The process of the SWISS BAR AWARDS, which takes several months, begins each February with the call for entries. Despite the epidemiological situation, a large number of bars and Barkeeper took the trouble to submit their application documents for the most prestigious awards in the Swiss bar scene. At the end of May, the bars and Barkeeper on the 2021 longlist were reviewed and evaluated by a jury of experts.
The first exams for the categories "Barkeeper of the year" and "Best Barkeeper Talent" were already scheduled for 22 June. In the written test, the candidates had to prove their technical and general knowledge, while in the practical test their hand movements were put under scrutiny - but not only.
The three-person jury team consisting of Ivan Paszti (co-owner of Cranberry Bar, Zurich), Christian Heiss (bar manager of Kronenhalle Bar, Zurich) and Daniel Staub (responsible for On Board Consumption Beverages at Swiss Airlines) was tasked with putting the participants through their paces and tempting Barkeeper with uncomfortable questions.
With appropriate answers and repartee, the nine qualifiers were able to gain valuable points, as communication with the jury was assessed as well as mixing technique and the appearance and taste of the cocktails served.
Convincing young talents
The performance of the candidates in the category "Best Barkeeper Talent" also deserves special mention. Full- and part-time employees born between 1998 and 2002 were eligible to apply, and Paulina Bastian (Dolder Grand Bar, Zurich), Roman Mutzner (Archbar, Winterthur), Loris Pirkheim (Kurt und Kurt, Bern) and Alberto Vailatti (Campo Base, St. Moritz) took advantage of this opportunity.
Jury member Christian Heiss is confident when he sees the new blood of the Swiss bar scene: "The Talents totally convinced and surprised me. They were my personal highlights."
Award Night 2021
While the anxious wait for the title "Best Barkeeper Talent 2021" has already begun for the young talents, the three finalists of the category "Barkeeper of the year" will have to give their best once again at the Award Night on 15 September 2021.
In front of 200 invited guests, they will once again demonstrate their know-how on the stage of the event location Chicago 1928 in Zurich-Oerlikon to earn the award of the supreme discipline. The title "Barkeeper of the year 2021"!