The Plantation Rum Cup is a competition with a difference is it is open to bar teams that create memorable experiences rather than just individuals.
The finalists for this year’s competition across Australia and New Zealand have been revealed after the judges picked their rock star teams from more than 90 carefully crafted entries.
These teams will now compete with the winners walking away with the World’s first Plantation Rum Cup trophy and a team trip to Barbados to visit the West Indies Rum Distillery.
Plantation Rum has outlined the seven finalists and their cocktails:
18th Amendment in Geelong: Cocktail ‘Breakfast with Pierre’ is crafted by Gorge Camorra, owner-operator of the Camorra Group/Venue owner of The 18th Amendment Bar and Bartender Tim Arnott. ‘Breakfast with Pierre’ is a twist on an Old Fashioned, incorporates Plantation Original Dark and Plantation Barbados Rums whilst paying homage to the birth of Plantation.
Adam Wood, General Manager and Rockstar Manager Lakhdeep Singh from Mr. Brightside Rooftop Bar in Christchurch: The ‘Dreadlock Holiday’ cocktail is a tropical number which combines Plantation Original Dark, Plantation Stiggin’s Fancy Pineapple and Plantation 3 Stars White Rums.
Pineapple on Parnell from Auckland: ‘The Brass Pineapple 2.07’ cocktail will see Bar Manager Kieran Pitt, Venue Manager Dario Dragotta and Jarred Coleman Owner-Operator of the venue heading over to Sydney to showcase their cocktail featuring Plantation Stiggin’s Fancy Pineapple and Plantation Barbados Rums.
Santé Cocktail Bar in Toowoomba: It is a tight team at Santé with owner, operator and bartender Loic Mouchelin being joined by co-owner, operator, floor manager and host Alexandra presenting their cocktail ‘Bonbonnet’. The team were inspired by the classic Sazerac and have showcased Plantation Xaymaca Special Dry and Plantation Original Dark Rums in their cocktail along with a house made banana and pineapple skin oleo.
Bar director Andrea Marseglia and head bartender Josh Loman will be representing Teresa Cocktail Bar from Napier on the north island of New Zealand: Their cocktail ‘The Boccioni’s Punch’ sees Plantation Stiggins’ Fancy Pineapple Rum enhanced by a touch of yuzu vinegar and garnished with a coffee and shiitake cloud.
The Howling Owl in Adelaide: The ‘Drunken Owl’ by the team is a reinvention of the Pina Colada, ultising a house-made syrup base of leftover pineapple skins, citrus and rinds to reduce venue food waste. Plantation 3 Stars White Rum was the choice of Bar Manager Kiren Vythilingam and bartenders Kara Bailey and Teegan Duke for their entry.
Sydney rum bar The Lobo: The rum forward ‘XOXO’ cocktail blends Plantation Original Dark, Plantation OX 20th Anniversary Edition and Plantation Old Fashioned Traditional Dark Rums. The team includes bartenders Samuel Hannan and Connor Barkley along with floor host Josh Freeman. The unofficial fourth member of their team is ingredient ‘Ray’s Orgeat’ named in honour of their barback Raymond who challenges the team with out of the box flavour combinations.
On Monday 5 September hospitality from across the country will gather at Grain bar to celebrate all finalists and see the winning team announced.
Teams will be judged before the celebration event on the following criteria:
- Cocktail taste
- Cocktail appearance
- Presentation to judges
Monday 5 September, 6pm
- Grain, 199 George St, Sydney
All are welcome to attend though RSVP is essential – please register your attendance via eventbrite.
