Maker's Mark Whisky, Williamine Morand, Verjus, Chartreuse Jaune, Acacia Honey Timut Pepper Syrup, Perrier-Jouët Brut, Dash Saline Solution with pear decoration: with these ingredients Dirk Hany creates his Déjà Vu. In name, his drink follows on from the SWISS BAR AWARDS 2008, when it won the title of Barkeeper of the year for the first time. "That was my big breakthrough," recalls the 37-year-old Swiss, who grew up in South Africa.
Back then, he poured "Birreweich" for the tasting jury in front of the guests, who certainly didn't all know him. With a similar taste profile and the ingredient pear brandy, the passionate golfer is following up the birreweiche experience twelve years ago with Déjà Vu in a liquid version. The only difference is that on 16 September 2020, all the guests at the 18th SWISS BAR AWARDS will certainly know it.
Barkeeper of the year 2020
In 2020, Dirk Hany won the SWISS BAR AWARD in the category "Barkeeper of the year". It is considered the supreme discipline of the awards. The best Barkeeper (m/f) of the year convinces with hospitality, creativity and expertise. More info at www.swissbarawards.ch
Promoting bar culture with heart and soul
Last year, his Bar am Wasser was named Best Newcomer Bar. In 2020, the trained chef and his team also won the Best Bar Team 2020 category. The trophy will be added to those already won by the Bar an der Limmat. He is pleased about his and the team's award, which is a confirmation of his passion, his work, his heart and soul and the continuous development of bar culture.
On new paths
Dirk Hany is known as a participant in numerous competitions, such as the Scottish final of the Diageo Reserve World Class last year or as bar manager of the Widder Bar, which he "breathed a lot of life into" according to his former colleagues. For two years now, as an experienced restaurateur at Bar am Wasser , he has been heading for further goals. With a high-quality and conceptual double of his bar, the helmsman wants to expand Hany's empire with his business partners next year. However, it is not he but "a new face" who will inspire passengers and guests there.
"Maybe I'll retire and let the boys take the stage".
Dirk Hany, Barkeeper of the year 2020
The Bar am Wasser lives very much through the bar manager himself, who enjoys working at all the stations. "I can't give that up. You will always find me here," he says. He already has his sights set on favourites for the new project, but he doesn't want to reveal more at the moment.
The passionate entrepreneur, host and mixologist, colleague, father and friend is not looking forward to competitions right now. "Maybe I'll retire and leave the stage to the youngsters," he contemplates. But anyone who knows how ambitious and driven Dirk Hany is - it's an incredible performance.
"I participate to win. People who know me know that I am ambitious".
Dirk Hany, Barkeeper of the year 2020
At the SWISS BAR AWARDS 2020, he will be on the big stage with his colleagues and friends Ivan Urech from the Atelier Classic Bar in Thun and Michael Hanke from Zurich's Baur's Bar. "I'm taking part to win. People who know me know that I am ambitious," he says.
But fairness is in the foreground. He demonstrates collegiality and cohesion. That's just how he is, Dirk Hany.
