Barcode mixologists fly the black and white flag in Cape Town

Having qualified in their respective regional rounds held in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, the top 10 bartenders in the country converged on the Apostles' Hotel and Spa in Cape Town for the official national classic cocktail competition.

Required to create an original Bombay Sapphire cocktail, contestants were judged on their preparation skill and ability, while the cocktails themselves were scored according to taste, aroma and presentation. Spectators received enlightening insights into the process as each bartender used his microphone headset to explain the background to his cocktail as he was preparing it. It was an immensely successful format that allowed some of South Africa's best mixologists to share their wealth of product knowledge and cocktail experience with an appreciative crowd.

Finalists competed for a trip to London, where they were to spend time with Jamie Walker – the Bombay Sapphire resident mixologist – followed by a chance to compete in the IBA World Championships in Greece. Barcode was well represented in the competition with two of their bartenders placing in the top 3. Barcode partner Tim Townsend (aka Flip Cashwell) narrowly finished second behind winner Clinton Weir, while Ryan Duvenage came third. Tim's extensive résumé includes excellent performances at the IBA World Championships in Las Vegas (2004) and Helsinki (2005). Ryan is a Durban-based mixologist who is rapidly making a name for himself as a professional and talented bartender. Together they are responsible for the creation of Barcode's original cocktail designs (Their respective cocktail recipes for the 2006 National Classic Cocktail Championships can be viewed below).

Tim and Ryan will also take on educational roles in early 2007 when they found the Barcode Academy. Based in Durban, the Academy will draw on this team's formidable cocktail expertise to equip anyone interested in joining the bartending industry with the skills and knowledge required to succeed. Queries regarding the Academy can be submitted at:

http://www.barcodemobile.co.za/contact.php

NATIONAL CLASSIC COCKTAIL RECIPES

Name: Timothy Townsend – aka Flip Cashwell
Drink: Bombay Berry Royale'
Glass: Wine Goblet
Method: Muddled and S/S

Ingredients:

1.5 Bombay Sapphire
1 Teaspoon Kiwi Preserve
0.5 Monin Cranberry
2 Teaspoons Fresh Mixed Summer Berries
2 Red Grape Juice
2 Ceres Cranberry-Kiwi Juice
2 House of Orange Raspberry

Garnish: Garnish with a rhubarb stick and black cherry, and a skewer of cherries and star fruit with strawberry top - atomise straws with cherry syrup

Prep notes: Muddle Bombay Saphire and fresh berries with cranberry syrup and kiwi preserve before Shaking over ice with Red Grape juice, Cranberry-Kiwi and Raspberry Juice – Serve in an iced wine goblet with Skewers and Straws.

Name: Ryan Duvenage
Cocktail: Bombay Lilly
Glass: Collins
Method: Muddle / Shake

Ingredients:

50ml Bombay Sapphire
6 chunks peeled Cucumber
8 Mint Leaves
1 Bar spoon white sugar
100ml Cloudy Apple Juice
Crushed Ice
Top Soda Water

Garnish: Cucumber Fan & Mint Sprig

Instruction: Muddle gin in shaker with cucumber, mint and sugar; add crushed ice and apple juice; shake and pour, unstrained into Collins glass. Add Soda and garnish.