On February 21, 2018, the inaugural “Sweet Aroma @ Lion City” Baijiu Cocktail Grand Finals, organised by the Singapore China Baijiu Association and co-organised by Singapore China Baijiu Company, kicked off with great excitement in Lion City. The competition atmosphere was electric. After three months of preliminary rounds, three outstanding bartenders—Kino Soh, Christyne Lee, and Isz Valentino—advanced to the finals and gathered at the competition venue.
Renowned expert judges Steven Cheng and Kenny Hong, together with Mr Yun Weilong, President of the Singapore China Baijiu Association, came together with the finalists to witness the bartenders unleash their creativity. Drawing inspiration from everyday life, they incorporated carefully selected ingredients into cocktails crafted with Moutai, Wuliangye, and Guojiao 1573 as base spirits. This competition sparked a whirlwind of creativity and talent.
The Significance of the Baijiu Cocktail Competition
Vibrant and energetic cocktail culture is sweeping the globe—and Singapore is no exception. Young people especially enjoy ordering their favourite cocktails at bars.
Success in a cocktail competition can rapidly transform a bartender’s career. Such competitions allow bartenders to demonstrate their understanding of a base spirit’s subtle characteristics and to express those qualities to the fullest through cocktail creation.
Kino Soh
Award-winning bartender Kino Soh presented three impressive creations.
Her third, a Guojiao 1573-based cocktail called “Guolin Aroma,” featured a special formula that made it irresistibly memorable.
Her first Moutai-based cocktail, “Antique Elegance,” blended unique ingredients to create a smooth, fragrant, and distinctive flavour.
Her second, a Wuliangye-based cocktail titled “Goddess of Wuliangye,” paired refreshing ingredients with Wuliangye to produce a delightful harmony.
Christyne Lee
可爱漂亮的调酒师Christyne Lee, 整个调酒过程都让人赏心悦目。她的第一杯茅台鸡尾酒名叫“早安贵州”，颜色就像旭日东升的太阳，自由奔放；第二杯五粮液鸡尾酒叫“竹林”，别具风格的容器彰显着调酒师的创意与热情；第三杯国窖1573鸡尾酒名叫“催眠”，像子夜般的黑上面是一片小小的薄荷叶，这杯酒，足以让您好梦入眠。
Isz Valentino
The stylish and popular bartender Isz Valentino, also a multiple award winner, is known for using colour tones to tell stories through his cocktails, giving his creations an artistic flair.
His third Guojiao 1573 cocktail, “Madame Rolais,” decorated with hibiscus and cinnamon, was crystal-clear red—rich yet gentle, with beautifully layered flavours. Which one would you choose?
His first Moutai cocktail, “Ace,” featured a lavender-garnished glass that evoked clean, fresh air.
His second Wuliangye cocktail, “Blue Sky,” promised the feeling of embracing a clear blue sky with just one sip.
Winners Announced
After comprehensive evaluation of flavour, recipe, presentation, glassware, and overall execution by Mr Yun Weilong, Steven Cheng, and Kenny Hong, the results were announced:
First Prize: Kino Soh (also winner of the Best Guojiao 1573 Single Category Award)
Second Prize: Christyne Lee (also winner of the Best Moutai and Best Wuliangye Single Category Awards)
Third Prize: Isz Valentino
These outstanding bartenders demonstrated remarkable creativity without diminishing the unique characteristics of each baijiu. Throughout the competition, we witnessed their distinctive philosophies, seamless execution, and engaging interaction.
We wish them continued success and a smooth journey ahead in their bartending careers!
