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The much-anticipated Suntory Cup final had
a bit more twist than shake to it this year. Held as the Cocktail
Connoisseur at The Loft on November 8, it was members of the public that
were invited to sample and judge signature cocktail creations from the
five state finalists and help unearth the next biggest star in
bartending.
The
competing bartenders were selected following a gruelling round of
preliminary judging, which involved a series of blind tastings by 100 of
their peers according to appearance, taste and aroma, whittling down
more than 600 entrants to five finalists in each state. Though Sydney
might have been filled with chilling rain on the night, competition was
hot. Attendees took part by dropping their “tip chips” into the jar of
the bartender who they considered to be the most engaging host and the
creator of their favourite cocktail of the evening. But it was Paul Neyland
of Mildura, who took out the national title with his aptly titled
cocktail creation, ‘Pauly’s Paradise’. Pauly won the trip of a lifetime
to visit the best cocktail bars of Paris and distilleries throughout
France with $1,000 spending money.
Club
Suntory Manager, Nigel Weisbaum said: “This is the first time that
Suntory has opened up judging of our annual Suntory Cup competition to
discerning cocktail drinking members of the public. ‘Pauly’s Paradise’
was a clear crowd favourite on the night, although his competitors put
on a fine show.”
Second
place was awarded to Gem Cherrie for her ‘Zen Iced Tea Margarita’
creation, while James Bator came runner up with his ‘Lemon Melon
Kicker’. The Myall High Club and X-Factor 2010 finalist, India Rose
Madderom provided some smooth sounds for the night
Pauly’s
Paradise Glass: Highball Garnish: Pineapple wedge Method: Shake and
strain Ingredients: 30ml Lejay Lagoute 20ml Passoa 10ml Paraiso 30ml
lime juice 60ml pear juice 60ml guava juice
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