Diageo's world class contest is on again. I like this contest. For the uninformed, bartenders in 24 countries compete in a series of mini cocktail comps in their respective countries to be crowned as a representative in a global, gladiators-esque cocktail competition held in Greece. Last year a good friend of mine, Adi Ruiz from Melbourne's Black Pearl, was Australia's representative. Another friend of mine, Ryan Chetiyawardana formerly of Bramble fame -now at London's 69 Colebrooke Row- represented the United Kingdon. Both of these guys are amazing at what they do and deserved the right to represent their country. This year in the United Kingdon a guy by the name of Erik Lorincz - of Connaught Hotel-, and Adam Brewer -Sling lounge -won the right to represent the UK and Aus respectively.
Look, i'm not saying these guys don't deserve to be where they are in this week's finals. Don't take this post as me questioning their rights to be there. These guys are some of the best at what they do, and not to mention great guys in general! Here's my beef though; The qualifying contest in the UK was judged by a series of five industry 'experts'. I have no problem with two of the chosen judges. Simon Difford and Andy Pearson are both involved in extensively in the booze industry, they're well rehearsed in tasting cocktails, and evaluating how a great drink should be balanced. But what the hell were the rest of the judges doing there? John Torrode and Greg Wallace from Masterchef? Really?? Why, as the collective beverage industry, do we constantly need to compare ourselves to our culinary counterparts? Surely these guys have got as much right judging the balance of drink as I have of judging a cake contest. I mean you don't see sommeliers being asked to judge Masterchef do you? And for the other judge, Andy Morris from the online edition of GQ magazine being asked to decipher the subtle elements of an elegant, 23 year-old rum creation? P-LEAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSE.
I'm sorry, can we just leave the booze to the booze-heads and the the food to the foodies? That is all.
TP
Oh by the way, i'm glad to report actual industry big-cheeses such as the Regans, Winchesters, and Dorelli's are watching over the big decisions in the finals being held currently in Greece. Good luck to all the competitors, i'm jealous as hell i'm not there!!
wicked
ReplyDeleteYah thank's Tim for your review That's my Son Adam Brewer he's just a baby @ 23.I think he's done really well to get where he is now, he did beat Audi, which blew him out.Anyway now the world is his oyster.So lets see how he goes in Greece & lets hope its THE AUSSIE THAT WINS THIS CHALLANG
ReplyDeleteCheers Lizzy Battese from Aussie Land.
May be you should take him under you wing Tim
ReplyDeleteAww, great to hear a proud Mum Ms Brewer. I hear he did a great job, and he well and truly smashed Adi as well as holding his own commendably in Greece. He's in good hands up in Brisbane with the Sling kids and doesn't need and help from me.
ReplyDeleteIm sure he will be beating lots of people for years to come.
What a trove of awesome banter! Yep, stoked to see Ads rocking it up in Greece - he must've had a sweet time! The international comp is rad, rad, rad.
ReplyDeleteYou're on the money with your call mate - check me out, agreeing with you and shit!
Your boy's a winner Ms B!
Gravy.