Archive for the ‘World Class 2013’ Category
World Class Bartender: Laura Schacht, Clouds Bar, Switzerland
Sunday, March 30th, 2014
At the finals of Diageo Reserve Brand’s World Class Bartender Competition
I witnessed some incredible drinks being made.
And some of those drinks were made by
Laura Schacht, Clouds Bar, Switzerland
Early in her career, Laura Schacht attended a workshop led by Mike Meinke which ultimately stoked her passion for bartending and gave her a foundation of skills to build upon. Currently, as a bartender at Clouds Bar in Zurich, Laura credits her bar team for helping her become the bartender she is today. Earning a spot at the WORLD CLASS Global Final 2013 is the pinnacle of her career thus far and inspires her to work harder every day.
Tags: bartender, cocktail, Diageo, Diageo World Class, diageo. @worldClassLive, DrinkWire, gaz regan
Posted in World Class 2013 |
World Class Bartender: Jose Maria Garces Cadavid, Awa Helada, Columbia
Sunday, March 30th, 2014
At the finals of Diageo Reserve Brand’s World Class Bartender Competition
I witnessed some incredible drinks being made.
And some of those drinks were made by
Jose Maria Garces Cadavid, Awa Helada, Columbia
Jose Maria Garces Cadivid, a mechanical engineer by training, is currently head bartender at Awa Helada. Throughout his career he has worked in many different restaurants and bars including AWA Helada, Coco Beach Sunset Bar, Boobs bar and Yoko sushi bar. As a mixologist, he has a great aptitude for leadership and is known for his creativity, innovation and discipline. He has over 10 years’ experience in the hospitality industry and has led many professional seminars and development sessions.
Tags: bartender, cocktail, Diageo, Diageo World Class, diageo. @worldClassLive, DrinkWire, gaz regan
Posted in World Class 2013 |
World Class Bartender: Jérôme Kaftandjian, Park Hyatt Hotel, Paris Vendome, France
Sunday, March 23rd, 2014
At the finals of Diageo Reserve Brand’s World Class Bartender Competition
I witnessed some incredible drinks being made.
And some of those drinks were made by
Jérôme Kaftandjian, Park Hyatt Hotel, Paris Vendome, France
Jérôme Kaftandjian began his career in one of the best French cocktail bars, Le Forvm, under the leadership of Joseph Biolatto and Xavier Laigle. Following his tenure there, he began work at the Park Hyatt bar in Paris directed by Yann Daniel. There, Jerome truly discovered the world of the bar, and continues to be inspired every day by his mentors, peers and colleagues. Today, he is bar supervisor at the Park Hyatt Paris Vendome.
Tags: @WorldClasLive, bartender, cocktail, Diageo, Diageo World Class, diageo. @worldClassLive, DrinkWire, gaz regan
Posted in World Class 2013 |
World Class Bartender: Jenner Cormier, The Middle Spoon Desserterie & Bar, Canada
Sunday, March 9th, 2014
At the finals of Diageo Reserve Brand’s World Class Bartender Competition
I witnessed some incredible drinks being made.
And some of those drinks were made by
Jenner Cormier, The Middle Spoon Desserterie & Bar, Canada
Jenner Cormier, head bartender and manager at The Middle Spoon Desserterie & Cocktail Bar, helped to open the property in 2010, followed shortly after by the opening of Noble, a smaller bar in the same building with a focus on cocktails. When first introduced to bartending, Jenner paid a visit to Barchef in Toronto where he met Frankie Solarik and a seed was planted. He subsequently embarked on a journey to learn absolutely everything he could about the craft to which he had just been introduced. Jenner has participated in a number of competitions in his short career, winning Made with Love Halifax (2011, 2012), Best Cocktails, The Coast Magazine (2013) and many others.
