Woohoo: James Irvine, the group creative cocktail lead at Merivale, has just been named Australia’s World Class Bartender of the Year, winning the title at the high-energy national finals held overnight at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth on Monday, June 30. The Sydney legend competed in a series of dynamic challenges alongside seven of the country’s best shakers and makers – Aidan Perkins (Milquetoast, Brisbane), Darren Burton (Kiin, Adelaide), Darren Leaney (Caretaker’s Cottage, Melbourne), Lachlan Gunner (Trap, Adelaide), Samuel Cocks (Saint Peter, Sydney), Shirley Yeung (Foxtrot Unicorn, Perth) and Tom McHugh (Caretaker’s Cottage, Melbourne) – to win gold at the Diageo World Class competition, now in its 16th year.
Sydney is on a bloody roll, with Jake Down from Newtown's Pleasure Club winning in 2024, and Eduardo Conde from Paddington’s colourful El Primo Sanchez taking out the title in 2023.
Irvine says of the win: "This was my eighth time entering the competition, and it feels incredible to finally take out the title. I’ve drawn on the invaluable mentorship provided by Diageo Bar Academy year after year and have thoroughly enjoyed the creative experience, for almost a decade.
“Bartending is a creative art form, and World Class is the Oscars of bartending competitions – so to be recognised at this level is an absolute honour.”
The three challenges were designed to test the bartenders’ skill, creativity and speed behind the bar, with Time Out Sydney lucky enough to be in the room for the third and final task: a thrillingly fast-paced challenge where they had to craft nine cocktails (including three different types) in just six minutes.
Kate McGraw, Diageo Head of Trade Advocacy, says: “All eight finalists delivered outstanding performances, but only one could be named Australian Bartender of the Year. James Irvine impressed us with his creativity and innovation, as well as his storytelling and charisma. We are proud to have him represent Australia at the Global Finals in Canada later this year.”
On that note, Irvine will soon compete in the 2025 Diageo World Class Global Final, held in Toronto, Canada, from September 27 to October 2, where he will face off against representatives from more than 55 other countries.
Biggest congrats to James Irvine and all the other talented finalists. And bring on September!
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