On the 29th April 2013, eight out of twenty two recipes were selected to enter the finale for the best rum cocktail organised by Thirst Magazine. The 22 recipes submitted were re-created by Ben Ng and Timothy Jason in Fluid alchemy Bar School and chosen through blind tasting. A panel of judges formed by three industry experts – Roderick Wong (President of The Wine Academy Malaysia), Joshua Ivanovic (International Award Winning Bartender) and Ashvin Shawn Kishore (Accomplished Bar Consultant) gave scores to all the recipes based on presentation, aroma, taste, after taste and creativity.

Main event sponsor – Angostura Rum, locally distributed by Single Malt Sdn Bhd is backing this much anticipated event open to all bartenders in Malaysia with cash, products and merchandise. “This competition allows bartenders to challenge themselves and compete against each to improve. As sponsors, we are thrilled to be part of an exciting event like this. With the long legacy of Angostura rums, which quality is made with care and passion in the heart of the Caribbean, one could make many different styles of cocktail to suit different taste profile. We certainly look forward to more exciting events to come and we are proud to work with Thirst! ” said Lee Yim Theng, Marketing Director of Single Malt Sdn Bhd.

The finale is going to be held on the 30th May 2013 at JP teres, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur – the latest 5 star hotel experience hang out right in the heart of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre. JP teres is headed by Malay Cuisine Chef of the year by Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards Chef de Cuisine Asman Ahmad, the restaurant serves authentic Malaysian cuisine with the choice of indoor and outdoor dining areas among garden and water features.

In the finale, we will see the eight finalists presenting their recipe in front of five experienced judges headed by Glenfiddich Brand Ambassador, also an award winning bartender, Struan Ralph with the judges from the Preliminary Round of the competition and Keith Nair – Beer Ambassador at Guinness Anchor Berhad.

Panel of judges
Ashvin Shawn Kishore – Director at Bar Essentials Pte Ltd, Singapore
Joshua Ivanovic – Managing Director at Cocktail Solutions, Malaysia
Roderick Wong – President at Sommelier Association Malaysia