Old Duff Genever, Supernova Ballroom, Cultivate the Unusual Mind, Fever-Tree Smoky Ginger Ale & Spiced Orange Ginger Ale, Trash Tiki Bar in Toronto, Bar Week Update & more in this week’s bar/spirited news & recommended reads.
Fire Cocktail – Photo Supplied
Cocktail Competition without Cocktails
Leave it to Hendrick’s Gin to create a cocktail competition where bartenders don’t create cocktails but bring their unusual minds and peculiar ideas into reality. The NSW/ACT Final of Cultivate the Unusual Mind was held at Marble Bar in Sydney where attendees were taken on a journey through the competitors’ experiences. Alec McDougall and Jason Churches from Raku Dining in Canberra were announced as the NSW/ACT winners. The evening was marked Morgan Flanagan’s last event as he leaves his role as Hendrick’s Brand Ambassador.
Old Duff Genever
Renowned spirits educator and industry stalwart Philip Duff visited Australia for the launch of his brand, Old Duff Genever. Speaking at a masterclass held at The Barber Shop in Sydney, he presented a historical and detailed journey of genever as well as highlighting some misconceptions before a guided tasting of the two expressions.
Designed primarily for cocktails, Old Duff Genever (40% ABV) is comprised of 53% maltwine, 2 parts rye to 1 part malted barley and 47% neutral grain wheat distillate. The botanicals used are juniper, lemon peel, orange peel, star anise and liquorice. Old Duff Genever Maltwine (45% ABV) is made of 100% maltwine using 2/3 rye, 1/3 malted barley, fermented for 5 days then distilled three times. Botanicals include juniper, English Bramling hops which are re-distilled with maltwine.
New Bar from Trash Tiki in Toronto
Trash Tiki duo Kelsey Ramage and Iain Griffiths have announced that they will be opening Supernova Ballroom, their first permanent cocktail bar. Located in a 20th-century home in Toronto’s financial district, Supernova Ballroom will feature ingredients available throughout the Canadian province and will have a focus on sparkling and spritzed drinks. (source)
Fever-Tree Smoky Ginger Ale & Spiced Orange Ginger Ale
Fever-Tree has launched two new additions to their Ginger Ale range to the trade at Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern in Sydney. In addition to the existing Ginger Ale and Ginger Beer, the range includes Smoky Ginger Ale with smoked applewood and subtle citrus, and Spiced Orange Ginger Ale with ripened citrus notes and spice.
Bar Week Timetable Updated
Not long now till the bartending community gets down to Sydney for Bar Week. The Bar Week timetable has been updated with new events and more information so start planning now.
Recommended Reads
- Remember activated charcoal cocktails? (source)
- History Lesson: The Sazerac (source)
- Looking for cocktail inspiration (see photo above)? Look no further than this cocktail bar in Hong Kong. (source)
Opening a new cocktail bar? Contact us here.
