Tomorrow’s Marriott muddlers and shakers, do it in style at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
Marriott International Liquid Masters 2019 saw 19 top bartenders from 10 cities in Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam from The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, W Hotels, JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels, Le Méridien, Westin, Renaissance Hotels and Tribute Portfolio brands come together at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park last November to take part in three days of workshops, challenges and team building activities, facilitated by some of the industry’s leading professionals.
Aiming to develop the skills and exposure of the brands’ young bartenders, each day, the participants worked to win points for engagement, teamwork, knowledge and enthusiasm. A daily winner was selected before the team concluded the day with a curated bar crawl across some of Bangkok’s top cocktail bars, where participants got to discover different styles and techniques in their craft alongside their colleagues and friends.
The final showdown on day three saw them challenged to craft a new cocktail based on a theme of innovation and sustainability and using premium spirits like Nusa Caňa Tropical Island Rum, Nouaison Gin, Diplomatico Rum, Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, La Quintinye Vermouth Royal and Giffard liqueurs.
Each bartender created their cocktail in full show and presented it to a panel of experts that included celebrated Asian cocktail consultant Sam Jevons; Asia brand ambassador of Mr. Black, Arlene Wong; and local guest judges from ELLE Thailand, Kasidit Srivilai and GQ Thailand, Vasachol Quadri, who judged it on appearance, taste and bartender engagement.
The overall winner was Giri Asta from The St. Regis Bali Resort, who was awarded the coveted title of Marriott International Liquid Masters Champion 2019. The passionate 22-year-old bartender produced his signature tropical-inspired creation and went home with a customized bar tool kit worth USD600 and an all-expenses-paid trip to one of Southeast Asia’s best bar cities, a two-night stay at a Marriott property and a guest shift at the city’s best bar.
The winner of the Best Cocktail award was Namfon Jarensawang, representing Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, for her Glow Gold. Inspired by the belief that gold is an auspicious colour, giving good luck and wealth, she impressed the judges with her signature spirit-forward style and exemplary use of traditional Thai ingredients, dried jackfruit and aromatic pandanus leaves.
