Australia’s best all-round bartender has been crowned, after an extensive search and final competition showcasing elite mixology skills, perfect service and attention to detail.  

The winner, Sydney-based, Wen Wang of Bar Sumi blew the judges away with his immaculate service, ability to perform under pressure and his winning cocktail the Taketsuru Highball. 

The unique competition, Nikka Perfect Serve, is run by prestigious Japanese whisky and spirits producer Nikka.  

Hosted at George Curtis’ Before + After Bar in Brisbane’s CBD, a four time nominee at the Sydney Bar Awards, the competition featured 10 of Australia’s best bartenders, who were ready to create their finest cocktails, demonstrating to the judges that they could think on their feet while also bringing new and interesting recipes to the bar.

The judges played the role of bar guests while contestants ran a 15-minute guest shift during which they catered to the versatile scenarios the judges play out.  

This year marks Nikka’s 90th anniversary, and as such contestants were asked to create a cocktail they would serve to Nikka’s founders, Masataka and Rita Taketsuru. 

Winner Wen Wang said: “What I love about this competition is the unpredictability; you never know what scenario you’ll be faced with. It’s more than just the drinks you serve—it’s about you and the people in front of you. For bartenders, the people are the most important thing.” 

Nikka Brand Ambassador Marcus Parmenter said Nikka Perfect Serve was more than who could make the best cocktail.  

“Being a bartender is about so much more than simply shaking the best cocktail, it’s about finding the right cocktail for each person at each moment. When you receive that drink, you can taste the effort that has gone into it.” he said.  

“Nikka Perfect Serve hones in on that moment and challenges the bartender to find it not just in the competition, but through the rest of their careers. We’re proud to have wealth of talent in the Australian bartending community that constantly bring those amazing moments to life.’ 

Reuben Beasley-Palmer, the 2023 Nikka Perfect Serve winner, joined this year’s expert judging panel, which also included two-time Australian Bartender of the Year, Millie Tang, and award-winning hospitality expert, Bonnie Shearston. 

“We were thoroughly impressed with his ability to navigate the challenges of his scenario while still delivering exemplary service,” Beasley-Palmer said.

“Wen’s technique was flawless, crafting the most exceptional cocktails of the day. We’re excited to see him build on this experience at the regional competition and take it to the next level when he represents Australia at the global finals in Paris later this year.” 

Wen Wang will go to Paris in December to represent Australia against 14 other countries, with the winner and runner-up of the global competition invited to Japan to experience the Nikka distilleries and the Tokyo bar scene.

Replicate the Taketsuru Highball cocktail of the night at home with this recipe:  

45ml Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt Whisky
90ml Premium Soda Water
Juice of a lemon wedge
A bar spoon of Perilla Liqueur
3 drops of Hinoki bitter
Serve with large ice cubes in a chilled highball glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel and a shiso leaf. 

Media images here: Nikka Perfect Serve  

About Nikka Whisky: 

Nikka Whisky, founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, stands as a pioneer in Japanese Whisky. 

Taketsuru’s journey to Scotland to study the art of whisky-making influenced Nikka’s establishment and approach. Embracing both pot still and column still methods, Nikka crafts a diverse range of distinct and balanced whiskies.  

The brand’s dedication to quality and tradition has solidified its global reputation, 

making Nikka a symbol of Japanese whisky excellence for nine decades. 

Nikka’s core product range includes:  

Nikka From The Barrel 
Nikka Days
Nikka Coffey Grain 
Nikka Coffey Malt 
Nikka Coffey Gin 
Nikka Coffey Vodka
Yoichi Single Malt 
Miyagikyo Single Malt 
Taketsuru Pure Malt  

For more information contact HeadlinePR:  

Lisa Gilbert lisa@headlinepr.com.au or 0412 822673