The very first Sweet Aroma @Lion City Baijiu Cocktail competition Singapore Finals 2018 was held on 21st February 2018. This competition was organised by the Chinese Baijiu Association Singapore, sponsored by Singapore China Baijiu Pte Ltd. The atmosphere became intense when our three finalists, Ms Kino Soh, Ms Christyne Lee and Mr Isz Valentino entered the competition premises.
For this competition judges, we have invited respectable Mr Steven Cheng as the Chief Judge assisted by Mr Kenny Hong and also the founder & consultant of the Chinese Baijiu Association (Singapore), Mr Charles Oon. All our judges are really looking forward to see how creative the contestants can be. Not only the judges, the contestants are also very excited. During the competition, the contestants were focused on creating a unique baijiu cocktail out of each of the China white spirits (baijiu); using Moutai baijiu, Wuliangye baijiu and Guojiao 1573 baijiu. This competition was all about talent and creativity, we eagerly wait to see who will be the winner.
Why a China white spirits (baijiu) cocktail competiton?
The cocktail culture has always been a vibrant one which is universally accepted by all industries. Singapore is no exception. The young and old alike, all have tasted and accept cocktails. However a cocktail with the China baijiu as a base is rare; so mysterious that it is a challenge to break the stronghold the western liquor has on the cocktail industry. A new revelation on China baijiu cocktail is about to erupt bringing along exciting new tastes to the cocktail industry. It means a lot to a bartender if he/she can create refreshing cocktails and the arrival of the China baijiu is just the right shot. Creation of a new cocktail is one thing but able to win accolades with the right formula drives the contestants to new heights. A key requirement to win this competition, is that the contestants need to know and express clearly the unique features of each of the three different China baijiu. And then to add in their creativity in conjuring a glass of baijiu cocktail without suppressing the baijiu unique taste.
Kino Soh
Ms Kino Soh, a charming female bartender, has previously won several awards in other cocktail competitions. Her first baijiu cocktail was based on the Moutai baijiu and was named “Tea Nostagic”. The second cocktail was based on Wuliangye baijiu and was named the “Goodness of Grains”, fresh and light ingredients were used to match the Wuliangye baijiu resulting in a wonderful taste! The third cocktail was based on Guo Jiao 1573 baijiu and was named “Scene of Forest”. A special recipe was used and the taste was excellently addictive.
Christyne Lee
This lovely bartender, Ms Christyne Lee, is a delight to the eyes. Her Moutai baijiu cocktail was called “Morning in Guizhou,”, the colour of the cocktail was like the sun rising in the morning, full of energy. The Wuliangye cocktail is called “Bamboo”, a nice bamboo shape container was used in.the preparation showing the creativity and enthusiasm iof Christyne towards baijiu cocktails. The Guo Jiao 1573 cocktail was called “Sleeping Potion”, its black liquid resembling the dark night with a small piece of mint leaf giving you a good night sleep.
Isz Valentino
Mr Isz Valentino was a popular bartender. He was articulate and the storylines for the varied coloured cocktail was good. Every cocktail which came out from his hands would have a unique artistic temperament. His Moutai baijiu cocktail is called “The Emperor’s Medal”, the glass is garnished with lavender providing another layer of fragrance apart from the cocktail itself. The Wuliangye cocktail “Blue Sky”, a small sip will let you experience the clear blue sky. The Guo Jiao 1573 cocktail, “Madame Roselle” is decorated with roselle flowers and cinnamon. The taste was complex and mysterious.
The list of winners has been decided
After an intense discussion by our three judges, the winner of the competition was finally decided. The scores were based on the taste, balance, smell, storyline, cocktail appearance & among others. Ms Kino Soh was judged as the winner and she also won the best Guo Jiao 1573 cocktail award.
The first runners-up was Ms Christyne Lee, who also won the best Moutai cocktail and Wuliangye cocktail awards.
The second runners-up was Mr Isz Valentino.
These outstanding bartenders have displayed the art of their creativity without weakening the taste of the three different baijiu. We have all witnessed a historic event as this was the first China white spirits (baijiu) competition in Singapore We were fortunate to see the professionalism and innovation skills of the three contestants. We wish them good luck in their careers and looking forward to more collaboration projects with them.
