Here are the 35 finalists in the Archie Rose White Cane Rum Riff
The best in white rum cocktails are coming to a town near you.
Who likes their rum cocktails? Bartenders do, by the looks of things. Over 100 entries have been scored, and the finalists can now be announced in the Archie Rose White Cane Rum Riff cocktail competition.
Bartenders across the country entered the comp, which is a little different to other cocktail competitions out there. Instead of one nationally based final, the Archie Rose White Cane Rum Riff cocktail competition is holding multiple finals all with “the aim of creating friendly neighbourhood competition, having fun with rum and celebrating the talent behind the bar.”
Bartenders were challenged to riff on a classic cocktail — any classic, not just rum classics — and use Archie Rose White Cane, the brand’s own “local reimagining” of white rum, and the latest in their Fundamental Spirits range.
There was a great number of entries with more than a hundred bartenders nationwide throwing their figurative hats into the ring.
“We were blown away by the number of entries,” says Nick Baxter, the national advocacy manager for Archie Rose. “Over a hundred bartenders from across the country showcased their creativity, technique, and dedication to the craft. The level of talent on display made this an incredibly tough competition to judge, and a real celebration of Australian bartending at its finest.”
There will be six finals across four states, and Archie Rose wants you to join them. To attend what is sure to be a lively final in your town, register your attendance here (and you’ll receive a complimentary drink on arrival — a win for everyone).
Below, take a look at the dates for each final and a roll call of the finalists competing.
Here’s what they say: White Cane is Archie Rose’s local reimagining of a spirit known to most of the world as white rum and is the latest to join the range of spirits from Archie Rose. It features high-test NSW molasses, cold distilled using a vacuum still to capture the delicate flavours of locally sourced sugarcane, blended with sustainably sourced NSW blackstrap molasses to give depth, power and vigour to the blend.
White Cane, along with True Cut Vodka, Straight Dry Gin and Double Malt Whisky, was specifically designed for the rail—offering, for the first time, a local selection of accessible premium Australian spirits for cocktails and pouring.
All the finalists in the Archie Rose White Cane Rum Riff are right here
Sydney Central final
When: Sunday 11 May
Where: Tucano’s
The finalists:
- Nance Liong - PS40
- Leslie Verrell - Baxter Inn
- Thomas Joseph - Bar Tilda
- Joey Ghigone - Old Mate’s Place
- Jae Yeol Choi - Soul Dining
Sydney Suburbs final
When: Monday 19 May
Where: Archie Rose Bar
The finalists:
- Ben Ingall - Lottie
- Jono Carr - Chuck & Son’s
- Liam Curry - Blue Kahuna’s (Newcastle)
- Antonio Bettio - Grappa Bar & Restaurant
- Nat Young - The Roosevelt
Canberra/Wollongong final
Full event details coming soon.
The finalists:
- Gus Burns - Volstead Repeal
- Hamish Piper - 11e Cave
- Sean Miller - Bar Rochford
- Zachary Scoble - Breakout Bar
- Samuel Sharma - Scoundrel’s Rest
Perth final
When: Tuesday 3 June
Where: Terrarium
The finalists:
- Chris Hodges - Mechanics Institute
- Jac Landmark - Bar Love
- Tsang Jin Hau Jonathan - W Churchill
- Mikayla (Mikky) Foote - Palace Arcade Victoria Park
- Cassi Garrett - Edward & Idas
- Jeremy Riche - Volare Bar
Brisbane final
When: Monday 19 May
Where: Frog’s Hollow Saloon
The finalists:
- Tuncer Tokmak, Boston Shaker Bar
- Charlie Hunter, Dark Blue
- Adam Cunningham, Frogs Hollow Saloon
- Zane Hughes, The Gresham
- Chelsea Joynson, Death & Taxes
- Max Murakami, Death and Taxes
- Bri Reilly, W.A.T Den
Melbourne final
Full event details coming soon.
The finalists:
- Navarre Fenwick, Black Pearl
- Max Allison, Good Measure
- Thanet Thongloi, Longrain
- Tamim Siddique, Pearl Diver Cocktails & Oysters
- Joshua Kevin Pahl, Bar Bellamy
- Arnika Keenan, Black Kite Commune
- Indigo Vandenberg Dodt, Piano Bar Geelong
- Janet Hunter, Bomba Bar