The Nikka Perfect Serve SEA 2024 cocktail competition just concluded this Monday. This year marks the second time part of the competition is held in Singapore. Nikka itself is celebrating its 90th Anniversary in 2024, adding an extra layer of significance to this year's competition.

This contest which was incepted in 2010 is renowned for its Japanese ethos and as a thrilling stage for bartenders to display their flair and finesse. It challenges bartenders to design memorable experiences by concocting personalised cocktails or introducing whisky in intriguing ways, embodying the spirit of "Omakase," and has been saluted internationally as a premier bartending contest.

And the winner is… Aki Nakata from Origin Bar! The competition was fierce, with a judging panel representing different regions: Giovanni Graziadei from Singapore, Jun Wong from Malaysia, and Chanond Purananda from Thailand. Ten finalists – four from Singapore and Thailand, plus two from Malaysia – were tasked to create two cocktails for three role-playing judges, who evaluated them based on her hospitality, communication, bartending proficiency, product knowledge, and the selection and excellence of the beverages crafted.

The competition featured two rounds: the Dual Harmony Cocktail round and the Omakase Round. In the Dual Harmony Cocktail round, contestants were challenged to imagine creating a cocktail for Nikka Founder Masataka Taketsuru and his wife, Rita Cowan. The Omakase Round saw judges playing indecisive guests, pushing contestants to improvise a bespoke Nikka cocktail on the spot.

Aki Nakata’s performance impressed the judges, particularly her cocktail made with Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky, honey, apple, and complemented with citrus notes from bergamot liqueur. Giovanni Graziadei highlighted that Aki’s hospitality was exceptional, genuine, and authentic, while Jun Wong noted Aki’s strong focus on fresh ingredients like apples and her ability to blend storytelling with tact to defuse awkwardness. These qualities clearly resonated with the judges and helped Aki stand out from the competition.

Aki Nakata's victory means she wins the Southeast Asia leg of the competition. Next, she'll be representing the region at the global Nikka Perfect Serve competition in Paris, France, on 2 and 3 December 2024. There, she’ll be up against 15 other winners from various global tournaments. The stakes are high: beyond securing the grand prize, the global victor and runner-up will receive an invitation for an enriching trip to Japan, where they’ll delve into the Japanese bar scene and tour Nikka’s distilleries, Yoichi and Miyagikyo. It's an incredible opportunity for Aki to showcase her skills on a global stage and immerse herself in the world of Nikka whisky.

The reigning World Champion, Evan Flynn, from Death and Company in Denver, was crowned the global Nikka Perfect Serve winner in the 12th edition of the tournament in 2023.

Will Aki Nakata follow in his footsteps and bring the global title back to Southeast Asia? We'll be raising a glass to her and wishing her the best of luck in Paris!

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team