The very brightest and best of the drinks community will next September descend on Glasgow to see the Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year crowned.
Making the announcement, Emily Wheldon, Global Head of World Class, said, “We are hugely proud to be bringing the World Class Bartender of the Year Global Finals to Scotland, the home of so many of Diageo’s much-loved spirits. Glasgow will be an exciting hub for festivities, and the perfect backdrop for the world’s best bartenders to show off their incredible talent.”
Over 10,000 bartenders from every corner of the world are expected to take part in the competition with the very best talent invited to compete in the Global Finals in Glasgow.
Christine McCafferty, manager of Diageo’s archives, added, “Scotland is an amazing location to host the 11th World Class Global Finals – home to all our iconic Scotch including, Johnnie Walker, Talisker, The Singleton and Mortlach.
“The west coast of Scotland in particular holds a special place in the story of many of these brands. It was here that nearly 200 years ago brands like Johnnie Walker first left Scotland on their journey to bring their iconic taste to the four corners of the world.
“For the world’s best bartenders to compete at the home of so many of their favourite spirits will add a brilliant extra incentive to this year’s competition.”http://www.diageo.com
Following the successful launch of Courvoisier’s brand campaign, The Toast of Paris Since 1889, the world-famous premium cognac house has announced its first global bartender competition. Bartenders will be tasked with creating a new twist on the Classic Champagne Cocktail using Courvoisier VSOP or above and explaining how their recipe was inspired by the Paris Golden Age. Entry for submissions will close on 25th March 2016, and the global final will take place in May in Paris.
Bartenders will compete for a coveted prize-a bespoke blend of Courvoisier cognac dating back to 1889, presented in an engraved crystal decanter. The finalists will also travel to the Courvoisier Chateau in Jarnac, France, and visit the centuries-old Paradis Cellar to meet with Courvoisier’s Master Blender, Patrice Pinet.
In the UK, the competition will be prefaced with masterclasses taking place throughout the country in nine cities from January to March, in which attendees will be given an exclusive Le Nez experience hosted by Courvoisier Global Brand Ambassador, Rebecca Asseline, and Maxxium UK’s MIXXIT team. The masterclass will include information on Courvoisier’s history and heritage and its Paris Golden Age heritage in a fully immerse experience including food pairings and cocktails.
Maxxium UK’s Marketing Controller for Luxury Brands, Chris Anderson says, “The on-trade is an extremely important segment of the business and Maxxium UK is supporting the country’s number one cognac with significant investment in education and engagement. We are looking forward to seeing how leading bartenders across the country recreate the Champagne Cocktail and represent the Paris Golden Age with Courvoisier at the centre.”
Bacardí has been on a global search to find extraordinary people who fearlessly embrace life and boldly pursue their passions. The Bacardí Untameable film series has already brought to life the stories of various diverse people, and now it has come to focus on incredible stories from those who practice their craft from behind the bar. First among these is Steve Schneider a former soldier, who had a near-death experience before joining the bartending fraternity in Washington DC initially and subsequently New York. He starred in the 2013 documentary ‘Hey Bartender’ and is well known because he makes a point of crushing ice and ingredients using oversized hammers and mallets. His story is now available to inspire all at www.youtube.com/BACARDI.
Monkey Shoulder has announced the launch of its first national bartender competition, The Ultimate Bartender Challenge. The brand has moved away from the traditional competition format to ensure The Ultimate Bartender Challenge is open to bartenders at all levels in a fun, interactive arrangement. The competition is led by the new Monkey Shoulder UK brand ambassador, Grant Neave and kicks off with a Twitter pub quiz @MnkyShldrUK. Bar teams that enter will be sent a series of six simple questions. The winning teams will be put through their paces at regional finals and a Festival Play Off at Wilderness Festival in August. The two finalists then battle it out, one bar vs. another in ‘The Grand Bar-Off’, held in London on 18th September. The Ultimate Bartender Challenge will be supported and promoted through PR, social media and the First Drinks on-trade team.