MHD launches HK Macau World Class 2017

The global search for the world’s best bartender from Hong Kong and Macau is now on as Moet Hennessy Diageo has announced the start of its 2017 World Class Cocktail competition.

This year comprises two stages for entries from bartenders around Hong Kong and Macau. From 15 January, entrants have four weeks to create a ‘Winter’ cocktail using either Johnnie Walker, Singleton, Talisker, Bulleit, Ron Zacapa or Haig Club and promote their creations via Instagram with the hashtags: #worldclassHK and #worldclass2017, with six bartenders progressing to the semi-final.

From 15 March, those who missed out or didn’t enter have four weeks to submit an entry for ‘Spring’ using either: Ketel One, Ciroc, Tanqueray Gin or Don Julio tequila and sharing the cocktails via Instagram in the same way.

Twelve bartenders in total from the two stages will progress to the semi-final in late May, six will progress to the final and three will make it to the Hong Kong ‘Shakedown’ – this year’s grand finale – featuring a Johnnie Walker whisky challenge hosted by global malts ambassador Donald Colville, a food pairing challenge with Jowett Yu of Ho Lee Fook restaurant, and a final challenge where the trio will have 72 hours to create their own bar in Tong Chong Street at Tai Koo Place.

The Hong Kong and Macau final will take place at the end of June, with the winner representing the region in the global final in Mexico City between 20-25 August.

Several industry players will also visit Hong Kong throughout the competition in support, including the 2015 competition winner, Michito Kaneko, Ron Zacapa global brand ambassador Rebecca Quinonez, Jeff Bell from PDT in New York City and Angus Winchester, former brand ambassador for Tanqueray.

Last year’s representative from Hong Kong and Macau was James Barker of the JIA Group who beat 47 other entrants with his First & Formosa cocktail, made with sweet oolong tea, salted ginger syrup, fresh lime juice, soda and garnished with a pickled ginger granite.