Appleton Estate Rum Australian Bartender Challenge Final 2012

The Appleton Estate Rum Australian Bartender Challenge Final 2012 was held at Luxe Studios in Darlinghurst, a venue that was transformed into a Jamaican Tiki haven.

Appleton Estate Rum Australian Bartender Challenge Final

Six finalists from each Australian state competed for the title, with each bartender creating a Tiki drink and an Australian inspired cocktail at their own bar. Invited guests contributed to the vote by tasting the cocktails and voting for their favourite.

*L-R: Andy Garwood, Jamie Chesher, Daniele Pirotta, Erika Heynatz, Sam Egerton, Darren Leaney and Kenny Soetomo

The finalists were Sam Egerton of Felix (NSW,) Darren Leaney of Grace the Establishment (SA), Andy Garwood of Manhattan Wine Bar (TAS), Kenny Soetomo of The Brisbane Hotel (WA), Jamie Chesher of EDV Melbourne (VIC) and Daniele Pirotta of The Envy Hotel (QLD).

*L-R: Stuart Reeves, Danielle Barrett, Allan McCormack, Erika Heynatz, Johnny Croft and Alex Zabotto-Bentley

The bartender competition was judged by Allan McCormack (Rum Company New Zealand), Stuart Reeves (Brand Ambassador for Brown Forman), Johnny Croft (Brown Forman), Danielle Barrett (Brown Forman), Alex Zabotto Bentley (AZBcreative) and David Spanton (Spanton Media).

Jamie Chesher, Winner

Jamie Chesher of EDV Melbourne took out the first prize which will see him travel to Jamaica to compete in the world finals. His winning creation was the Neck-Breaker cocktail, a blend of Appleton Estate Extra 12 Year Old with Appleton Estate Reserve 8 Year Old, flavoured with walnut, ruby grapefruit, Demerara and chocolate, a tribute to the premium rum’s heritage.

Sam Egerton, Runner Up

Runner up was Sam Egerton (NSW) followed by Daniele Pirotta (QLD) and Kenny Soetomo (WA).

Tim Phibs

Tasty food was provided by Chef Stuart McGill and the mobile food truck, Eat Art Truck which included beef brisket sliders with Caribbean spices, gourmet tofu burgers with chilli sauce and Appleton Estate Rum inspired desserts. Renowned street artist Tim Phibs (Eat Art Truck, myPlates, Jack’s Hive) painted a live canvas for the Appleton Estate event which was hosted by Erika Heynatz and created by AZBcreative.

Congratulations to Jamie Chesher on his win. He’ll be competing in the global finals in October to be held in Jamaica.

For photos of all the bar action, visit Gourmantic on Facebook.

The Appleton Estate Rum Australian Bartender Challenge Final 2012 was held on Tuesday 10 July 2012 at Luxe Studios in Darlinghurst. Gourmantic attended as media guests.

* Photo credit: Esteban La Tessa