Tags: cocktail, Diageo, Diageo World Class, diageo. @worldClassLive, DrinkWire
Posted in World Class 2013 |
World Class Bartender: Kester Blake, Electric Bar System, Trinidad & Tobago
Wednesday, March 5th, 2014
At the finals of Diageo Reserve Brand’s World Class Bartender Competition
I witnessed some incredible drinks being made.
And some of those drinks were made by
Kester Blake, Electric Bar System, Trinidad & Tobago
Kester Blake has been in the hospitality industry for over ten years and has been a professional mixologist for the past four years. He gained his academics via the Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute where he pursued his diploma in food and beverage supervision. Throughout his career, Kester has gained a vast scope of experience. He has worked on cruise ships as a bartender and held the position of bar manager at the world famous Zen night club as well as working at Club Maracas. He currently holds the position of bar consultant for Electric Bar System and is an assessor for the National Training Agency. Kester expresses his passion for the art form by dedicating time towards working with experienced individuals as well as upcoming bartenders with the same passion.
Tags: bartender, Diageo, diageo. @worldClassLive, DrinkWire, gaz regan, WorldClassLive
Posted in World Class 2013 |
World Class Bartender: Jeff Bell, PDT, USA
Friday, February 21st, 2014
At the finals of Diageo Reserve Brand’s World Class Bartender Competition
I witnessed some incredible drinks being made.
And some of those drinks were made by
Jeff Bell, PDT, USA
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Jeff Bell began his career in the hospitality industry washing dishes and bussing tables at age 18. Not necessarily enamored with a life elbow-deep in suds and used dishware, Bell eventually found his proper spot in the scene—stepping behind the bar in Seattle at the ripe and legal age of 21, while he completed his philosophy degree at the University of Washington. After graduating in 2007, Bell knew bartending was his calling, and soon packed up and moved to New York City to hone his craft among the best and brightest. He met PDT Mixologist Jim Meehan in 2010 while bartending for Meehan’s wife Valerie at Maialino at the Gramercy Park Hotel. Meehan recognized Bell’s strong work ethic and offered him one shift a week as a barback. Bell jumped at the offer to work at one of the city’s cocktail meccas and pulled a strenuous five nights at Maialino and one at PDT. When a bartending position opened at PDT in the fall 2010, Bell received his due promotion. Since then, he’s fully committed himself to PDT, ultimately working his way up to the role of head bartender. Dropping his ego at the door, Bell puts the customers’ preferences first, crafting vodka, beer, and amaro-driven cocktails with equal care and the skills of a true cocktail craftsman.
Tags: Diageo, diageo. @worldClassLive, DrinkWire, world class
Posted in World Class 2013 |
World Class Bartender: Jad Ballout, Garcia’s Cantina y Cocteleria, Lebanon
Sunday, February 9th, 2014
At the finals of Diageo Reserve Brand’s World Class Bartender Competition this year, I witnessed some incredible drinks being made.
And some of those drinks were made by
Jad Ballout, Garcia’s Cantina y Cocteleria, Lebanon
Jad Ballout, Bar Manager at Garcia’s Cantina y Cocteleria in Beirut, got his start in the industry as a bar back at 18 years old. Since then, he has worked in nearly every capacity behind the bar and in a range of diverse venues including nightclubs, restaurants, beach resorts, and cocktail bars. He feels most comfortable at a cocktail bar where he loves interacting with guests and blending new flavours to create innovative drinks. To get inspiration for new creations, Jad visits local markets to search for unusual and interesting ingredients. When asked about WORLD CLASS, Jad notes: “WORLD CLASS motivates me to develop my skills and work hard on my creativity. It also puts me in contact with the best gurus and bartenders around the world with whom I can share my experience and learn from, and be exposed to different bartending cultures and styles.”
Tags: @WorldClass, Diageo, world class bartender, world class live
Posted in World Class 2013 |
World Class Bartenders: Jason Clark, Shott Beverages, New Zealand
Friday, February 7th, 2014
At the finals of Diageo Reserve Brand’s World Class Bartender Competition this year, I witnessed some incredible drinks being made.
