National Cocktail Champions Crowned at Singapore Flyer

Winners for the cocktail and flairtending category in the annual National Cocktail Competition to represent Singapore at the Asia-Pacific and World stage

(3 August 2011 – Singapore) The next iconic cocktail akin to the Singapore Sling has been crowned at Singapore’s iconic attraction.

The annual National Cocktail Competition took place last night at the world’s largest Giant Observation Wheel, as finalists of the competition showcased their creativity in concocting unique recipes, and their agile movements, as they juggled and flipped cocktail shakers or liquor bottles to music.

Started in 1988, the 23rd edition of the local cocktail competition saw more than a hundred bartenders from 32 hotels and pubs sign up for the competition. 28 finalists vied for the top spot in four categories – Classic Cocktail, Flair Bartending skills, Mocktail and Speed bottle cap opening.

The champion for the Cocktail and flairtending category will also represent Singapore at the World Cocktail Competition 2012.

Past winners of the National Cocktail Competition who have gone on to represent Singapore at the world stage, includes 2006’s champion cocktail ‘Feel’ prepared by Emerald Hill Group’s Mr Alvin Wong. He came in 4th at the World Cocktail Competition 2007, the best result for Singapore thus far.

Said President of Association of Bartenders & Sommeliers Singapore (ABSS) Mr Michael Cheng, “Bartending is a growing industry and we are always on the lookout for new talent, who may just surprise us with their original recipes or entertain us with their deft tricks. Singapore Flyer, as an iconic attraction in Singapore, is the perfect venue to crown the next iconic cocktail that will represent Singapore at the World Cocktail Competition next year. Taking part in world championships give our local bartenders an added challenge and exposure that we hope they can bring home to share with other bartenders.”

Singapore Flyer hosted the competition for the first time, following the opening of ABSS’ new home, the Flyer Lounge, at the Flyer earlier this year.

Said Mr Jeff Tan, Sales & Marketing Director of Singapore Flyer, “As an iconic tourist attraction in Singapore, we at Singapore Flyer are very excited to work alongside Association of Bartenders & Sommeliers Singapore for the National Cocktail Competition and discover the next icons of the bartending industry. It is very important for us to partner the relevant stakeholders to not only offer new activities and products that value-adds to guests of Singapore Flyer, but also to unearth and support local talents.”

Finalists for the cocktail and mocktail category exercised their creative juices and prepared their cocktail based on original recipes finalists have presented. Cocktails had to incorporate at least one basic spirit, one liqueur and/or wine, puree or syrup. They were judged on taste and presentation.

World Cocktail Competition 2012 – Yin Yang and Je’taime Ines

Winning the cocktail category with his concoction Yin Yang is 29-year-old Lawrence Lee.

Said Mr Lee who is now a bartender with club dbl O, “Yin Yang is a unique combination of sweet, spicy, salty and sour flavors to appeal to the palate. It took time to perfect my recipe and to ensure that its flavors are well balanced. Cocktail making allows me to share my passion, and to use my creativity to come up with a unique recipe. I’m very excited and nervous to represent Singapore at the World Cocktail Competition but I hope to do my best.”

The flairtending category was one of the highlights for the night. While preparing their cocktail, the four finalists impressed judges and the audience with their quick moves, tricky routines choreographed to music executed with full concentration.

Within the five-minute time limit, flairtending champion Shah Dillon had to prepare his cocktail Je’taime Ines while juggling and flipping up to three bottles and/or shakers at one point of time.

“I’m very excited to win. I was very nervous initially as I was the first contestant up and I felt the pressure to perform. But after a few bottle flips, I warmed up and started to feel more confident. I practiced four times a week for six hours each time for this competition so I’m glad it paid off!”

Limited edition Champion Cocktail flight*

The winning cocktail from this year’s competition will be brought up to new heights.

To celebrate the win with the public, Singapore Flyer will be launching a limited edition Champion Cocktail Flight. Priced at $69nett, guests get to experience a night of extravagance on board the Flyer, in a themed capsule, with the winning cocktail in hand. While comfortably nestled in the capsule, guests will be pampered with the charming views of Marina Bay’s cityscape, while sipping on possibly Singapore’s next iconic cocktail.

*Valid from August 6 – September 4, 2011

The biggest wine challenge of its kind – Singapore Sommelier Challenge 2011

Taking Singapore’s first national wine challenge up to the skies to discover another talent at the world’s largest Giant Observation wheel is the upcoming Singapore Sommelie Challenge 2011.

Presented by Singapore Flyer, organized and supported by wine exporter Magnum Spirits & Wine and the Association, the inaugural wine challenge will take place on August 22.

Professionals invited for the competition will be taken through two rounds, with the finals on August 29. For the first time, competitors will not only be blindfolded to identify specific wines, the blind tasting will also take place on the 165m tall Singapore Flyer, an added complexity as altitude alters the taste of wines.

Click here to download the Singapore Sommelier Challenge Fact Sheet.