Last night (Jun 2), Diageo, one of Thailand's biggest alcohol importers, hosted the Southeast Asia finals of its World Class bartender competition in Bali—and a Thai bartender won! 

Pailin “Milk” Sajjanit of Il Fumo was not only crowned Thailand’s winner, but she also won Southeast Asia Bartender of the Year 2016 and “Local Flavors” challenge by Ketel One.

Milk has headed Il Fumo's bar since it opened at the end of 2015, fixing old-school drinks drawn from forgotten cocktail recipes. It is the second bar from husband-and-wife restaurateurs Choti Leenutaphong and Debby Tang, who are also behind Vesper.
 
Milk was among four Thai representatives who took part, after winning the national round back in April. The other Thai nationals who made the regional finals were Ronnaporn “Neung” Kanivichaporn (Roof Hideaway), Kittibordee “Gov” Chortubtim (Backstage Bar) and Pinsuda "Anne" Pongprom (Bamboo Bar Bangkok).

What’s more, the whole Thailand team was awarded The Best Southeast Asia Bar Team 2016.

The winners of the Southeast Asia phases will join the global final in Miami this September.


Il Fumo