King Island Distillery Cocktail Competition:

Winner Announcement

On October 28th, 2024 the King Island Distillery Cocktail Competition reached its thrilling finale. Set against the sophisticated backdrop of Maybe Sammy in Sydney, our three finalists—Damien Kos-Beckwith, Vincenzo Laginestra, and Petyo Dimitrov—crafted extraordinary cocktails showcasing our ultra-premium spirits: Coastal Gin, Martha’s Moonshine, and Gidley Dry Gin.

This competition invited mixologists and cocktail aficionados from across the country to create their finest serves, with each finalist earning prestigious gold, silver, and bronze endorsements. Their creations were showcased before our esteemed judge, Giorgio Gervasoni, from the acclaimed Maybe Sammy cocktail bar.

Gold Prize Winner

From Geelong, Victoria, Damien Kos-Beckwith won top honors with his cocktail, 'Where the City Meets the Sea.' Crafted with King Island Distillery Coastal Gin, lacto-fermented grapefruit cordial, and a tincture of nori and rosemary, the drink was completed with coconut air and edible sand—a feast for the senses that captivated the panel.

“It’s an honour to be one of the top three finalists in the competition. I am very proud to present the drink I created and highlight Geelong as a drinking destination,” said Damien Kos-Beckwith.

“The first time I encountered King Island Coastal Gin, it was love at first smell. It instantly transported me back to my local beach, with the aromas of kelp, saline, and citrus…”

Damien’s cocktail perfectly embodies the spirit of the Australian coast, with layered flavours and a presentation as striking as the King Island coastline itself.

Silver Prize Winner

Claiming the silver prize, Vincenzo Laginestra from Hobart, Tasmania, impressed with his cocktail, 'Neva’s Conviction.' This drink draws inspiration from the tragic wreck of the Neva, a convict ship lost off King Island in 1835. Vincenzo’s cocktail symbolises the courage and resilience of the 15 survivors who made it ashore.

Crafted with King Island Distillery’s Martha’s Moonshine, spiced rum, kumquat shrub, lemon juice, quince syrup, and bitters, and garnished with caramelised quince, this cocktail delivers a flavourful experience. Presented in a pirate’s mug and emerging from a smoking treasure chest, it’s as much a tale as it is a drink.

“Winning the King Island competition will be dedicated to my mum, who persistently encouraged me to enter. Despite my doubts, I decided to give it my all, feeling connected to the competition as a proud Tasmanian. Now, I’m determined to make both Tasmania and my mum proud!” Vincenzo said.

Bronze Prize Winner

Petyo Dimitrov, originally from Bulgaria and now based in Sydney, received the bronze prize for his cocktail, 'Salty Short'. Inspired by a cherished mentor, an English gentleman who imparted a love for gin, Petyo’s drink celebrates the simplicity and depth of flavour that time reveals in a well-crafted gin.

With King Island Distillery’s Coastal Gin as the base, Petyo’s creation includes dry vermouth, karkalla brine, sun-dried tomato fat-washed vodka, and tomato tincture. This cocktail is a sensory journey, evoking the wild and mineral-rich character of the Australian coastline.

“This cocktail is my ode to King’s Coastal Gin, where each ingredient is carefully chosen to amplify and complement its unique salty, mineral character. It’s not just a drink; it’s a journey through the Australian coast, captured in a glass.” Petyo said.

Each of these talented finalists brought remarkable creativity, skill, and dedication to their cocktails, showcasing the artistry of modern mixology.

Giorgio Gervasoni, judge and Maybe Sammy representative commended the finalists: “I was very happy to see three great finalists perform at such a high level today. All of them presented themselves well, however Damien was a standout – he brought a delicious drink, flawless performance and a cleverly crafted cocktail combining King Island Coastal Gin, a salted grapefruit cordial and nori and rosemary syrup,”

The three talented mixologists each took home part of the $10,000 prize pool and will have their creations featured as part of the Distillery’s summer drinks showcase.

King Island Distillery Cocktail Competition:

Winner Announcement

Gold Prize Winner

Silver Prize Winner

Bronze Prize Winner

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King Island Distillery Cocktail Competition:

Winner Announcement

Gold Prize Winner

Silver Prize Winner

Bronze Prize Winner

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