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Sam Bygrave

Sam Bygrave is the editor and founder of Boothby Media, where he writes, shoots, and talks about bars, bartenders and drinks online and in Boothby’s quarterly print magazine.

These are the Australians on the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards Top 10 nominees list for 2024

It’s a good showing for Aussie bars again this year (and Boothby’s third time among the Top 10).

By Sam Bygrave

/ 30 May 2024

Luke Whearty's Melbourne bar Byrdi is among the nominees. Photo: Supplied

Jake Down is the 2024 World Class Bartender of the Year Australia

The next stop? The global final held in Shanghai this coming September.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 27 May 2024

Jake Down is the 2024 World Class Bartender of the Year Australia

How to write a cocktail list (the restaurant edition) with Jason Williams

Williams has worked across more of the bars on the 'world's best' lists than just about anyone else.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 27 May 2024

The New-Fangled Pina Colada at Lana. Photo by Mahbub Hasan/Supplied.

Road to the final: what advice does the Top 6 receive?

We’ve eavesdropped on the World Class Bartender of the Year Australia 2024 mentorship sessions — this is what we’ve learned.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 24 May 2024

Jake Down talks through his preparation with Kelsey Smith and Kate McGraw. Photo: Boothby

There are just four weeks until Bartenders’ Weekender kicks off — here’s what to expect

With more events just added, it’s time to get your tickets and RSVPs sorted.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 20 May 2024

There are just four weeks until Bartenders’ Weekender kicks off — here’s what to expect

Product dive: the Joseph Cartron liqueur range

Tasting 10 of the classic Burgundy producer’s best examples.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 16 May 2024

Product dive: the Joseph Cartron liqueur range

Brendan Grey is the winner of the 2024 Rooster Rojo Rumble

There were shouts for witches to be burned, audio visual marvels, and a bunch of confetti.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 15 May 2024

Brendan Grey is the 2024 Rooster Rojo Rumble winner. Photo: Boothby

First Look: what to expect at Bar Sumi, a new bar from Maybe Sammy alum

There is no traditional menu at this new cocktail and whisky bar from Wen Wang.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 13 May 2024

Wen Wang at Bar Sumi in Sydney. Photo: Boothby

“I very much saw a gap in the market.” Sean Baxter and Cara Devine on creating valuable brands

And with the recent acquisition of Never Never by a bigger company, it’s timely advice.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 9 May 2024

Cara Devine and Sean Baxter at Paramount Liquor's Future Proof Adelaide. Photo: Supplied

Meet the Rooster Rojo finalists – and get along to the afterparty at Rascals this Monday

From the stirring to the downright wacky, Australian bartenders doing things differently.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 8 May 2024

Meet the Rooster Rojo finalists – and get along to the afterparty at Rascals this Monday

The Boothby Best Bars QLD awards are open for nominations

Which bars are making Queensland a better place to drink at? Who will be named Person of the Year?

By Sam Bygrave

/ 6 May 2024

The first awards were held at Frog's Hollow Saloon in Brisbane last year. Photo: Christopher Pearce

Product Dive: a look at each bottling from Old Young’s Distillery

A tasting through each of the distillery's offerings.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 3 May 2024

Product Dive: a look at each bottling from Old Young’s Distillery