In a thrilling display of mixology mastery, Campari and Alchemy Thailand orchestrated the Campari Red Hands Thailand 2024 bartender cocktail competition at the illustrious Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok Hotel. Amidst the vibrant energy and spirited cheers of the crowd, Dheeradon “Gotji” Dissara, the ever-talented General Manager of Ray Cocktail and Bite, clinched the coveted title. With this spectacular win under his belt, Dissara is now all set to represent Thailand at the prestigious Campari Red Hands Asia 2024 competition, slated to electrify Milan, Italy, this November.
The event was a star-studded affair, graced by notable personalities such as Thanamon Suthon, the charismatic Campari Group Brand Ambassador for Thailand; the renowned Supawit Muttarattana; Symphony Loo, the dynamic Campari Group Regional On-Premises Manager; Arno Schonfelder, the astute General Manager of Alchemy Thailand; and the enigmatic Carla Porter and Michele Montauti. Their presence not only elevated the competition but also underscored the significance of this high-profile event.
Campari Red Hands Asia 2024 heralds a grand return after a hiatus of five long years, promising an exhilarating celebration of Campari’s illustrious heritage, punctuated by the iconic Negroni. This year’s competition boasts the participation of a staggering 539 of Asia’s top-notch bartenders hailing from 13 diverse countries. Each contender is vying for the illustrious title of Campari Red Hands Asia Champion and a coveted spot in the Grand Final in the enchanting city of Milan.
The Thailand segment of the competition, held on August 19, 2024, at the exquisite Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel in Bangkok, revolved around the engaging theme of “Cocktail & Senses.” The quest was to craft the next legendary Campari cocktail to be inducted into the Negroni Family Tree. Out of a distinguished pool of 109 participants from across Thailand, nine exceptionally talented finalists emerged, ready to dazzle the judges with their concoctions. The finalists comprised Piyapat Polnai of Bar Scofflaws, Bangkok; Thanat Tangroungsin of Bar Us, Bangkok; Nattapach Kaewpeacharawanich of Dry Wave Cocktail Studio, Bangkok; Julie Nguyen from Opium Bar, Bangkok; Pongskorn Ruangjun representing Overgrown Lounge & Cocktail Bar, Phuket; Noppasate Hirunwathit of Rabbit Hole, Bangkok; Dheeradon Dissara from Ray Cocktail and Bite; Maipimol Suepayak of Rouge Affair Bar, Bangkok; and Siriwan Sinpan from The O.S.S. Bar, Bangkok.
The pulsating atmosphere of excitement was palpable as these illustrious finalists showcased their mixology magic in front of the discerning panel of judges led by the illustrious Symphony Loo and the esteemed Thanamon Suthon. Each competitor’s creation was a tantalizing blend of flavors, aromas, and presentation, leaving the audience and judges awaiting in eager anticipation.
In the end, it was Dheeradon Dissara’s remarkable ingenuity and flair that resonated with the judges, securing him the top spot and the opportunity to represent Thailand on the grand stage in Milan. There, he will face off against the crème de la crème of Asia’s bartending talent, an experience that promises to be as thrilling and nerve-wracking as concocting the perfect cocktail.
As November looms near, all eyes will be on Milan, where the Campari Red Hands Asia 2024 competition will not only celebrate the rich legacy of Campari but also unearth new talent and honor the creativity and artistry that define the world of mixology. With Dheeradon Dissara leading the charge for Thailand, the spirit of camaraderie, innovation, and impeccable craftsmanship is sure to set the stage ablaze.
I can’t believe such frivolous competitions get so much attention. Isn’t this just a fancy way for companies to sell more alcohol?
You might see it as frivolous, but these competitions celebrate craftsmanship and creativity. It’s more than just selling booze.
Mike is right. Plus, it’s a huge opportunity for these bartenders. It’s like the Olympics of bartending!
JaneDoe, you might want to broaden your horizons a bit. It’s about recognizing talent too.
I just think there are better ways to recognize talent than pushing alcohol consumption.
Congrats to Dissara! I had one of his cocktails at Ray Cocktail, it was phenomenal!
Lucky you, I’ve been wanting to visit Ray Cocktail for ages. Didn’t know they had such a star on their team.
You should definitely go! The place is amazing, and Dissara is a genius with flavors.
Going on my checklist for sure. Maybe we’ll see him represent us globally.
This whole competition sounds like a bunch of elitist nonsense. Who cares about fancy cocktails?
Clearly, a lot of people do care! It’s also an art form.
An art form? That’s a stretch. It’s just mixing drinks.
You’d be surprised how much skill and knowledge goes into it. It’s not just mixing drinks.
Dheeradon Dissara is a legend! His innovation in cocktails is what this industry needs.
Legend might be pushing it, but he’s definitely talented.
Fair point, but in the bartending world, he’s pretty well-respected.
While this is interesting, I worry about the environmental impact of flying all these people to Milan just for a cocktail competition.
Good point. They could have used virtual platforms to cut down on the carbon footprint.
Exactly! Events like these need to be more sustainable.
I love seeing events like this come back after a long break! It’s like a breath of fresh air for the industry.
It’s just another pretentious event. Nothing more.
Reading this makes me want to learn mixology! So inspiring.
Do it! There’s so much to learn, and it’s an amazing skill to have.
Thanks, Bill! Any tips on where to start?
Back in my day, bartending was just about pouring a simple drink. Now it’s an international competition? Unbelievable.
This competition is brilliant! Combining artistry with flavors, it’s something to celebrate.
Totally agree, Tracy. It’s a beautiful blend of science and art.
If only they had used all this effort for something more meaningful than making cocktails.
Absolutely love Campari! This competition brings it the attention it deserves.
Agreed! Campari is an underrated spirit.
I wonder if this will increase the popularity of Negronis. They’re already my favorite!
Competitions like these are why I got into bartending in the first place. The excitement and recognition are unreal.
That’s great to hear! It’s wonderful to see the impact these events have.