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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.

How (and why) Ben Luzz renovated a nearly 30 year old Melbourne icon

‘There’s a double economy thing happening at the moment,’ says the Gin Palace owner.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 3 Apr 2024

Ben Luzz at Melbourne icon Gin Palace. Photo: Dean Schmideg

Cointreau global brand ambassador Kevin Sueiro talks Margaritas and oranges

The Cointreau Margarita Challenge offers the chance to win a trip to France — and closes for entries on March 31st.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 28 Mar 2024

What to expect at Bartenders’ Weekender this June (the program is now live)

With 20 events already confirmed, and more to come, it’s going to be a big three days in Brisbane.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 27 Mar 2024

What to expect at Bartenders’ Weekender this June (the program is now live)

Product Dive: how Elijah Craig Rye is made, some history, and more

A (very) brief history, some mythbusting, and tasting notes.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 27 Mar 2024

Product Dive: how Elijah Craig Rye is made, some history, and more

Who invented the Old Pal cocktail?

How you make it depends on which version of history you believe.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 27 Mar 2024

Who invented the Old Pal cocktail?

Sherry and rye get the Fizz treatment in the Buffalo Fizz

File under: #drinkmoresherry.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 27 Mar 2024

Sherry and rye get the Fizz treatment in the Buffalo Fizz

A look at the trends and numbers from the 2024 World Class Bartender of the Year Australia Top 100

The best 100 bartenders in this year’s instalment are here, as well as some key takeaways from the class of 2024.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 20 Mar 2024

Eduardo Conde won last year's final. Photo: Supplied/Tom Yau

10 years in: how Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern survived and thrived

How much did it cost to open Rascals? And how did Dave Grohl come to be a fan?

By Sam Bygrave

/ 14 Mar 2024

10 years in: how Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern survived and thrived

Big ideas, tastings, parties — save the date for the Bartenders’ Weekender this June

It's a three day long weekend for bartenders and drinks professionals, packed with inspiring talks, bar collaborations, parties and events.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 13 Mar 2024

Sam Bygrave and Penny Sippe are putting on a Bartenders' Weekender in Brisbane. Photo: Christopher Pearce

World Class Bartender of the Year entries close soon (here’s some last minute advice)

As Kate McGraw says, one drink just might just change your life.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 8 Mar 2024

Eduardo Conde, Kate McGraw, Orlando Marzo, and Kelsey Blacksmith. Photo: Supplied

Stefano Catino on bringing Matt Whiley’s RE to Public, how to survive tough times, and the second coming of the Maybe Cocktail Festival

There’s two conflicting narratives out there about the hospitality landscape: openings and closures.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 7 Mar 2024

Stefano Catino. Photo: Supplied