And some of those drinks were made by
Jason Clark, Shott Beverages, New Zealand
With over 15 years’ experience working in the hospitality industry Jason’s career has included working in four different countries in many varied roles. Skilled in all levels of drinks service, Jason is just as comfortable mixing classic cocktails as modern marvels and takes great pride in his ability to deliver a level of service and beverage that always exceeds expectations. He currently serves as a consultant for Shott Beverages, and has successfully made their two iconic New Zealand hospitality establishments renowned for amazing drinks whilst winning numerous awards for the venues, in just two short years. No stranger to competition himself, he boasts a wide range of accolades won throughout his celebrated career. Jason also pens a “Life & Style” column for New Zealand’s largest news website, Stuff. Looking ahead, Jason is passionate about providing advanced training and direction to aid venues and bartenders to offer immaculate service and make exceptional drinks. He is also interested in working with chefs to design and develop food and drink synchronicity to enhance the experiences of diners.
Tags: @WorldClasLive, bartender, cocktail, Diageo, Diageo World Class, DrinkWire, world class, WorldClassLive
Posted in World Class 2013 |
World Class Bartenders: Ivar de Lange, Demain, Netherlands
Saturday, January 18th, 2014
At the finals of Diageo Reserve Brand’s World Class Bartender Competition this year, I witnessed some incredible drinks being made.
And some of those drinks were made by
Ivar de Lange, Demain, Netherlands
Ivar de Lange began his career at the age of 15 working in a hotel bar in Amsterdam. For the past 17 years, he has worked his way up through various bars to where he is today, owner of Demain bar in Nijmegen. Ivan is primarily a self-taught bartender, who hopes to earn his PHd in medical psychology. In 2011 Demain was named the number three best bar by Esquire and Ivan has amassed a number of personal honours throughout his career. Ivan notes that WORLD CLASS has widened his vision of cocktails and given him a huge creativity burst.
Tags: @WorldClasLive, Diaegeo World Class, Diageo, DrinkWire, gaz regan, WorldClassLive
Posted in World Class 2013 |
World Class Bartenders: Hasse Johansen, St Pauls Apothek Bar, Denmark
Thursday, December 26th, 2013
At the finals of Diageo Reserve Brand’s World Class Bartender Competition this year, I witnessed some incredible drinks being made.
And some of those drinks were made by
(Picture from BarChick.com)
Hasse Johansen, St Pauls Apothek Bar, Denmark
Hasse Johansen learned the bar tending craft mostly by himself, working, travelling and reading books. It all really started to take shape for him when he worked as a bar manager at “Herr Bartels” cocktail bar. Hasse, now owner of St Pauls Apothek bar, has won cocktail competitions around the world in Denmark, Singapore, France, Sweden and the UK. He is passionate about educating both bartenders and guests to raise the bar and engender a greater understanding of the craft of bartending. The most important thing for Hasse is to give people an experience they didn´t know they wanted, in sight, smell and most importantly, taste. He says: “The visual part is extremely important, as in food you need to present something fantastic, to make it taste fantastic. My approach to cocktails is very holistic; you need to think that everything around the taste is in play. How the bartender is dressed, his or her technique, glassware presented, garnish, special bottles for syrup and bitters. Guests love to be included in the making of a cocktail; you should give them the story and background. When guests are told a story, it will also serve the purpose of guests giving respect to what they are drinking.”
Tags: @WClassGlobal @WorldClassLive, bartender, Diageo, DrinkWire, gaz regan
Posted in World Class 2013 |
World Class Bartenders: Gareth Evans, Social Eating House, UK
Thursday, December 26th, 2013
At the finals of Diageo Reserve Brand’s World Class Bartender Competition this year, I witnessed some incredible drinks being made.
