By Sacha Delfosse
Bartenders entering the 2013 World Class competition will not only be battling it out for the chance to represent Australia in the global finals – they will also be competing for a $100,000 prize.
The groundbreaking prize includes a $100,000 cash grant, along with expert mentoring from industry experts, to help the winner open their own bar. Bartenders will be able to submit their entries for the 2013 competition from mid-August.
“World Class is not only about showcasing the world’s best bartenders and highlighting their craft. It’s about inspiring people to experiment with spirits and create fine drinking experiences at home,” Diageo Australia marketing director, Matt Bruhn, said.
“The small bar scene continues to see strong growth and I feel that’s a great thing. We think that by helping next year’s winner realise their dream of opening their own bar we’re well on our way to achieving our vision of changing lives and promoting a better drinking culture in Australia and beyond.”
The World Class competition is organised by Diageo Reserve, and is considered the world's most prestigious and prolific bartending competition, which aims to unearth the world’s best bartender, a title that was won this year by Australian bartender Tim Philips (pictured).
“It was amazing to win the global title in Rio a couple of weeks ago, it goes to show that bartending in Australia is in a great place right now and we’re only going from strength to strength. I can’t wait to get involved in World Class next year as a mentor and judge – World Class does change lives, I can personally attest to that,” Philips says.