Double Delight: Nelson's Kismet Cocktail & Whisky Bar Triumphs with Two Awards at The Perfect Blend Cocktail Competition

Those seeking a world-class cocktail now have two reasons to look no further than Nelson.

Nick Widley and Swanny Monthuit from Kismet Cocktail & Whisky Bar have both claimed awards at The Perfect Blend Cocktail Competition, hosted by industry giant Beam Suntory. This is the first time in the competition's history that two awards have been won by bartenders from the same bar.

The competition, held on 15th & 16th April in Auckland included a mixture of theory and blind tastings, and culminated in the creation of a cocktail using a range of Beam Suntory products. Entrants were also tasked with generating social media engagement in the build up to the competition.

The two awards included the Apprentice Award for Swanny Monthuit, who joined the Kismet team only eight months earlier. Nick Widley, owner of Kismet, won the Professional Award.

Both now turn their attention to the grand final, held in Queenstown from June 2-6. This stage of the event promises fierce competition from right across New Zealand and Australia, with the overall winners taking away a once in a life time trip to spend time at some of Beam Suntory’s distilleries.

More information on the event can be found at The Perfect Blend by Beam Suntory website.