The stage is set for Bartender of the Year 2026, proudly sponsored by Spirits Academy, with this year’s judging panel bringing together some serious experience from across the Australian bar and drinks industry.
Taking place during Sydney Bar Week in two weeks time, Bartender of the Year will once again put competitors through their paces across a series of rounds designed to test everything from spirits and cocktail knowledge to technique, creativity and performance under pressure.
Tasked with helping decide who takes out the 2026 title are Australian Bartender managing editor Kim Berry, Spirits Academy Head of Advocacy Mark Hickey, Odd Culture Group Head of Beverage & Partnerships Jordan Blackman, and reigning 2025 Bartender of the Year Tanguy Charbonnet.
Between them, the panel brings decades of experience across bartending, drinks education, venue operations, beverage programs and the wider hospitality industry.
Meet your 2026 Bartender of the Year judges.
Kim Berry | Managing Editor, Australian Bartender
Kim Berry is the managing editor of Australian Bartender and Food & Drink Business, two of the country’s longest-running drinks and food industry titles. Across both mastheads she reports on the people driving the industry from bartenders to hospitality groups, distributors, brand owners and manufacturers; she covers new venue openings through to the production, supply chain and business decisions shaping what ends up on the back bar. She excels at bringing people together, reporting the news and telling stories. Her motivation is to showcase the people and companies that are pushing boundaries and industry best practice.
Mark Hickey | Head of Advocacy, Spirits Academy | SQA Certified Whisky Educator
Mark Hickey is the Head of Advocacy for Spirits Academy, bringing over 30 years of experience across hospitality, premium spirits, education and brand advocacy, including more than 15 years as a Spirit’s Ambassador. An SQA Certified Educator, Mark is qualified to deliver diploma level whisky education across South East Asia and has spent more than 20 years educating and mentoring hospitality professionals.
His experience extends beyond whisky into spirits, liqueurs, cocktails and global bar culture. Today, Mark leads Spirits Academy’s advocacy and education programs across Australia, combining technical knowledge, storytelling and firsthand industry experience to support bartenders, develop emerging talent and strengthen Australia’s hospitality community.
Jordan Blackman | Head of Beverage & Partnerships, Odd Culture Group
Jordan Blackman is Head of Beverage & Partnerships at Odd Culture Group, responsible for selecting, stocking and tailoring the drinks offering across every venue in the portfolio. With over a decade of experience in hospitality, he has built and maintained a foundation of knowledge in wine, beer and spirits. From identifying innovations in the alcohol market for robust menus to weekly training with team members across the group’s diverse portfolio, Jordan’s attention to detail polishes the experience for guests when drinking at Odd Culture Group venues.
While studying, a part-time job at a bar was the catalyst for Jordan to jump into hospitality full-time. Before joining Odd Culture Group, Jordan held roles at some of Sydney’s top venues including Chin Chin and Ananas Bar & Brasserie.
Jordan’s knack for being ahead of the curve when it comes to drinks has seen him push the humble daiquiri back into the spotlight via the Group’s new venue Razz Room. Arguably the most talked about drink in Sydney – The Dirty Daiquiri – has caught the attention of many Sydney bar goers.
Tanguy Charbonnet | Food & Beverage Director, Jackalope Hotels | 2025 Bartender of the Year
Born and raised in one of the most beautiful towns in France, Saint-Malo, Tanguy wanted to become a bartender to create a unique moment of communion for the guests and between the people who work in this industry.
In 2006, he started bartending, mostly in luxury hotels, and found himself falling in love with the stories of spirits and cocktails, as well as with the people who worked in or came to the bar. In 2017, Tanguy moved to Melbourne, where, without knowing it, he discovered one of the most incredible bar communities he ever had the chance to be part of. From his first shift behind the bar at Jackalope in 2019, Tanguy understood he had to unlearn what he had learned, a great lesson at 30-years-old to start from zero again.
Tanguy is thankful for all the people he has met and for those who support him. He was recognised by the industry in 2025 when he was awarded Bartender of the Year by Australian Bartender. He says he continues to challenge himself, be creative, and to keep learning and improving in all aspects of his career. For Tanguy, it isn’t about how many times you win or lose, but that every competition, drink, and experience teaches him something new.
