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SOURCE Diageo Canada
For the first time ever, Canada is participating in the search for the
world's best bartender shining the spotlight on Canada's thriving
cocktail culture
TORONTO, Feb. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Fifty countries, 15,000 bartenders,
100,000 cocktails. The quest for the world's greatest bartender has
begun and for the first time ever, Canada is being represented on the
global cocktail stage.
Known as the Oscars of the Cocktail world, Diageo World Class is an
international ground-breaking cocktail training program for bartenders
that celebrates the craft of bartending including creativity, flair and
skill.
The Canadian debut is generating international attention and attracting
cocktail legends from across the globe to Canada, including world
renowned experts and sought after speakers Steve Olsen and Tony
Abou-Ganim. Canada will also host internationally acclaimed Global
Mixologists, previous Diageo World Class winners and Brand Icons who
will impart their knowledge on Canada's bartenders and support the
country's thriving cocktail culture.
According to Diageo World Class judge and American Cocktail Expert, Gary
Regan, "from all that I've seen from Canada's bartenders, there's
absolutely no doubt that Canada is not only ready, but also willing and
able to join World Class. You know it makes sense."
"Now in its fourth year, we're thrilled that Diageo Canada is
participating in World Class, giving our Canadian bartenders the
opportunity to showcase their talents in the world's largest
international cocktail event," said Maggie Lapcewich, president of
Diageo Canada. "Fifty of the most elite bartenders will vie for the
coveted title of Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year, and for the
first time, we're proud that a Canadian will be among them."
Canadian bartenders have been anxiously anticipating Diageo World Class
since the program's inception. According to Vancouver bartender Shawn
Soole, "Diageo World Class Canada gives us the opportunity to work with
the greatest names in the business and attract a larger and more global
clientele who want to be served by the best bartender in the world."
Before a Canadian can become the best bartender in the world, they first
have to prove they are Canada's best! To embark on this journey,
bartenders must submit a video of themselves, explaining why they love
being a bartender, then complete a series of three educational modules
scoring a minimum of 80% on each. Finally, they must create one
cocktail using the finest spirits from Diageo's Reserve brands which
include: ZACAPA® rum, BULLEIT ® bourbon, JOHNNIE WALKER® Blended Scotch
Whisky, KETEL ONE® vodka, TANQUERAY® #TEN™ gin, tequila DON JULIO® ,
Classic Malts and GRAND MARNIER®. Bartenders can complete these tasks
by registering at www.diageoworldclasscanada.com.
From February 20th to April 30th 2013, the nationwide search for Canada's best bartenders will be
underway, with Global Ambassadors and Master Distillers meeting
Canadian bartenders to share their wisdom in their quest to find the
best. Global World Class Mixologist Philip Duff from Ireland and
Global Tanqueray Brand Ambassador Angus Winchester from England, will
narrow the field of entries down to ten, and Canada's top ten finalists
will meet in to Toronto for the Diageo World Class Canada finals on
June 10, 2013.
To win the title of Diageo Canada's World Class Bartender of the Year,
finalists must complete three challenges that require them to create
six original cocktails. The bartenders and their cocktails will be
judged by an esteemed panel of judges including Cocktail Luminaries
Steve Olsen and Tony Abou-Ganim, along with last year's World Class USA
winner Ricky Gomez and Canadian author and journalist, Jacob Richler.
The bartender with the highest score will be crowned Diageo Canada's
World Class Bartender of the Year and go on to represent Canada in the
Global Final aboard the Azamara Club Cruise Ship Azamara Journey from
July 4th - 9th setting sail along the French Riviera in Nice and Monte Carlo. Only
the 50 best bartenders in the world will be selected to compete to earn
the coveted title of Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year.
Be World Class. Always Mix Responsibly.
About Diageo
Diageo (Dee-Ah-Gee-Oh) is the world's leading premium drinks business
with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across
spirits, beer, and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown
Royal, J&B, and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One
vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Jose Cuervo, Tanqueray and Guinness,
Beaulieu Vineyards and Sterling Vineyard Wines.
Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180
countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York
Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more
information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us
at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible
drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and
initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.
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