Adam Dow into Bacardi Legacy Top Eight

Australia’s Adam Dow and his ‘The Golden Rule’ cocktail have earned a place as one of the Top Eight grand finalists in this year’s Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition.

Postponed for a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Legacy competition went ahead in a virtual format, and the final will take place via a Facebook livestream at 1.30am (AEST).

“I am very glad to be through to the next round – this competition has been a long time coming,” said Adam, who is Ivy Head of Bars at Merivale.

“Of course, I wish this was happening in Miami but the team running Bacardi Legacy could not have made it easier for us.

“Everybody’s video presentation was obviously going to be very polished so finding ways to differentiate myself from the other contestants was key.

“One of the biggest things about Bacardi Legacy Global Finals is the opportunity to meet other competitors and also wider members of La Gran Familia – and I can honestly say that Bacardi have preserved this even whilst conducting the competition virtually.

“I am relishing the chance to spread by Legacy to an incredibly talented and large group of hospitality professionals.”

Loy Catada, Bacardi-Martini Australia Brand Ambassador added: “Mentoring Adam and helping him through his journey has been a real pleasure. He is a true professional, so easy to work with and very creative. This past week Adam has been truly focused on the competition with a goal to reach the top eight.

“He has created a cocktail that is a true Legacy; unique yet uncomplicated to construct. The simplicity of the drink also means that while Australian’s are cheering Adam on, they can celebrate by making his signature cocktail.”

Top 8 Bacardi Legacy 2021 Grand Finalists:

• Australia – Adam Dow
• Thailand – Praphakorn Konglee
• Lithuania – Akvilė Bieliauskaitė
• Cyprus – Alexis Argyrou
• Latvia – Konstantin Tsiglintsev
• Iceland – Vikingur Thorsteinsson
• USA West – Taylor Cloyes
• Canada – Max Curzon-Price

Following the huge impact that the pandemic has had across the bartending world, Bacardi has maintained, since announcing the postponement, its intention to reschedule and re-work the format of the competition to enable all involved the opportunity to showcase their hard work and talent on a global stage.

In delivering this promise, with the addition of the US$5000 El Coco bartender grants, Bacardi hopes to offer real financial support to the competitors who have worked so hard to develop and promote their unique Legacy cocktails, while also helping them to germinate innovations and solutions to boost their careers and the hospitality industry as it looks to recover from the past year.