The search is on for Australia’s best all-round bartender in Nikka Perfect Serve, with the winner to compete against finalists from around the world to secure the top title.

Nikka Perfect Serve judges contestants not only on the quality of the cocktails they create, but their service, attention to detail and versatility.

Previously held in Melbourne and Sydney, this year the Australian competition will head to Brisbane bar Before + After in August, with 10 of Australia’s best bartenders set to battle it out over a full day competition.

The judges will play the role of bar guests while contestants run a 15-minute guest shift during which they cater to the versatile scenarios the judges play out.

This year marks Nikka’s 90th anniversary, and as such contestants will be asked to create a cocktail they would serve to Nikka’s founders, Masataka and Rita Taketsuru.

Nikka Brand Ambassador Marcus Parmenter said Nikka Perfect Serve reflected deep Japanese traditions.

“It’s run Omakase-style, which means ‘I leave it to you’, allowing contestants to showcase their versatility and talent,” he said.

“The competition’s core principle is ichi-go, ichi-e, one chance one encounter. This is a core concept of bartending as well, and we look forward to seeing the bartenders showcase their understanding of this principle.

“We’ve chosen Brisbane for this year’s competition because the quality of bars and bartenders continues to grow there each year. Brisbane has all the ingredients of a perfect serve on its own.”

The winner of the Australian final will go to Paris in December to represent Australia against 14 other countries, with the winner and runner-up of the global competition invited to Japan to experience the Nikka distilleries and the Tokyo bar scene.

Enter here.

Pictured main: Last year’s winner, Melbourne’s Reuben Beasley-Palmer.