Nikka Perfect Serve's Australian leg is now open for entries

Entries are now open for Australia’s installment of Nikka Perfect Serve, a leading all-round bartender competition run by the Asahi-owned whisky producer Nikka. For 2024, the competition will be held in Brisbane after previous iterations in Melbourne and Sydney.

According to Nikka Brand Ambassador Marcus Parementer, “we’ve chosen Brisbane for this year’s competition because the quality of bars and bartenders continues to grow there each year.”

2024 also marks the 90th anniversary of the whisky brand. As a tribute to this milestone, contestants will be asked to create a cocktail they would serve to Nikka’s original founders, Masataka and Rita Taketsuru. 

“It’s run Omakase-style, which means ‘I leave it to you,’ allowing contestants to showcase their versatility and talent,” said Parmenter.

“The competition’s core principle is ichi-go, ichi-e, one chance one encounter. This is a core concept of bartending as well, and we look forward to seeing the bartenders showcase their understanding of this principle.”

Ten entrants will be invited to compete at the Before + After bar in Brisbane on 27 August, in a full-day competition that will see the bartenders judged not only on the quality of the cocktails created but also on their service, attention to detail, and versatility. These ten will be chosen out of the online entrants. 

To enter, bartenders need only put forth their personal and bar details and description and recipe of the cocktail they would wish to serve to Nikka’s founders. According to the competition’s entries page, “your challenge for 2024 is to create a cocktail for either Masataka or Rita using a Nikka whisky, gin or vodka of your choice. If Masataka and Rita visit your bar to celebrate Nikka’s 90th anniversary, what would you serve and why? Please create a 90th Anniversary cocktail that speaks to the duality of Nikka. Showcase your creativity and understanding of Nikka Whisky by pouring a story into a glass.

“For the 90th anniversary cocktail, contestants may only use widely available ingredients or glassware used in most bars in the country where the contest takes place (not brand specific). Contestants may adapt their recipe on the day of the contest in accordance with the specific ingredients available at the hosting bar.”

The winner of the Australian competition will then be invited to represent Australia at the global final in Paris at the beginning of December. Last year, Reuben Beasley-Palmer of Melbourne's Botswana Butchery took this top honour.

To enter, visit the official event webpage here. To learn more about the theme for 2024, read Nikka’s explanation here.