Sydney's mixologist makes it to top ten in the world

Evan Stroeve from Sydney’s acclaimed South Eveleigh bar, Re, is one of just ten mixologists competing in the World Class Bartender of the Year global finals on Friday.

The finals - a series of challenges showcasing cocktail making skill and flair - have been running since Sunday. Since Sunday, the contest has been whittle down from the Top 50 to the Top 10 of which Evan is one.

He will now compete in the competition’s final challenge, with the winner announced via livestream at approximately 6am, Friday 9th July AEST.

In the final speed round, A Tale of Two Malts, bartenders will create a menu consisting of four cocktails two with Talisker and two with The Singleton as the base.

Diageo report that Stroeve has been a formidable contender in the global competition so far.

Jonathan Morgan, Head of Reserve, Diageo Australia said, “It’s such a thrill to see Evan performing so well on a global scale. Australia boasts some of the very best bartending talent in the world and has always punched well above its weight on the global stage. Regardless of the final result this week, we’re extremely proud of what Evan has achieved, especially as we get set to host the global finals here in Sydney next year.”

One of the reasons Mr Stroeve won in Australia was for his initiative, the ‘Martini Syndicate’ for a cause close to his heart.

Participating Martini Syndicate venues contribute one dollar per sale of a Ketel One cocktail to a carbon offset fund, with June contributions being matched from Stroeve’s national prize purse. Through a partnership with primary carbon credit partner the Aboriginal Carbon Foundation, the syndicate can have a genuine ethical impact as it simultaneously offsets some of the bartending industry’s carbon footprint.

Comments Stroeve, “The ACF runs reforestation and other carbon projects that provide local employment and apply traditional ecological knowledge and Indigenous-led land management practices, including bushfire mitigation. It builds wealth for Traditional Owners and communities. As Australian bars offset their carbon output, they also promote the cultural knowledge that maintained this country for millennia.”

The Syndicate is already operating and gathering support nationally with bars involved so far including Re (Sydney), The Black Pearl (Melbourne), Maybe Mae (Adelaide), Clarences Company Store (Perth), Continental Deli & Bistro (Sydney), Births & Deaths (Sydney), The Gresham (QLD), Icebergs (Sydney), Memphis Slims (Adelaide), and Earls Juke Joint (Sydney).

Mr Stroeve grew up in Bathurst and his first job behind the bar was at Elephant & Castle Hotel, aged 18 years old. A year later he moved to Sydney, and stints at Shady Pines Saloon, Frankie’s Pizza, The Baxter Inn and Restaurant Hubert followed before he joined Bulletin Place in 2017. In 2018, he also started working on his own aperitif label, Rhubi Mistelle, with Bulletin Place owner Tim Philips-Johnsson, launched in February this year.

Mr Stroeve currently works alongside Scout London owner Matt Whiley at Sydney’s new Re, a regenerative drinking experience pioneering a new approach to sustainable drinking.