NEWS VIBE THE BARS, THE EVENTS, THE THE DRINKS, DRINKS, THE THE PASSION BRANDS
8 bars&clubs
SPACE WHISKY OFFICIALLY TASTES DIFFERENT FOUR years ago samples of Ardbeg whisky were sent to the International Space Station. After being returned to Earth the samples have been tested and the results are in. “The space samples were noticeably different,” Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s director of distilling, said. “When I nosed and tasted the space samples, it became clear that much more of Ardbeg’s smoky, phenolic character shone through, to reveal a different set of smoky flavours which I have not encountered here on Earth before.” He added: “Ardbeg already has a complex character, but the results of our experiment show that there is potentially even more complexity that we can uncover, to reveal a different side to the whisky.” Further analysis, looking at ratios of different types of wood extractive compounds, found significant differences between the two sets of samples – demonstrating that gravity has a very real effect on the maturation of spirits. Dr Lumsden said: “Our findings may also one day have significant implications for the whisky industry as a whole. In the future, the altered range of wood extractions could lead scientists to be able to detail the ratios of compounds expected in whiskies of a certain age.” Jeffrey Manber, CEO of NanoRacks which partnered with Ardbeg on this experiment, commented: “It’s hard to find companies willing to be pioneers. To have a partner like Ardbeg that is willing to make this sort of commitment augurs well for the future of commercial space research into flavourings and what it changes for consumer products in general.”
DIAGEO WORLD CLASS JAPAN’S Michito Keneko has been named as the winner of the 2015 Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender competition, beating the global field that gathered in South Africa for the final. After four days of challenges and competitions Keneko was selected as the best from among the original 54 contenders by a panel of expert judges. “When I heard my name, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, I was in total shock,” Keneko said after the announcement. “I’m very happy to have won. This is definitely a turning point in my life. I can’t wait to tell my wife and family. But I must remember that even though I am the World Class champion, I must stay humble and true to myself and what I love.” Thirteen years ago Michito quit his job as a construction worker to become a bartender, after tasting cocktails in his home region of Nara, Japan. Three years ago he opened his own bar in Nara, The Lamp Bar, where he is the manager and sole bartender. Australia’s entrant, Jack Sotti of Melbourne bar Boilermaker House, came third in the prestigious competition. As the winner Keneko now has the opportunity to travel the world as a global brand ambassador for World Class.
BACARDI TOP THREE THE semi-final of the Australian Bacardi Legacy cocktail competition took place on the Gold Coast, with three bartenders to now fight it out for the national title. The initial field of 145 entrants was whittled down to the top 15 ‘most inspirational drinks’ by Bacardi’s brand ambassadors. Each of the 15 contestants told the stories behind their legacy cocktails at the semi-final before presenting their drink to the judges for tasting. The top three bartenders and their drinks were announced in no particular order: The Seventh Art – Andrew Bennett (The Classroom, WA) The Treaty of Paris – Peter Hollands (The Gresham, QLD) El Pasaporte – Igor Pachi (Assembly Bar, NSW) The national final will take place in Sydney in February and between now and then the three finalists will be individually mentored by a Bacardi brand ambassador. That final will see one of the three named as the 2016 Australian Legacy winner and they will go on to compete in the 2016 Global Final, which will be held in San Francisco.