And some of those drinks were made by
Gareth Evans, Social Eating House, UK
Gareth works alongside the famous Chef Jason Atherton at his newly opened bistro and bar, Social Eating House London, having previously worked with him at Pollen St Social. Gareth takes much of his inspiration from chefs as they seem to be ahead of the bar in terms of ingredients and presentation. He notes: “Seasonality, local and sustainable produce, and modern techniques are all very well known to chefs but we’re only just getting there on the bar.” A seasoned professional, Gareth has won many awards throughout his career and hopes to one day open his own place.
Tags: @WClassGlobal @WorldClassLive, bartender, gareth evans, gaz regan
Posted in World Class 2013 |
World Class Bartenders: Enrique Ignacio Auvert, Teatro Amador, Panama
Thursday, December 19th, 2013
At the finals of Diageo Reserve Brand’s World Class Bartender Competition this year, I witnessed some incredible drinks being made.
And some of those drinks were made by
Enrique Ignacio Auvert, Teatro Amador, Panama
A relative newcomer to the industry, Enrique Auvert has been bartending for three years in different restaurants, bars and hotels in Panama. Currently head bartender at Teatro Amador, he has been fortunate to work with mentors who taught him how to enjoy working and doing what he likes most. Enrique aspires to continue learning and improving his skills through the WORLD CLASS Program and would one day like to own a bar of his own. Passionate about education in the industry, he hopes to share his knowledge and ideas with other bartenders around the world and continue developing the industry in Panama and Latin America.
Tags: @WClassGlobal, DrinkWire, WorldClassLive
Posted in World Class 2013 |
World Class Bartender: Atalay Aktas, Schwarze Traube, Germany
Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
At the finals of Diageo Reserve Brand’s World Class Bartender Competition this year, I witnessed some incredible drinks being made.
And some of those drinks were made by
Atalay Aktas, Schwarze Traube, Germany
Atalay Aktas is co-owner of Schwarze Traube and states that crafting drinks is his life philosophy. He started in the industry as a doorboy and
worked his way up through commis, barista, bartender and now, bar owner. Following the opening of his bar in 2012, he was honoured with an award for the 4th Best Bar in Berlin from Tip Magazine. Subsequently, the bar has been named Best New Bar In Berlin from Zitty Magazine. Atalay is an inventive bartender and likes to work with strong Asian flavours like rose, jasmine, cardamom, lemongrass, thai basil, and ginger. He also likes to explore Mediterranean flavours from France, Italy, and Spain such as Sherries, Ports, Vermouths and light, dry flavours when creating cocktails. He credits WORLD CLASS with evolving the bar industry to a new level with each bartender –including him – striving for the maximum of perfection and harmony and creative presentation in each drink
Tags: Atalay Aktas, DrinkWire, Schwarze Traube
Posted in World Class 2013 |
World Class Bartender: Bert Jachmann, Fabios, Austria
Friday, December 13th, 2013
At the finals of Diageo Reserve Brand’s World Class Bartender Competition this year, I witnessed some incredible drinks being made.
And some of those drinks were made by
Bert Jachmann, Fabios, Austria
Bert was first introduced to the possibilities of the world of bartending while working for a Viennese coffee house when he was challenged to make a Manhattan. In developing his craft, Bert was inspired by Marco Pani, Heinz Kaiser and Erich Wassicek in Vienna and by influential Japanese bartenders in Slovakia. Having the freedom to experiment, he is especially proud to create cocktails to suit the style and taste of his customers. His passion for creating innovative and exciting cocktails gives Bert the opportunity to develop his technical skills.
Tags: Bert Jachmann, Fabios
Posted in World Class 2013 |
World Class Bartender: Carl Van Droogenbroeck, Cocktails @ Nine, Belgium
Friday, December 6th, 2013
At the finals of Diageo Reserve Brand’s World Class Bartender Competition, I witnessed some incredible drinks being made.
