Pleasure Membership’s Jake Down has been named Australia’s 2024 Bartender of the Yr and can go on to symbolize the nation on the international finals in Shanghai.
This system, run by Diageo, is now in its fifteenth 12 months, with main bartenders collaborating in a collection of rounds for his or her likelihood to snag the title.
Down competed in opposition to 5 different finalists for this 12 months together with James Irvine from Merivale, Sydney; Matt Bodycote from State Buildings, Perth; Rohan Massie from Impolite Boy, Hobart; Shirley Yeung from Foxtrot, Perth; and Tom Opie from The Waratah, Sydney.
The bar skills accomplished three challenges on 27 Could overlaying the Malt Maximalism Problem, which noticed bartenders reimagine conventional whisky serves and the Paint the City Ruby Problem which revolved round utilizing Johnnie Walker Black Ruby.
The Verify On! Problem was the ultimate spherical and required bartenders to create six traditional cocktails in six minutes utilizing Diageo’s Reserve portfolio.
Opie took out the Malt Maximalism section, Down gained the Paint the City Ruby Problem, and Massie took out the Verify On! Problem.
This 12 months noticed the introduction of a brand new class – The Bartender’s Bartender – a peer-nominated award that was given to Irvine.
Down will quickly symbolize Australia on the international finals held in Shanghai from 9-13 September, which can see 50 bartenders compete in multi-format occasions.
“The competitors has uncovered me to a number of the finest bartenders within the trade, permitting me to study and develop alongside unbelievable expertise,” says Down.
“I’m honoured to be a part of our unbelievable hospitality group and I can’t wait to symbolize Australia in September on the international finals.”
