Whisky Focus - Diageo Reserve Announce Finalists For World Class Competition

Diageo Reserve announces the line up for the UK World Class final 2016.

Diageo Reserve World Class which was launched back in 2009 to inspire and educate bartenders in the craft of mixology using the finest spirits in the Diageo Reserve collection. At its core is an outstanding, global training programme and internationally recognised platform that elevates the craft of the bartender and builds careers in the industry culminating in an annual luxury landmark week where the Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year is announced. To date over 15,000 bartenders have been inspired and educated in the craft of mixology using the finest spirits in the Diageo Reserve collection.

Diageo Reserve World Class is now widely recognised as a mark of sophistication and distinction of international fine drinking culture by bartenders and customers alike. As an extension of the Diageo Reserve World Class training programme, in 2011 Diageo launched the Diageo Bar Academy in Asia Pacific, the region’s largest bartending course accredited by the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET), which has trained 27,000 bartenders to date.

Following two very competitive UK Diageo Reserve World Class Competition semi finals which saw 100 competitors narrowed down to 11 finalists who will now compete to be crowned 2016 UK Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year.

Each of the semi-finalists faced intense challenges testing their spirit knowledge, technique and on-the-spot thinking and always paying homage to the "Mindful Drinking" theme of the competition.

In the first semi final bartenders were invited to incorporate one of the following Diageo Reserve brands in their cocktail creations; Talisker, Singleton, Cardhu, Ron Zacapa, Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve and Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Haig Club, Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit Rye.

In the second semi final themed "Fruits and Plants" the bartenders were invited to incorporate one of the following Diageo Reserve whiite spirits into their cocktail creations; such as Cîroc Vodka, Tanqueray No. TEN, Ketel One Vodka or Don Julio.

The eventual winner of the 2016 World Class UK Bartender of the Year will be awarded with the esteemed title and represent the nation at the global final, which will be held in Miami in September. They will also be invited to travel worldwide to educate and identify new talent, and become a mentor or judge in the following year’s competition. In addition, the owner of the bar in which the UK winner works will receive a one off £10,000 marketing fund to create their own World Class ritual serve.

If you fancy trying out the semi final winning cocktails at home I have listed all 11 UK Diageo Reserve World Class Finalists Cocktail Recipes HERE
 

• UK Shops
   
• USA Shops
   
• European Shops
  

Whisky Focus