And some of those drinks were made by 
Carl Van Droogenbroeck, Cocktails @ Nine, Belgium
Carl Van Droogenbroeck is currently Bar Manager for Cocktails @ Nine in Antwerp, Belgium. In Carl’s words, being a bartender is not just about making a great drink, it’s about being a good host and ensuring that the 500th drink you make is just as good as the first one. He is inspired by cocktail greats Marian Beke and Tony Conigliaro, noting that “both show a total different style, yet both deliver fantastic drinks.” Participating in WORLD CLASS has enabled Carl to gain more experience and knowledge from bartenders around the world with their own techniques and style, while pushing him to think even further.
Tags: Carl Van Droogenbroeck, Cocktails @ Nine, DrinkWire, gaz regan
Posted in World Class 2013 |
World Class Bartender: Cross Yu, Muse on the Bund Shanghai, China
Sunday, December 1st, 2013
At the finals of Diageo Reserve Brand’s World Class Bartender Competition this year, I witnessed some incredible drinks being made.
And some of those drinks were made by
Cross Yu, Muse on the Bund Shanghai, China
Widely known as one of Shanghai’s best bartenders, Cross Yu has amassed a number of impressive accolades throughout his career. He has been named a top ten Shanghai bartender by GQ Magazine, Bartender of the Year by the City Weekend Awards and Shanghai Hot List 2012, Top Mixologist (2012) by CNN Go. Cross was also the Local Final Shake Up 1st Winner of the 2009 Diageo WORLD CLASS Cocktail Competition.
Tags: Cross Yu, Muse on the Bund Shanghai
Posted in World Class 2013 |
World Class Bartender: Diego Barcellos, Mr. Lam, Brazil
Monday, November 25th, 2013
At the finals of Diageo Reserve Brand’s World Class Bartender Competition this year, I witnessed some incredible drinks being made.
And some of those drinks were made by
Diego Barcellos, Mr. Lam, Brazil
Diego Barcellos first fell in love with bartending when he started work as a flair bartender. Soon after, he pursued mixology whole heartedly by studying various courses and learning from friends and peers. WORLD CLASS has taught Diego advanced techniques, attitude and the hospitality needed to be a great bartender. Behind the bar, he endeavors to meld the classics with the modern era to create contemporary cocktails.
Tags: Diego Barcellos, Mr. Lam
Posted in World Class 2013 |
World Class Bartenders: Emil Seth Åreng, from the Rex Bar and Grill, Sweden
Wednesday, October 30th, 2013
At the finals of Diageo Reserve Brand’s World Class Bartender Competition this year, I witnessed some incredible drinks being made.
And some of those drinks were made by
Emil Seth Åreng, from the Rex Bar and Grill, Sweden
Emil Seth Åreng has worked in the industry for eight years, learning the craft from studying other bartenders and working alongside many of the ‘greats’ of the industry. No stranger to the WORLD CLASS programme, Emil has competed in the Regional Final for the past three years benefiting from the workshops that help take the business forward and being inspired by gurus such as Ueno Hidetsugu, Angus Winchester, Eric Lorinz and Max La Rocca. He is deeply inspired by the many great Swedish bartenders including those from Little Quarter, The Flying Elk, Tjoget, Puta Madre and last year’s WORLD CLASS finalist, Boudy Ghostine. Emil is from a very small town in Northern Sweden – the only part of the country where the famous yellow “cloudberry” grows – an ingredient he used with success in his winning cocktail.
And here’s one of the drinks he made for us while we were cruising the Med (It’s a doozy!)
When In Ibiza (this drink was paired with a chocolate dessert)
Glass: Martini
Garnish: Cherry
Method:Muddle sugar with bitters, then add hazelnut liqueur to make a quick syrup. Then add Lagavulin, then coffee beans. Add ice and stir for a long time. Strain.
