The world’s best bartender

Reserve Brands Group, the luxury division of Diageo, is launching a global competition to find the world’s best bartender. The launch of the competition coincides with a growing global interest in cocktails and cocktail culture, as well as the noted rise in ‘liquid chefs’. 

The aim of the contest is to "acknowledge talent and foster excellence in the field of bartending", and every entrant will receive extensive training in rum, vodka and gin. This will also include a history and heritage overview.

Two of the influential judges on the panel will be Dale DeGroff, often referred to as the “King of Cocktails”, and Michelin starred-chef Marco Pierre White.

"Bartenders are responsible for more than just pouring a drink, entertaining and understanding their clientele," said White. "They need to remember hundreds of recipes, be innovative and creative, know what flavours work together and keep one step ahead of consumers by anticipating their needs and recommending hot new trends. Until now, there has been no formal recognition of this talent."

A strict set of criteria will be used to choose the winner. This will include any actual drink that is produced, but it will also comprise everything a top bartender must have in his repertoire in order to be considered the best.

The Reserve World Class programme will run from October 2008 until the grand final in July 2009, which will take place in London.

The global heats will take place across 26 countries, from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, USA, Latin America, Australia and the Pacific Rim. In addition to training in provenance, the entrants will also compete in rounds of pouring accuracy, speed, originality, creativity, and taste tests.

The winners from each country will meet in London in July 2009, and as well as the title of ‘Best Bartender in the World’, the winner will also be offered the chance to publish their own cocktail book, in collaboration with Reserve.

A website has been launched, and all the necessary information for bartenders and bar managers wishing to take part can be found here.

"Today, worldwide, there is a rebirth of interest in cocktail culture," said DeGroff. "World Class through Reserve brands celebrates the art of the liquid chef. This is a most exciting time for the bartending profession."

The competition will be the focus of a feature article in December’s issue of the drinks business. This will include a trade exclusive interview with Marco Pierre White.

Alexis Hercules 15/10/08