The August issue of Australian Bartender is out now, with Sydney Bar Week just weeks away and this month’s edition looking ahead to one of the biggest periods on the Australian bar calendar.
Running from 12–16 September, Sydney Bar Week returns with a packed program of parties, bar takeovers, workshops, brand activations and the industry’s major annual events, including the Bartender of the Year competition, the Australian Bartender Top 100 Most Influential List and the Australian Bar Awards.
In this month’s Editor’s Note, editor Kim Berry looks ahead to the week and the 2026 Bartender of the Year competition, which will take place on Tuesday 15 September. Competitors will work through three rounds before the final three battle it out for the title at the party announcing this year’s Top 100 Most Influential List.
Ahead of handing over the title, 2025 Bartender of the Year Tanguy Charbonnet reflects on the past 12 months, the opportunities that came with the win and his advice for this year’s competitors.
Also in the issue is a leadership profile with Suntory Group Advocacy Manager John Galiatsatos, better known across the industry as Johnny G. He shares the lessons he has picked up throughout his career, what leadership means to him and where he hopes to take his role next.
On the cover this month is Caffie Energy Water, which launches on 1 September and is described as Australia’s first entrant into the premium energy water category.
Elsewhere, the August issue heads inside Bar Peripheral for this month’s venue profile, catches up with Daniel Hilton of Lobo, and takes a closer look at 1800 Tequila’s new Guachimonton release.
There is also Claudio Bedini’s latest Bitter Tales column, Alessandro Nardini on the Business of Bars, Staffies, The Bar Exam and the latest openings and industry news from around the country.