40ml Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch whisky
1 Raw sugar cube
4 dash Angostura bitters
10ml Hazelnut liqueur
Tags: @WClassGlobal @WorldClassLive, Diageo, Diageo World Class, DrinkWire, Emil Seth Åreng, Lagavulin
Posted in World Class 2013 |
World Class Bartenders: Edwin Castillo, Bar: Wines & Spirits, Dominican Republic
Wednesday, October 23rd, 2013
At the finals of Diageo Reserve Brand’s World Class Bartender Competition this year, I witnessed some incredible drinks being made.
And some of those drinks were made by
Edwin Castillo, Bar: Wines & Spirits, Dominican Republic
Edwin Castillo has been in the spirits industry for 13 years as both a mixologist and sommelier. He initially learned the craft of mixology at the Barceló Lina Hotel in Santo Domingo, watching his co-workers behind the bar making cocktails and interacting with happy clients. He finds daily inspiration in bartenders who love what they do and create all their cocktails with passion and care. Edwin likes interacting with clients, familiarizing them with new cocktails and spirits and telling the hidden stories behind each label.
Here’s Edwin’s recipe for The Secret, a drink he created for the “Time to Play” round. Niceley done, Edwin!
The Secret
Glass: Rocks
Garnish: Orange slice and cherry
Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain over cubed ice.
60ml Tanqueray No. TEN gin
30ml Elderflower liqueur
Absinthe, cucumber and cinnamon infusion
Tags: Diageo, DrinkWire, Edwin Castillo, gaz regan, Tanqueray No. TEN gin, world class, World Class Bartenders, WorldClassLive
Posted in World Class 2013 |
World Class Bartenders: David Rios, The Jigger Cocktail Bar, Spain
Tuesday, October 1st, 2013
At the finals of Diageo Reserve Brand’s World Class Bartender Competition this year, I witnessed some incredible drinks being made.
And some of those drinks were made by
David Rios, The Jigger Cocktail Bar, Spain
(Who, as you know by now, went on to win the competition)
David Rios was first inspired to start in the bartending trade nearly 20 years ago when working at a party for a bar owner where different cocktails were served. Since that moment, he has served in nearly all aspects of the industry including maitre’d and sommelier of 3 Michelin Star restaurant, Mugaritz, the opening of the Sheraton Hotel in Bilbao and today, owning Café Kobuk, Kobuk Events and Jigger Bar together with his brother. Primarily self-taught, David has won a number of awards throughout his career including the cocktail championship of the Bizkaia region, the National Championship of Gin Tonic (By Schweppes) and the International Championship of Gin Tonic (By Fever Tree) amongst others.
David has a classic style with modern touches, focusing on the liquid first and always using an inventive presentation. When creating cocktails, he loves to use bitter flavours and citrus and is inspired by everything from the sea and fresh grass that surrounds him in Basque country, to previous WORLD CLASS winner Erik Lorincz. David notes: “For me WORLD CLASS is much more than a championship, it is above all training and creating the future of the industry with the upcoming generations. To sum up, it’s a big family. We are in a new era for the bartender where we are getting recognition, and getting close to the recognition of great chefs.”
In the Singleton Sensorium round David created a rich, red-lit atmosphere evoking sunset, presented a model of Scotland, denoting the Highlands, Lowlands, Islands, Speyside whisky producing areas, complete with a miniature river flowing through it, while calming, folk music brought whisky to life. He served Singleton of Dufftown with Pedro Ximenez sherry and Angostura bitters, stirred with ice and strained into a decanter which was then smoked with haya wood chips. He served it in a quaiche with an orange zest spritz. He served it with aromatic and edible botanicals and chocolates on a tartan coaster.
And he’s a darned good guy to hang out with, too!
Tags: David Rios, Diageo, DrinkWire, gaz regan, The Jigger Cocktail Bar, world class, World Class Bartenders, WorldClassLive
Posted in World Class 2013 |
World Class Bartenders: Clark Jiménez Alvarado, 8vo Rooftop Bar, Costa Rica
Tuesday, September 17th, 2013
At the finals of Diageo Reserve Brand’s World Class Bartender Competition this year, I witnessed some incredible drinks being made.
