Bali’s bartenders battle it out
With bartending becoming increasingly sophisticated on the island and the art of mixology coming to the fore, healthy competition has developed between local bartenders and mixologists keen to be at the top of their game. Creativity has been further stimulated by the renowned regional and international bartending competitions run by Diageo plc in Southeast Asia.
To support local talent and provide another platform to showcase and appreciate their skills, hot on the heels of the first round of the Diageo World Class Bartender Competition held in Jakarta and Bali last March, Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort invited 13 of the best bartenders and mixologists from Bali’s prestigious resorts to battle it out in the first Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Mixology Competition on 28th May. Participants attended from W Retreat and Spa Bali Seminyak, The Ritz-Carlton Bali, Ayana Resort and Spa Bali, Bulgari Resort Bali, Conrad Bali, The Breezes and host Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort.
Commercial Head of Reserve from Diageo Indonesia, Kabir Suharan, expressed his support, saying: “We are happy to support the mixology competition at the Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort with our luxury brands. Diageo is a part of this event because Diageo is consistent in elevating and celebrating the craft of bartenders, proven by our Diageo World Class Bartending Competition held every year.”
A gruelling series of presentations at the alfresco bar of Sofitel Bali’s Cut Catch Cucina were interspersed with funky beats from a DJ and enthusiastic support from watching bartenders. Judged by Diageo’s Area Manager, Jessie Judi Mara, Ku De Ta Bali’s Food and Beverages Manager Bruce Bartholomew and DJ Anastasia, the criteria encompassed technique, presentation, creativity, aroma and taste, and expression to spirit. The five finalists were challenged to create wholly locally inspired cocktails and drew on a range of local spices and traditional herbal drinks.
The eventual winners were I Made Agus Borti Jessika from W, followed by Ida Bagus Agung Bawartha, also from W, and I Wayan Juni Antara from the Sofitel Bali. Prizes for the winners included a bottle of Don Julio tequila, weekend brunch passes for Sofitel Bali’s Brunch a la Francaise at Cut Catch Cucina, a trophy and an iPhone 5. www.sofitelbali.com or www.sofitel-bali-nusadua.com.
