AUSSIE WINS BOLS 2011 Competition!

We are delighted to announce the winner of Bols Around the World 2011 competition! For the second time, an Aussie came out on top. Winner Dan Gregory took time out from his bartending post at EDV to share his experience with us.

 Can you talk me through the process to make it into the Top Eight?

It was a challenging and fun experience to come up with a drink that could hold its own against some of the best in the world. But the key was to understand the products I was using and do the research. And as well getting the drink to a fine balance took a few goes.

Can you describe your experience during the Bols Finals in Amsterdam?

One of the best times I've had in my life, from learning what is happening in other bars around the world from my fellow competitors. To Bols showing us the rich history of there liqueurs, Genever and Amsterdam itself. When you're in Amsterdam you see how passionate the people are about Bols, it's an awesome thing to be around.

How did it feel to win such a prestigious competition?

Unexpected I must say, but amazing at the same time. The other guys in this competition knew their stuff and the drinks were phenomenal. Plus, the past winners which includes Naren Young, to be on the list next to these bartenders is a career highlight for sure. And it's always a nice thing to say that you are a world champion!

What aspect of the global competition did you enjoy most?

The thing I most enjoyed was hanging out with other bartenders from around the world, enjoying a beer and Genever while having a chat. Cool times. 

After visiting Amsterdam, what is your opinion of Bols?

We paid a visit to the Bols laboratory where they make all the flavours. Seeing the time and effect when making their liqueurs, plus the quality. I hold Bols as one of the best liqueurs in the world. And the following for Bols throughout Amsterdam was amazing. 

Tell us a little about Amsterdam and its drinking culture, I hear they love their Genever?

I have to say I have a new found love for Genever, I think a lot of bartenders in Australia don't have a full understanding of how it's made or what to use it for, which is a shame because it is AWESOME.  But apart of the Genever which is everywhere, some of the bars are like going back in time where nothing has changed. We don't have this in Oz, there is one bar called De Doctor and if you are in Amsterdam - find it! And of course, the cocktail bars are some of the best you will find. 

In a single sentence can you describe your Bols Around The World experience?

Heavenly!  

Can you tell us a little about the House of Bols? Is it true you gave Bols a museum piece?

The House of Bols has everything, across the road from the Van Gogh museum which is easy to find. You start off by walking in and seeing a wall of antique Bols bottles and the best part is downstairs. The Bols museum is a maze through Bols and Geneva history, they have a heap of stuff down there. It's like a bartender's playground from original recipes, a priceless Rembrandt painting, and a lot of cocktail and spirit paraphernalia. Then you head upstairs to the Bols Academy where they have their amazing training facility and the up again where there is lab where Bols make all the new flavours, it's a very cool house! As for the museum piece, I had a cobbler shaker from around the 30's I brought years ago. It had engravings in it which said "Compliments from Lucas Bols Amsterdam, Liqueurs and Genever", I used it in the comp. As a thank you to Bols I donated the shaker to the museum where they have their very own historian.  They couldn't believe it, because the guys hadn’t seen this before. It's a nice feeling to have my name next to a piece in a museum.   

You had to travel in a plane for 23 hours with Dylan, are you okay?

Longest 23 hours of my life, but Dylan was very good entertainment. Especially after a couple of cheeky gin & tonic..

How strongly would you recommend bartenders in Australia take part in the next 'Bols Around The World' Competition?

I highly recommend everyone to take part in this amazing competition, awesome chance to have a fantastic time, learn new things and further your career.

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