Premiumisation of Rum, Most Influential List Nominations, Bar Ombré, Hamburg Cocktail Bars, Margarita Burn, Whisky A Sensory Experience, Cocktails Inspired by ’60s Icons, and more in our curated cocktail-related articles, local and international spirit and bar news, new bars and recommended reads.
Photo © Cocktails & Bars
Bar Ombré
Sydney has a new rooftop bar. Bar Ombré by Salt Meats Cheese has opened at Gateway centre in Circular Quay with a drink list designed to complement the casual Italian style of food with classic and European cocktails and spritz. (source)
Cocktails Inspired by ’60s Icons
Renowned bartender Salvatore Calabrese has launched his latest menu for The Donovan Bar in London hotel Brown’s. The list cocktails inspired by 1960s icons such as Sophia Luren, David Bowie and Twiggy. (source)
Margarita Burn
If you’re heading into summer, beware of the “margarita burn” phenomenon, also known as phytophotodermatitis. In other words, limes and sunlight don’t mix. (source)
Premiumisation of Rum
Rum is catching up to other spirits as it heads towards premiumisation due to recent innovations in the category. Brands are using different base materials, utilising Barbet column stills and employing different cask finishes. “The rate at which the category is innovating and driving trends forward is unquestionably gathering pace – and enticing new consumers to explore rum’s potential.” (source)
Whisky – A Sensory Experience
“The remarkable thing is the manner in which the taste of the whisky changes, often dramatically, when music is included.” Dave Broom on Whisky is a whole sensory experience (source)
Gin’s Global Diaspora
When it comes to the story of gin, it’s no longer just about the United Kingdom and Holland. “Distillers worldwide are part of gin’s growing diaspora, with regional and cultural influences making their way into the bottle.” (source)
Hamburg Cocktail Bars
If you’re travelling to Hamburg, Germany, here are five best cocktail bars to put on your list. (source)
Bartender Magazine Most Influential List
Nominations are now open in the 2019 Bartender Magazine Most Influential List with the top 100 announced in August. The bi-annual list honours the who’s who of the Australian bar industry from all related vocations – including writers – who inspire and shape the future of the industry.
I have been on the most influential list since 2013, writing and promoting bar and spirit culture since 2010 on Gourmantic when the Sydney small bar movement was in its nascent stage, and later advocating cocktail culture since the launch of this website in 2015. While this may read like a shameless self-promotion, your support counts. Voting is now open now and closes on Friday 7 June 2019 at midnight AEST. You can cast your nomination directly here.
