The Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year competition, renowned as the drinks industry’s premier international bartending event, is gearing up for its national finals set to take place on June 27, 2023.
In its 14th year, this prestigious competition will gather five of Australia’s finest bartenders in Sydney to compete for the title of the nation’s finalist.
Among the talented contenders is Lachlan Gunner, representing Adelaide’s Sourtrap and showcasing the city’s rising prominence in the mixology scene.
“I’m stoked that I’m a finalist and really exited to represent SA,” Lachlan tells Glam Adelaide.
The five finalists, each hailing from beloved venues across the country, will face a series of live challenges that will determine who will represent Australia on the global stage later this year.
“It’s high a pressure contest, but I work really well under high pressure so I’m hoping that will be an advantage. I’m nervous and excited, but it’s going to be great,” Lachlan says.
“I’ve got lots of support from people and they’ve been a great sound-bar to bounce ideas off of.”
Lachlan Gunner, with his enthusiasm and drive, is eager to display his passion for cocktail design and venue management. As the owner of trap. Bar, he knows how to create exquisite cocktails and contribute to the flourishing nightlife and palate of Adelaide.
“My interest has always been in flavour. Going back to my first ever interview in the hospitality scene I said first up that I was interested in playing with flavours. That’s where making cocktails started and the consistent theme has been flavour,” Lachlan says.
“The palettes like a muscle, if you don’t use it it goes away. And know good flavour is everything a good drink is about.”
The Diageo World Class competition format for 2023 challenges the bartenders in three distinct rounds packed into a single day.
Beginning with the Johnnie Walker Blue Label challenge, they will create a modern and sophisticated cocktail that captures the powerful and rare character flavors of the renowned Scotch whisky blend. The second challenge celebrates tequila Don Julio 1942, where contestants will create an eye-catching serve that redefines high-end tequila with an energetic and disruptive cocktail. The final round remains a mystery, with finalists racing to present five serves within five minutes, including three classic and two original cocktails using a liquid from Diageo’s award-winning Reserve portfolio.
Kate McGraw, Diageo National Trade Advocacy Manager, expressed her confidence in the five finalists, describing them as representatives of the best that Australian hospitality has to offer. The Australian winner will go on to compete in the Global Finals, where the prestigious title of World Class Global Bartender of the Year will be awarded in a unique multi-format event hosted in Sao Paulo, Brazil in September.
The 5 national finalists are:
- Lachlan Gunner, of Sourtrap, Adelaide
- Eduardo Conde of El Primo Sanchez, Sydney
- Andie Bulley of Saville Row, Brisbane
- Alex Gondzioulis of Liquid & Larder, Sydney
- Rohan Massie of Rude Boy, Hobart
Adelaide’s own Lachlan Gunner exemplifies the dedication and creativity present in the city’s bartending scene.
As he competes for the title of Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year, his passion for exploring the world of cocktail design shines through.
Keep an eye on Lachlan’s journey and support his pursuit of excellence in the mixology realm. Adelaide’s nightlife and palate are sure to flourish under the skillful craftsmanship of this talented bartender.
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