Diageo World Class Canada Bartender of the Year heads to Berlin to represent Canada at the World Class Global Final
MONTREAL, May 9, 2018 /CNW/ - WORLD CLASS CANADA showcases top bartenders from coast-to-coast who compete for the opportunity to represent Canada at the WORLD CLASS Global Finals this October 4-8th in Berlin, which will mark the 10th anniversary of WORLD CLASS.
After a highly competitive application process including a series of intense regional challenges, 10 talented bartenders were selected to battle it out in the WORLD CLASS CANADA National Finals on May 7 and May 8, 2018 in Montreal, Quebec. The event was held at the beloved Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel, which recently re-opened its doors after massive renovations and a beautiful transformation. Competitors selected from their respective regions demonstrated impressive mixology skills, unique creativity and sheer passion.
Candidates were judged on their bartending techniques by previous WORLD CLASS CANADA winners, including Kaitlyn Stewart (WORLD CLASS CANADA and Global Bartender of the Year 2017), Shane Mulvany, Lauren Mote, Grant Sceney and Jenner Cormier, in addition to Jeff Bell, 2013 Global World Class Runner up and General Manager of world renowned PDT in New York. With the theme of sustainability weaving throughout this year's competition, there was also a Trend Report Seminar showcasing additional cocktail trends expected for 2018.
After the final round of fierce competition, WORLD CLASS CANADA crowned Christopher Enns from Vancouver, British Columbia as its Bartender of the Year 2018. Chris works at the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver.
"Winning the World Class Canada Bartender of the Year title is a surreal experience and an unbelievable honour," said Christopher Enns, WORLD CLASS CANADA Bartender of the Year 2018. "I had an amazing time competing against some of the country's most talented bartenders and I can't wait to take the challenge a step further against bartenders worldwide in Berlin who share the same passion for crafting cocktails."
Christopher will compete against top bartenders from across the globe at the WORLD CLASS Global Final in Berlin where he will create cocktails with luxury spirits, such as Johnnie Walker Blended Scotch Whisky, Tanqueray No. Ten Gin, Bulleit Bourbon, Don Julio Tequila, Ketel One Vodka and more. Christopher will be contending for the highly regarded title of WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year 2018.
Since 2009, over 300,000 bartenders across 60 countries have brought their passion, culture, flavour and personal stories to the world through the World Class program.
"Cocktail culture in Canada is growing rapidly and it's inspiring to see the level of creativity and innovation bartenders bring each year during the competition," said Michael Armistead, WORLD CLASS CANADA lead with Diageo Canada. "WORLD CLASS is one of the most prestigious bartending contests in the world. We're excited to cheer Christopher on as he gets behind the bar in Berlin to compete and help shape the future of cocktail trends."
When experimenting with your own mixology skills or enjoying award-winning cocktails from 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 Christopher 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.
Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.
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 300,000 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
Amy Shanfield, North Strategic (for Diageo Canada), 647-629-2402, [email protected]
Share this article