Three days of World Class challenges

Ten of Australia’s best bartenders face three days of cocktail challenges that will decide who will be this year’s national World Class winner, and Australia’s representative in the global finals.

Those competing are Phil Gandevia, Fred Siggins, Perryn Collier, Angus Burton, Joel Persson, Callan Green, Michael Chiem, Tim Philips, Dan Gregory and Ryan Gavin. The last two were runners up in their category and will be replacing the category winners, Chris Hysted and Jessica Arnott, who are unable to attend the finals.

The ten finalists will face five challenges over three days, including a cocktail mastery challenge where they will be asked to present a twist on a classic cocktail, as well as a signature drink, both of their choice.

Contestants will also face a speed and taste challenge that will require them to make four drinks for ‘customers’, and they will also be tested on their knowledge of classic cocktails, having to make two classics from a list of 15 and discuss the stories behind the drinks.

But by far the most daunting of the challenges will be the food matching component. Bartenders will have 90 minutes to create a cocktail to complement one of five courses prepared by the Sokyo kitchen.

The finalists will then have to make 70 cocktails to serve to trade judges and consumers at a dinner held at Sokyo on June 12, where all the guests will have a chance to vote on their favourite cocktail of the night.

Tickets to the food pairing dinner cost $180 and there are still a limited number available. To make a booking, call The Star on 1800 700 700 and mention 'World Class event at Sokyo’.

Source: The Shout, 8 June 2012