⚠️News⚠️ Dutch Mixologist Won the Bronze Medal with Shuntun Baijiu Cocktail in NCC 2024 Organised by NBC!
Statement: After having some great cocktails at Amsterdam Cocktail Week and ruminating, I decide to revise the tile from Shuntun Baijiu Cocktail Won the Bronze Medal in NCC2024 to Dutch Mixologist Won the Bronze Medal with Shuntun Baijiu Cocktail in NCC 2024 Organised by NBA. There are multiple focus in this event: 1. The gifted mixologist Laurynas; 2. The competition rules by NBC; 3. The quality ingredients. The 1st version title is too arrogant to focus on Baijiu. I sincerely apology for this. (Latest updated on 6th, Sept. 2024)
(Amsterdam, September 3rd, 2024, Hans Ngo Wurfbain)
On September 3rd, 2024, at the 10th edition of the Perfect Serve Bar Show in Amsterdam, 18 bartenders from across the Netherlands competed in the finals of the National Cocktail Competition (NCC). Laurynas, a bartender using Shuntun Baijiu, secured third place.
Chinese Baijiu Makes Its Debut and Wins Third Place
The competition was organised by the Dutch Bartenders Association, founded in 1949. Contestants drew lots to determine the spirits and syrups they would use and, following the committee’s guidelines, selected up to six ingredients to create new cocktails. Among the contestants, two bartenders selected Shuntun Baijiu, imported by P.A.N.D.A B.V. from China. Unfortunately, one of the contestants using baijiu had to withdraw from the competition. Ultimately, Nick from Fitz’s Bar (Amsterdam) won first place, Andre from The Peacock Bar (Zwolle) took second, and Laurynas from Sonora (Amsterdam), using SHUNTUN Baijiu, earned third place.
This competition marked Shuntun Baijiu’s debut, not only in the Dutch cocktail competition but also in the European cocktail scene.
Why Compete in the NCC?
When asked why Shuntun Baijiu chose to participate in the NCC, its founder, Hans Ngo Wurfbain (Dutch name: Hans Ngo Wurfbain), explained: “Firstly, the Netherlands is one of the most innovative countries in the world. For Baijiu, an ancient yet novel category, launching in the Netherlands offers a greater chance of survival. Secondly, the NCC is organized by the Dutch Bartenders Association (NBC), which has been running since 1949 and is the founding member of International Bartenders Association(IBA). Its rich experience, stringent rules, and fairness make it ideal for brands like ours, which don’t have the funds for flashy packaging. Here, if we have confidence in the quality of our product, we can compete head-to-head with larger brands or well-funded new brands. However, please don’t misunderstand—competition isn’t about defeating others. It’s about gaining exposure and ensuring that the bartenders who pour their hearts into creating new cocktails, as well as the original spirit suppliers, get the recognition they deserve. Many bartenders and brands that didn’t win were also outstanding, and we will introduce them one by one in the future.”
Was Third Place a Satisfactory Result?
When asked about his thoughts on the results, Hans stated: “While Shuntun Baijiu is a product I am deeply proud of and poured my heart into, from a theoretical, philosophical, and logical standpoint, it’s unrealistic to expect everyone to appreciate its taste. Therefore, Shuntun Baijiu can only thrive when the right time, place, and people come together. With confidence in our pursuit of excellence, we will continue to tell the story of Chinese Baijiu overseas, seeking appreciation from spirits enthusiasts beyond China, and offering this spirit to those who truly appreciate it.”
Future Plans for P.A.N.D.A B.V.
Finally, when asked about P.A.N.D.A B.V.’s future plans, Hans, with a hopeful look, firmly stated: “Next year, P.A.N.D.A B.V. will select at least four spirits from different civilizations along the Silk Road to compete. Our goal is to enrich the range of popular flavours in the market and to support traditional distilleries that are passionate about crafting and distilling spirits, helping to preserve these unique and flavourful terroirs.”
PANDA Is Not Just a Panda—It’s P.A.N.D.A
It’s worth noting that Hans Ngo Wurfbain has been promoting baijiu across the Netherlands by cycling. Since March 2024, he has visited over 100 liquor stores and nearly 50 cocktail bars on his bicycle, covering nearly 5,000 kilometers. The name P.A.N.D.A B.V. is also noteworthy; it stands for Premium Alcohol Network and Distilleries Alliance. Hans is currently drafting the P.A.N.D.A Charter. He was formerly the first Chairman/Chief Representative of the Audax Club Parisien (founded in 1903) in China and has previously worked in the marketing department of Porsche (China).
