In an exciting development for bartenders and spirits geeks in Asia, La Maison du Whisky Singapore - the official purveyor of Nikka Whisky - will launch the inaugural Singapore and Malaysia edition of the prestigious Nikka Perfect Serve competition. This contest is known for its Japanese ethos and is a thrilling stage for bartenders to display their flair and finesse, brewing unique experiences that delight their patrons.

Nikka Whisky is a respected name in Japan's liquor history, known as one of the nation's pioneer and most impactful whisky creators. The Nikka Perfect Serve, since its inception in 2010, has been saluted internationally as a premier bartending contest. It highlights the Japanese philosophy of "Ichigo-ichi-e", meaning "One moment, one encounter". It urges bartenders to push the envelope and design memorable experiences by concocting personalised cocktails or introducing whisky in intriguing ways, embodying the spirit of "Omakase" or "I trust you".

Celebrating its twelfth global edition, the Nikka Perfect Serve is marking its debut in Singapore and Malaysia. The regional culmination of this event will occur at Sugarhall in Singapore on August 21st. The stage is set for ten gifted participants from both countries to contend for the ultimate prize, spotlighting their virtuosity, novelty, and deep comprehension of Nikka spirits.

The competition, hosting 16 national contests across varied regions, including Europe, Australia, the US, Singapore, and Malaysia, continues to draw competitors worldwide. The international zenith of this event is slated for December 3rd and 4th in San Francisco, California, where the crème de la crème from 16 countries will congregate for the grand showdown.

The theme for this year, "The Other Half", salutes the inherent duality in Nikka Whisky. It represents the intertwined roots of Scotland and Japan, the poignant romance of founder Masataka Taketsuru and his wife, Rita, the unique distilleries - Yoichi and Miyagikyo, and the ingenious blending techniques harmonizing malt and grain whiskies.

As part of this thrilling contest, each bartender will unfurl their creative prowess and deep-seated understanding of hospitality by delving into "The Other Half" of a selected Nikka whisky, gin, or vodka. Contenders will select and present, neat, an expression from the Nikka range, accompanied by a nonalcoholic blend that synergistically accentuates the flavour profile of the chosen spirit. 

How will this year's competition go?

A panel of 3 esteemed judges will adjudicate the competition, assuming the personas of guests in varying scenarios. Participants will have a 15-minute window to serve these judges, taking on the role of the perfect bartender host.

The crux of the contest will be a two-part challenge. First, participants will engage in a "Straight Nikka + 'Other Half' Pairing", where the participant will prepare the "Other Half" non-alcoholic mixed drink pairing they devised for their application. This concoction will be served neat alongside the Nikka whisky, gin, or vodka of their choosing.

Next, the participants will be tasked to create "Omakase Cocktails" for two of the judges. Here, based on the judges' roles and using the available ingredients at the host bar and one of the offered Nikka whiskies or spirits, the bartenders will improvise two distinct Nikka cocktails. These drinks can either be time-honoured classics, original creations, or clever twists, left entirely to the participants' innovative discretion.

La Maison du Whisky Singapore extends a cordial invitation to bartenders from Malaysia and Singapore to participate in this maiden edition of Nikka Perfect Serve in the region. The contest promises an unparalleled opportunity for these skilled artisans to exhibit their adeptness, passion, and knowledge of the exquisite art of mixology.

More information about the Nikka Perfect Serve Competition is available here.

(All images courtesy of Nikka Whisky / La Maison du Whisky Singapore.)

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team