30 bartenders will battle it out with cocktails on the theme Journey in a Bottle. The challenge is in Hall 5E on 8 September.
Evan Lee – The Upper House
Evan currently works at Salisterra, which is perched on the 49th floor of the hotel and offers stunning city views. “I am a humble but passionate bartender,” Evan says. “Life is tough but you’ve got to keep smiling.”
Yuki Ho – Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin Club House
Having successfully undertaken the IBA Bartender Course, achieved WSET Level 2, competed in competitions and worked in the industry for seven years, Yuki is now bar captain at the Sha Tin Club House. “I love my job and sharing my story with others,” she says.
Jeremy Lam – Master Cocktail
Jeremy says he is “a people person who likes to share cocktails with different people around the globe.” He has lived in and travelled to the US, Japan, Holland and India, and is a WSET student.
Kelvin Chow – Grand Hyatt
Kelvin tells us, “I’m very fortunate to participate in this challenge.” His cocktail fuses English and Spanish cultures by using gin and tonic with Gazpacho to represent a drink that is exotic without the need to travel.
Limbu Phomuhang – The Aftermath
Limbu has been in the F&B industry for three-plus years and is currently the bar supervisor at The Aftermath. “In my drinks,” he tells us, he likes to “work with herbs and spices.”
Rick Kan – Peninsula Hotel
Rick has worked at the Peninsula Hotel as a bartender for two-and-a-half years. “I want to be part of this competition because I want to incorporate the bits and pieces of my daily life, thoughts about my cocktails and present them in innovative ways.”
Shiro So – Golem Craft Beer
“Bartending is a world with depth that looks at the fusion of world history, trade, materials and culture,” says Shiro. “The focus of bartending is creating from the heart; it’s about understanding different cultures and our guests.”
Dome Wong – Oasis Bar & Grill
“I love cocktails and to make good memories for everyone,” says Dome, who has been a bartender for over 10 years. He has participated in competitions before and says the experience has taught him how to create interesting drinks. “Although I’ve never won a competition, I never give up and continue to make new cocktails.”
All photos provided by bartenders.