Archie Rose White Cane Rum Riff Champions Announced

The Archie Rose White Cane Rum Riff Competition has officially wrapped. With finals held across the country throughout May and June, six regional champions have now been crowned.

Contestants were challenged to create a riff on a classic cocktail using White Cane — Archie Rose’s local reimagining of white rum and the latest addition to their Fundamental Spirits series. With over 100 entries submitted, the competition showcased everything from inventive spins on tiki classics to bold reimaginings of non-rum favourites. Entries were judged on creativity, flavour and balance, originality, presentation and delivery, and, of course, their use of White Cane.

Designed to celebrate the fun of rum, the competition brought together local talent and highlighted neighbourhood bartending communities, while also showcasing the versatility and unique flavour profile of White Cane.

“We were blown away by the sheer quality and creativity of the entries,” said Nick Baxter, Brand Advocacy Manager at Archie Rose Distilling Co. “Entrants brought some serious talent to the table and it was an incredibly hard (but fun) competition to judge.”

Throughout April, the Archie Rose ambassador team visited venues across the country to experience each cocktail firsthand. After selecting local finalists, they invited a guest panel of judges to help crown the regional champions.

After four weeks of lively competition and top-shelf hospitality, the results are in — and we have our champions.

Sydney CBD Champion 

Too Long

A bright and playful take on the modern classic ‘Too Soon’, the ‘Too Long’ leans into the delicate, herbaceous nature of White Cane, while still maintaining the rich, fruity and bitter notes of the classic through the use of orange, honey and amaro.

Sydney Suburbs Champion 

In Nat’s words, ‘let’s take a martini and make it dance’. That’s what her drink ‘Belafonte’ did exactly. Leaning into White Cane’s notes of banana and sugar cane, and inspired by a hot night at the beach (with Harry Belafonte’s ‘Banana Boat’ playing, of course) – it’s a drink that’s all about bringing good vibes. 

Brisbane Champion

Bri Reilly, WAT Den 
Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast, QLD

A twist on a Pina Colada, highlighting the best bits of White Cane and the Sunny Coast. Reminiscent of waking on Sunday mornings to hear the sound of a thousand cockatoos, the smell of the BBQ going in the backyard, heading to the beach for a cheeky fruity sorbet ice-cream, and walking along Coolum red rock dusted shores. Exactly what a pina colada should be – refreshing and bright. It’s a banger.

Canberra Champion 

Inspired by the well-known gimlet, this cocktail seeks to amplify and complement the grassy flavours of White Cane with Southeast Asian herbal and grassy ingredients, providing a citrus element through an acidic cordial with Makrut lime and Lemongrass. Perfect for drinking on a sweltering summer afternoon.

Perth Champion

Inspired by the buttery, coconut vibes of White Cane, this cocktail fuses two classics — the Australian Frosty Fruit icy pole and the daiquiri. The result is a clean, acid driven profile, which holds up beautifully against the bold fruit flavours. 

Melbourne Champion’s

Max Allison, Good Measure 
Melbourne, VIC

A loose riff of the classic Mai Tai, using fermentation and sous-vide infusion for a modern take. The flavours of raspberry and pistachio capture the combination of fruit and nut that made the original so tasty, while giving it a vibrant pink colour reminiscent of the maximalist identity and fun that made the tiki era one of the most notable and nostalgic in history.  The bold character of White Cane stands up to the big, brassy flavours of white chocolate and raspberry – served alongside a pistachio rice-crispy square, utilising the waste pistachios from the white-chocolate liqueur. 

Inspired by not one, but two classic cocktails – the Missionary’s Downfall and the Queens Park Swizzle. The peach forward flavour compliments the bold banana flavours of White Cane, while the Double Malt Whisky creates a strong, slightly oaky backbone to bring the fruits and acids together. Bright, colourful and immediately approachable, Golden Lorikeet aims to keep that classic Tiki Rum aesthetic and feel, whilst tasting fresh and new and crushable. 

Archie Rose White Cane, 700ml, 40 per cent, is available for the on-premise via all good wholesalers. Alternatively, get in touch with your local Archie Rose brand ambassador for more details, including any requests for the ‘Fiona The Galah’ mug.

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