Time Out Shakedown Melbourne qualifiers

The 2012 Time Out Shakedown is well and truly on, folks. Everyone emerged from the Melbourne qualifier (held on Monday 28th), with two victors crowned, and all others for the most part unscathed.

Brand spankin’ new tequila bar Little Blood hosted the qualifier, which, if you haven’t had the pleasure, is the new fun den perched above American style bourbon bar, the Kodiak Club.

Ten of Melbourne’s best bartenders duked it out beneath the rooms decorative sombreros, while an industry support crew watched on, downing hot wings, Little Creatures brews and Sunshack ciders. Bartender Michael Madrusan of the Everleigh, Gee David from South Trade and Time Out food and drink editor Gemima Cody wore the judges caps.

The ten ‘tenders in question came from all over: Eddie Lai from Velvet Bar, Jenna Hemsworth from Cookie, Dan Warren of 1806, Kodiak Clubs’s Fred Siggins, Piotr Kuzmicki of the Alchemist, and Josh Crawford from EDV. Rob Libecans from the Black Pearl and Sri Boriharnvanakhet from Lily Blacks were beaten by their own as Evan Stanley (Black Pearl) and Jacob Taylor (Blacks) took out the two top spots and landed a place in the Sydney grand final.

Several went for swashbuckling themed Pusser’s Rum cocktails, and Patron Silver got a steady thrashing by the Mex-obsessed, but it was Stanley’s 'Double Entendre Fizz' (Buffalo Trace shaken fluffy with Benedictine, lemon juice, Peychaud’s bitters and a fig and honey shrub), and Taylor’s Martinez-style ‘Tribute’ cocktail (Hayman’s London Dry gin, Hayman’s 1850 Reserve gin, sweet vermouth, apricot brandy and bitters) that made the final cut.

The duo will fly to Sydney for an all out bartending stoush at the Standard on June 18. They’ll be facing Sydney’s top two shakers, last year’s defending champion (Neilsen Braid, Rockpool Bar and Grill), and 300 judges – including you if you’re a smart drinker.

Want in on the action? (Just a hint, the answer is yes.) Tickets to the rumble get you ringside where you’ll be tasting the ultimate five ‘tails and voting to crown the all-out champion. Snacks, beers and ciders will flow throughout.

Need more reasons to get involved? Nope, we didn’t think so.

Time Out Shakedown, The Standard, Mon 18 Jun 6.30pm. $35-40.