Nathan Beasley, Owen Westman, Jason Lindsay31st August 2011 saw the second state final of the Angostura Cocktail Challenge at the Byblos Bar & Restaurant on Melbourne's scenic riverside.
Finalists had gathered from all over the state to compete for the spot in the upcoming National Final. Familiar faces from local establishments such as Black Pearl were also seen behind the bar.
Each of the 8 bartenders had a short 6 minutes to put in their own unique twist on the classic Lemon Lime & Bitters cocktail as well as create a second cocktail with a goal of enhancing the flavours of Angostura rum and bitters.
The cocktails were judged by a panel of three featuring Steven Cipriani from Island 2 Island, Joey Tai from Melbourne's Golden Monkey and the Global Cocktail Champion and Brand Ambassador for Angostura Rum - Andy Griffiths.
While all of the cocktails were no less than impressive it was Owen Westman of The Collection Bar who emerged as the clear winner of the competition with his Lemon, Lime & Bitters and Rum Diary cocktail.
We await in anticipation seeing everyone at the National Finals at the Crown Casino in Melbourne and the winner of that competition, whoever he may be, in Trinidad competing for the Global Cocktail Champion title!
Check out the photos on facebook!
