Shelf of Shame Awards

Overview

Cocktail bartenders have a passion to mix and muddle anything that can fit into that Boston Glass in an attempt to invent something new, exciting, and hopefully drinkable.

Usually, these flavours have guided us through doors and onto the other side of the bar time and time again. Fruity, sweet, sour and bitter sensations that amaze us, surprise us, and sometimes get us dancing a little too much. If you don't know how much work goes into making these creations - you should. Many hours have been spent experimenting with 30mls of this and 15mls of that to get the perfect balance.

During this process there those few spirits or liqueurs that tend to be avoided more then others and after a while they end up getting pushed to the back of the line. Unless you get one of those "gin and milk on ice" customers (yes, they exist) those seasonal spiced fruit liqueurs or that wasabi-infused vodka end up being blacklisted.

However, the crew at Matterhorn have decided enough is enough and its time for cocktail makers to wipe the dust off those bottles and face their fears in Wellington's first ever Shelf of Shame awards. Eight bars submit one of their worst spirits and nominate one competitor to create and name a drink with only the spirits submitted. The competition will challenge bartenders to be innovative and creative, providing laughs and maybe even a tasty new house cocktail - who knows!?