who is leading the production of the competition said: “Workers on the front lines of the hospitality industry are in real need of a morale boost right now. This competition empowers bartenders to showcase their creativity nationally, and the prospect of winning a life-changing substantial prize.
“Through my conversations with hundreds of entrants, I’ve seen a strong sense of optimism and gratitude for this opportunity. Now in its third year, Moutai’s ‘Enter the Dragon Three’ Competition is designed to be inclusive, welcoming participants of all skill levels. Judges will seek innovative ideas that complement this remarkable liquid.”
This year’s final takes place over Sunday 27 and Monday 28, with the finalists battling it out to claim the Moutai Master title and a $10,000 prize.
