By Sacha Delfosse – editor bars&clubs
Entries are now open for the 2014 Diageo Reserve World Class bartending competition.
This year’s contest will run from January through to July and will be split into four rounds. Competing bartenders will also have the chance to participate in workshops with industry experts such as global rum ambassador, Ian Burrell and UK bartender Ryan Chetiyawardana.
Bartenders have until February 23 to submit their entry, comprising an original cocktail based on the either of this year’s two chosen themes, Alfresco and After Dark.
The Top 100 will be selected from these entries before being reduced to a Top 25 following a series of challenges and master classes. From this a Top 5 will be selected to compete in the National Finals on June 30 and July 1 for the chance to represent Australia in the Global Finals.
The National Finals winner will also get the chance to visit the Johnnie Walker distillery in Scotland, the George Dickel distillery in Tennessee, and the Ron Zacapa distillery in Guatemala, as well as working alongside the Bundaberg Distilling Company’s master distillers – as an apprentice master craftsman – to create 100 bottles of a limited-edition, small batch rum blend.
“We’re very excited to welcome back the Diageo World Class competition to Australia for its sixth year,” said Diageo Australia managing director, Tim Salt.
“We’ve refreshed and streamlined the competition this year, and we are looking forward to once again recognising the craft of the bartender, championing new talent, and showcasing the latest trends in fine drinking.”