King of the shakers

Diageo has named Erik Lorincz, bartender at the Connaught Bar in London, as the Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year 2010.

The challenge lasts a whole year and pits 9,000 bartenders from around the world against one another in national heats.

Finally 24 contenders go head to head over four days before the eventual winner is crowned.

Competitors were required to use spirits such as Tanqueray gin, Ketel One vodka, Johnnie Walker whisky and Zacapa rum in six challenges.

These included “Architecture” in which they had to produce a new cocktail using local ingredients and “History” which was a test of their knowledge of mixology and “pursuit of perfection”.

Lorincz triumphed over the likes of Dale DeGroff, Salvatore Calabrese and Alberto Soria, some of the biggest names in the business.

The managing director for the Diageo Reserve range, Rudy Paoli, congratulated Lorincz on his win: “World Class is a truly international celebration of the flair, creativity and skill of the bartender and the appreciation of great spirit brands. Erik represents all of this and we would like to congratulate him on this fantastic achievement.”

Commenting on his win, Lorincz said: “This is a dream to win such a prestigious award, to be judged by some of my heroes such as Salvatore Calabrese and Dale DeGroff has really inspired me. I’m really excited about the year ahead.”

Rupert Millar, 19.07.2010