Keep your fingers tightly crossed for Diageo World Class 2019 Australian winner Alex Boon, who is currently competing in Scotland for the title of Diageo World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2019.
Boon, from Mjølner in Melbourne, is flying the flag for Australia and competing against 55 other nations for world title.
The Australian competition is recognised as one of the best in the world, having produced two global winners – Tim Philips (2012) and Orlando Marzo (2018) – in the past decade. Can Alex Boon make it a trifecta?
Krystal Hart (above), Australia’s World Class Ambassador, said: “This year was highly competitive and a showcase of extraordinary talent. It’s exciting to see how innovative Australia’s bar industry has become. Alex impressed us early on, and his continued sense of creativity and attention to detail really shone through in the judge’s eyes. Once again the competition has inspired us with new ideas and we can’t wait to touchdown in Glasgow where Alex will demonstrate what Australia has to offer.”
Boon added: “I am so honoured to have competed alongside the best bartenders in the country and to have been named the Diageo World Class Australian best bartender.
“It was a tough final – the level of talent in the competition was incredibly high and I am just so delighted and proud to have been awarded the title. It really is a huge acclaim, not only for me but also for Melbourne.
Mjolner Australia noted on Instagram: “Big shout out to our legendary bar manager @doonbocksaint_for winning @worldclassaustralia !! Absolute Legend!! Can’t wait to see what he does next!”
Over the past week, the finalists including Alex Boon (above) have been competing in a series of challenges in Amsterdam and Scotland including:
- Making a Ketel One Vodka cocktail that had a positive environmental impact and sense of community at its core
- Mixing up a Talisker masterpiece, using a mystery box of ingredients and bar tools
- Creating a drink that respected, enhanced and complemented renowned single malt The Singleton
- Devising a cocktail flight of three small drinks that explored the fresh citrus heart of Tanqueray No. Ten
- Excelling at a Johnnie Walker ‘highball in a can’ challenge
- Plus, a final speed round where they were judged by industry legends on the quality of their cocktail-making under immense time pressures.
The winner is expected to be announced in the early hours of Friday morning Australian time. Stay tuned …