And some of those drinks were made by
Clark Jiménez Alvarado, 8vo Rooftop Bar, Costa Rica
Clark Jiménez Alvarado is currently a bartender at 8vo Rooftop in Costa Rica. Following his start at the Bartenders School and the Argentina School of Sommeliers, Clark has worked hard taking inspiration from fellow bartenders to learn more and become better every day. He endeavors to provide guests a unique and special service, and loves to see the joy and gratitude of a client. Becoming a WORLD CLASS finalist has been a turning point in his life, and an opportunity to learn from many other talented bartenders.
gaz sez: Clark is by no means the first to point out that becoming a WORLD CLASS finalist has changed his life, and one of the very best things about the competition is the exchange of knowledge that goes on between the competitors. It’s a World Class attitude.
Tags: @WorldClasLive, 8vo Rooftop Bar, bartender, Boyd Rodbamrung, Clark Jiménez Alvarado, Diageo, DrinkWire, gaz regan, world class, WorldClassLive
Posted in World Class 2013 |
World Class Bartenders: Boyd Rodbamrung, SMITH restaurant, Thailand
Friday, September 13th, 2013
At the finals of Diageo Reserve Brand’s World Class Bartender Competition this year, I witnessed some incredible drinks being made.
And some of those drinks were made by
Boyd Rodbamrung, SMITH restaurant, Thailand
Boyd Rodbamrung is currently head bartender at SMITH restaurant. He learned his craft from mentor and owner of SMITH, Chanond Purananda, a well known mixologist in Thailand. Boyd loves to use his imagaination when creating drinks and enjoys seeing his customers smile after a sip of one of his cocktails. When he’s not behind the bar, his personal drink of choice is an Old Fashioned with orange essence.
Here’s one of the recipes he wowed us with in the Red Carpet Challenge:
La Vie en Rose
Glass: Flute
Garnish: None
Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and fine strain into a chilled glass.
60ml Tanqueray No. TEN gin
15ml Homemade red wine reduction (with fennel, honey and anise)
2 drops Lemon bitters
15ml Lemon juice
2 drops Rosewater syrup
Tags: @WorldClasLive, bartender, Boyd Rodbamrung, Diageo, DrinkWire, gaz regan, SMITH restaurant, Thailand, world class, WorldClassLive
Posted in World Class 2013 |
World Class Bartender: Bayu Wiseso, Ku De Ta Bali, Indonesia
Tuesday, September 3rd, 2013
At the finals of Diageo Reserve Brand’s World Class Bartender Competition this year, I witnessed some incredible drinks being made.
And some of those drinks were made by
Bayu Wiseso, Ku De Ta Bali, Indonesia
Bayu Wiseso has been a bartender for the past ten years. He primarily learned the craft from his mentor, Bruce Bartholomew, bar manager at the famed Ku De Ta in Bali, who always pushes him to innovate and encourages an exceptional level of personality and creativity. Bayu was a WORLD CLASS Finalist in 2012 and hopes to one day own his own bar. He credits the WORLD CLASS programme with giving him the freedom to use creativity in crafting cocktails.
And here’s one of the cocktails he wowed us with during the St. Tropez Market Challenge
St Tropez Garden
Glass: Hollowed-out red pepper
Garnish: Flower
Method: Muddle cucumber and chives, then add other ingredients and shake with ice. Double strain.
30ml The Singleton of Glen Ord Single Malt Scotch Whisky
30ml Dry sherry
20ml Lemon juice
15ml Sugar syrup
1 thumb Root ginger
20g Cucumber
2 Chives
Tags: @WorldClasLive, bartender, Bayu Wiseso, Diageo, DrinkWire, gaz regan, Indonesia, Ku De Ta Bali, world class, WorldClassLive
Posted in World Class 2013 |
World Class Bartenders: Angus McGregor, Hakkasan, Dubai, UAE
Wednesday, August 28th, 2013
At the finals of Diageo Reserve Brand’s World Class Bartender Competition this year, I witnessed some incredible drinks being made.
