Diageo World Class Canada Bartender of the Year 2017 headed to Mexico City to represent Canada at the World Class Global Final
TORONTO, May 18, 2017 /CNW/ - WORLD CLASS CANADA brings together some of the country's best bartenders to compete for the chance to represent Canada at the WORLD CLASS Global Final in Mexico City from August 20-25, 2017.
After a rigorous application process and exciting regional challenges, 12 Canadian bartending talents were selected to compete in the WORLD CLASS CANADA Finals on May 17 and 18, 2017. Competitors were judged on their bartending knowledge, skills and showmanship by previous WORLD CLASS CANADA winners, Jenner Cormier, Grant Sceney, Lauren Mote, Shane Mulvany, and 2014 Global WORLD CLASS winner, Charles Joly from the U.S. and current Global WORLD CLASS winner, Jennifer Le Nechet from France. The event boasted spectacular levels of creativity with luxury spirits showcased by some of the most innovative Canadian talent in the industry.
After several rounds of standout mixology showmanship, WORLD CLASS CANADA crowned Kaitlyn Stewart from Vancouver, British Columbia as its Bartender of the Year 2017.
"Winning the World Class Canada Bartender of the Year title is an incredible honour and I am truly inspired by the skill level and dedication showcased among my fellow peers," said Kaitlyn Stewart, WORLD CLASS CANADA Bartender of the Year 2017. "World Class is the largest, most prestigious bartending competition and I look forward to competing with the world's best bartenders who share the same passion for their craft."
Stewart will compete against some of the world's best bartenders from more than 58 countries at the WORLD CLASS Global Final in Mexico City from August 20-25, 2017 where she will have the opportunity to create cocktails made with luxury spirits, such as Johnnie Walker Blended Scotch Whisky, Tanqueray No. Ten Gin, Bulleit Bourbon, Don Julio Tequila, Ketel One Vodka and more. Stewart will be vying for the coveted title of WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year 2017 during a landmark week in the mixology circuit where the latest fine drinking trends will be unveiled.
The WORLD CLASS Global Competition aims to celebrate and elevate the craft of the bartender, having trained and inspired over 30,000 bartenders worldwide since its inception in 2009. Those competing contribute to the next industry trends, helping to shape the future of cocktails and luxury drinking experiences around the world.
"Canadian cocktail culture is constantly evolving and we continue to be inspired by the commitment and creativity demonstrated by some our country's best bartenders," said Michael Armistead, WORLD CLASS CANADA lead with Diageo Canada. "We are excited to see Kaitlyn showcase her talent, skill and innovation at the Global Final in Mexico City."
When showcasing your own all-star mixology skills or savouring award-winning cocktails created by your favourite local bartender, WORLD CLASS CANADA reminds you to drink responsibly.
For additional information about the program and for details on the upcoming global competition, follow @WorldClassCa on Twitter, @WorldClassCanada on Instagram, use the hashtag #WorldClass and visit Facebook.com/WorldClassCanada.
Interview opportunities with Kaitlyn Stewart are available.
About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan's and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.
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About Diageo WORLD CLASS
Diageo WORLD CLASS is transforming fine drinking experiences and cocktail culture around the world and in the home. The industry's largest, most credible investment in the luxury on trade, it discovers the next generation of bartending talent who set the latest mixology trends and bring these to the best bars worldwide. At the core is an outstanding, global training program and internationally recognized platform that elevates the craft of the bartender and builds careers in the industry culminating in an annual luxury landmark week where the Diageo WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year is announced. Launched in 2009, over 30,000 bartenders have been inspired and educated in the craft of mixology using the finest spirits in the Diageo Reserve collection. A partnership and collaboration with gurus, media, partners and owners, Diageo WORLD CLASS is widely recognized as a mark of sophistication and distinction of international fine drinking culture by bartenders and customers alike.
SOURCE Diageo Canada
Rachael Montgomery, North Strategic (for Diageo Canada), 416-803-8302, [email protected]
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