/R E P E A T -- Bartenders From Across The Country Descend Upon Toronto To Prove They Are World Class/

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, June 7, 2013 /CNW/ - Fifty countries, 15,000 bartenders, 100,000 cocktails.  The quest for the world's greatest bartender is underway and on Monday, June 10^th, ten Canadian finalists will vie for the chance to represent their country for the first-time ever.

From Vancouver to Halifax, Canadian bartenders will showcase their talent during three rigorous challenges designed by the largest and most prestigious cocktail education program in the world, Diageo World Class.   Star-struck by the hosts and judges, Canada's finalists will have to control their nerves as they perform in front of two global cocktail legends, Steve Olson and Tony Abou-Ganim who have elevated the craft of bartending and paved the way for this generation of bartenders.

This is the first year Canada has been included in Diageo World Class since its inception in 2009 demonstrating the explosive growth of Canada's cocktail culture.  The winner of Canada's World Class Bartender of the Year will have the opportunity to represent Canada on the global stage and showcase Canada's mixology talent to the rest of the world aboard a cruise ship in Monaco sailing to Nice in July.

When:	Monday, June 10, 2013
Time:	10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
	Overview of Canada's Cocktail Culture and the craft of bartending from Global Cocktail Legends Steve Olson and Tony Abou-Ganim First Challenge begins - Tropical Journey: Exotic Cocktails, Tiki Culture
	1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
	Second Challenge, Retro Chic: classic cocktails with a modern twist
	4:00 p.m - 6:00 p.m.
	Third Challenge, Hollywood, Bollywood: movie inspired bottle serves
	6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
	Award ceremony,  winner is crowned:  6:30pm Ongoing celebration with World Class cocktails and paired hors d'oeuvres
Where:	SoHo Metropolitan Hotel, 328 Wellington Street West (Senses Entrance)
What:	Canada's ten bartending finalists vie for the coveted title of Canada's World Class Bartender of the Year to compete for the global title against 50 countries Photo and video opportunities available with finalists and judges Awards ceremony and evening celebration with up to 250 guests

 

SOURCE: Diageo Canada

RSVP:  Kaitlin Hazen / Alanna Stone
416-898-8565 / 416-641-1712
[email protected] /[email protected]