New Zealand's top eight bartenders go head-to-head for shot at victory

Beam Inc. (NYSE: BEAM) a leading global premium spirits company has announced the finalists in the biggest bartender competition in New Zealand history - Beam Bar Legend.

From the record 370 bartenders who entered, eight talented contestants have made it through to the final, which will take place over two days on the 7thand 8 th of October in Auckland.

In no particular order, the finalists are Adam Neal – Agent’s & Merchants/Racket (Auckland), Jack Sotiriou – 1885 (Auckland), Michael Meharg – Nineteen Eighty One (Auckland), Nicola Heal – Diva’s (Havelock North), Jonny Mackenzie – Cuckoo Cocktail Emporium (Wellington), Chase Bickerton – The Naughty Penguin (Queenstown), Genevieve Dunne – The Cadillac Club (Queenstown) and Jamie Hughes – Toast (Dunedin).

Beam (NZ) Marketing Director, Rene Bros, is looking forward to the grand final event after a busy few weeks of judging in Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown.

“It has been an exceptionally difficult task selecting only eight grand finalists from 30 of the country’s best bartenders.” he said.

“In the end, we selected those that stood out as having the total package – great drinks making ability, personality and charisma all of which could make them worthy of claiming the inaugural Beam Bar Legend title,” he added.

To claim their grand finals spot, bartenders participated in filmed interviews with Beam Brand Ambassador, Calem Chadwick. Each bartender was asked a number of questions that aimed to give Beam (NZ) a full insight to their experience, portfolio knowledge and personality. In addition, the 30 semi-finalists were challenged to create their interpretation of the ultimate Jim Beam and Cola using one of the Jim Beam branded bourbons.

The top eight will participate in the grand final where they will complete a series of tasks in their bid to be crowned New Zealand’s inaugural Beam Bar Legend. The winner will walk away with a prize pack valued at over $25,000.

This includes an all expenses paid trip to a Beam distillery of their choice (Kentucky, Canada, the Caribbean, France, Scotland), an expense card valued at up to $10,000 and a $5,000 party for their bar.

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