And some of those drinks were made by
Angus McGregor, Hakkasan, Dubai, UAE
Angus McGregor’s first experience with bartending was through the pub his uncle owned. However, it was working at the Edinburgh Festival that truly got him hooked on the industry. With 17 years behind the bar, Angus has travelled around the world running his own consulting business, Liquidstate, as well as worked for such esteemed brands as Raffles Hotels, Jumeirah, Emirates, Montpeliers, and Starwood Hotels and Resorts. Angus is constantly dreaming up new concepts and experimenting with different flavours and products such as jams, preserves, and cordials. He likes to use sweet spices in his cocktails and really enjoys big bold flavours backed up by subtle notes in multiple layers. Angus’ favourite cocktail is a Smoked Rum Old Fashioned, as he says “It’s a drink for watching the world go by either alone or with friends.”
Here’s the recipe for Angus’ Caprese cocktail
Glass: Chilled martini glass
Garnish: Peppered rim, served with side of caaprese salad on local bread
Method: Shake and double strain into glass
50ml Ciroc Vodka
5ml Don Julio Reposado tequila
1/3 bspn ricotta cheese
3 basil leafs (large)
2 tablespoons spiced tomato puree made using a skinned and cored bull tomato cooked in absinthe, lemon, salt and pepper along with some homemade tomato concentrate from the market.
Tags: @WorldClasLive, Angus McGregor, bartender, Ciroc, Diageo, Don Julio, DrinkWire, gaz regan, Hakkasan, world class, WorldClassLive
Posted in World Class 2013 |
World Class 2013: Memories are Made of These!
Friday, August 9th, 2013
Some of my favorite pictures from this year’s World Class Finals!
Tags: bartender, Diageo, gaz regan, WorldClassLive
Posted in World Class 2013 |
World Class Bartenders: Allan King Roxas from The Philippines
Saturday, August 3rd, 2013
At the finals of Diageo Reserve Brand’s World Class Bartender Competition this year, I witnessed some incredible drinks being made.
And some of those drinks were made by Allan King Roxas from the Philippines
With over 15 years of bartending experience, Allan King Roxas is currently the head bartender and supervisor of Dillingers 1903. He has extensive knowledge in cocktail mixing and a colorful resume under his belt. His first job as a bartender was at the Shangri-la Makati. Since then, Allanking has worked in numerous places including Piedra Bistro Bar, Fuel Bar and at Celebrity Cruises where he traveled all over America. Allanking has a deep understanding of his craft and impeccable technique and with his talent, his career is bound to elevate in a global setting.
Tags: Allan King Roxas, Diageo World Class, WorldClassLive
Posted in World Class 2013 |
World Class Bartenders, 2013: Nabil Ben El Khattab, Morocco
Monday, July 29th, 2013
At the finals of Diageo Reserve Brand’s World Class Bartender Competition this year, I witnessed some incredible drinks being made.
Among them was this incredible mixture of Zacapa 23, Punt e Mes, grapefruit bitters, honey, and cinnamon
made by Nabil Ben El Khattab, from Morocco
Tags: diageo. @worldClassLive, Nabil Ben El Khattab, Punt E Mes, Zacapa 23
Posted in World Class 2013 |
SWAG!
Thursday, July 25th, 2013
One of the many benefits of being one of the judges at Diageo Reserve Brand’s World Class Bartender Competition is the swag that one ends up with! Here are a few of my favorite mementoes from this year’s cruise around the Med!
A tie and pin from Trinidad and Tobago!
Copper Barspoons from Don Julio tequila
A fan from Japan
A Wanted Poster from Germany
And a picture of Peter Dorelli Trying to Keep Cool!
Tags: bartender, Diageo, Diageo World Class, gaz regan, world class, WorldClassLive
Posted in World Class 2013 |