island2island is putting out the call for the best bartenders in the country to enter the Australian heats of the Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge for 2017.
The Australian heats will run in each state in July and August, and will see bartenders show of their skills and compete to secure a spot at the national finals in Sydney on September 17.
The winner of the Aussie finals will receive a 12-month contract as the Australian Angostura Brand Ambassador as well as $10,000 AUD. They will also be flown to Trinidad on an all-expenses paid trip during Carnival in February 2018 to compete in the Global Finals.
After proving themselves against some of the world’s best bartenders, the global winner will not only be crowned the Angostura Global Cocktail Champion but will also receive another $10,000 USD and represent Angostura as Global Ambassador for two years.
James Irvine, previous national winner and Australian Brand Ambassador, said: “It has been an amazing two years and a knockout experience. In the role, I was fortunate enough to travel Australia and the world, explore, discover and learn from many talented bartenders and fellow ambassadors.
“The great thing about the Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge is that it is based on a combination of knowledge and raw talent; that’s represented through your drinks as you’re limited to a certain amount of ingredients in your cocktail.
“It really comes down to the bartender’s understanding of flavour profiles, balance and texture.”
Allan Shearer, CEO of island2island – distributor of Angostura in Australia – said: “We are lucky to have some of the most talented bartenders in the world here in Australia. Having previously held the title three times, we are definitely the country to look out for at the global final in Trinidad.”
Previous winners of the Aussie title include Marco Nunes from Canvas in Brisbane, Joe Sinagra from Bobeche in Perth, Andy Griffiths from Melbourne, Mike Tomasic from Rhonda’s in Terrigal and James Irvine from Swillhouse in Sydney.
Australia has also had success at the finals: Nunes, Griffiths and Tomasic each went on to win the global title.
Entries for 2017 will open on June 1 at 12:01am and will close on June 30 at 11.59pm. Each entrant will need to submit two cocktails, as well as a video and a written entry.
Bartenders can take up the challenge and enter on the Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge website.
