This year’s Ultimate Bartender Challenge (UBC), which took place at Saigon Suzy in Johannesburg, saw the same dog biting twice as Lucky Shaker owner and bartender, Michael Stephenson, walked away with the title of ultimate bartender for the second year in a row. Close on his heels were Justin Bester from Sin + Tax and Pieter Oosthuizen from Kegtails in second and third place respectively.
The Ultimate Bartender has been running for over six years globally and gives bartenders from each region the spotlight they deserve,” Monkey Shoulder Global Brand Ambassador. – Joe Petch explains.
Don’t think that this challenge is all about making pretty drinks. The bartenders were quizzed on their industry knowledge, pouring and nosing, and costing and creation and tray service. The final challenge saw the top three contenders competing against the clock to serve as many drinks as they could from the tabs provided, accurately.
While it was a tough decision, Mike reigned victorious and all bartenders who participated were applauded for their obvious passion and creativity.
The leading trend over the world is that customers demand incredible quality and this means that a bartender’s skillset has to continuously improve and evolve and this is what this championship is about. – says Petch.
Monkey Shoulder Whiskey defies stuffy whiskey protocol by enjoying malt whisky in cocktails and mixologist concoctions.
Until next year, gents!
