Syrco BASÈ, the pioneering culinary hub north of Ubud helmed by two Michelin-starred chef, Syrco Bakker, is proud to announce that its Bar Manager achieved a history-making second-place finish at the recent Diageo World Class Global Bartender 2024.
Hailing from Buleleng in North Bali, I Putu Aris Sanjaya Putra is the first Indonesian to be awarded a top spot at the world’s largest bartending competition, which in its 15th year saw bartenders from 44 countries compete in Shanghai, China, from September 9 to 12. Aris is also the first Indonesian to make it to the final round of the competition.
Diageo World Class recognizes industry professionals for the creativity of their drinks, exceptional preparation techniques, hospitality, professionalism, and commitment to continuous learning. In the final round, eight contestants were asked to set up a pop-up bar featuring six cocktails representing a particular concept.
Patricia Borges, Global Managing Director Gins and Rums Diageo & Aris Sanjaya
Aris’ concept, which he called “Roots to Flower”, was inspired by the life cycle of plants. His six outstanding concoctions used every element of several plants, from the roots, stems, and leaves to flowers, fruits, and even the bark of the mesoyi tree, a relative of cinnamon.
With Syrco BASÈ’s core principles of transparency, nature, and traceability, Aris’ innovative approach to ingredient use is reflected in each of the restaurant’s alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, which are carefully curated to pair perfectly with its cuisine, which weaves tradition and innovation into every dish.
After the culinary hub’s triumphant debut in Indonesia’s dining scene at the beginning of this year, it has already been listed among Bali’s 20 best restaurants by major Australian media outlet, Traveller.
In addition to taking out the podium position, Aris also received the World Class People’s Choice Award, after his pop-up bar was chosen as the favorite among all the contestants’ offerings by most of the 700 competition attendees.
In an interview with local media outlet NusaBali.com, the champion bartender said his advice for local aspiring mixologists is “to be as original as possible and just be yourself”. He also enthuses that beyond the island’s burgeoning mixology scene, elements of Balinese culture can also offer inspiration for mixing drinks.
“On behalf of the entire Syrco BASÈ family, I want to express how immensely proud we are of Aris’ phenomenal achievement,” said Syrco Bakker.
