The winner of the Diageo World Class has been announced, and it is no other person than Canadian James Grant. This announcement comes after James was named the “World Class Canada Bartender of the Year 2021.” In its first-ever, this World Class global final event was held online.
What Is Diageo World Class?
Diageo’s World Class Competition was launched in 2009, inspiring more than 30,000 bartenders since then. The competition is changing cocktail culture and fine drinking far and wide. This contest for the World Class bartender of the year connects the best of global bartending clubs. To be number one, contestants have to go through rounds of rigorous competition.
Collaborating with owners, partners, media, and gurus in the industry, Diageo World Class represents a mark of sophistication. It is easily recognized by customers and bartenders as a mark of distinction of international fine drinking culture.
How Did Diageo World Class 2021 Pan Out?
Diageo World Class 2021 was the 12th of its kind. A total of 49 bartenders from around the world participated in this four-day virtual event. Headquartered in London, the competition that encompassed a variety of cocktail-making challenges was streamed live. To bring the competition to life, the competition focused on five key brands.
The top 10 finalists were tasked with setting up a subterranean-themed Don Julia Tequila drink; creating a sustainable Ketel One vodka cocktail; developing a Johnnie Walker Highball inspired by their home city; and hosting a master class to demonstrate how to make a Tanqueray.
To also examine their cocktail quality and speed of service, the contestants participated in a speed round challenge. James competed well in the four-day event, winning the final challenge and taking gold with his signature “Tale of Two Malts Signature Cocktails.” As part of the prize, James will be a judge at subsequent World Class national competitions.
Simon Earley, global head of Diageo World Class, said: “The judges were blown away by James’ creativity and originality, creating serves that were amazing to experience visually, virtually and in person. They are a fully deserving winner and I’m really excited to start working with them as a World Class ambassador in the year ahead.”
What Did James Say At Diageo World Class 2021?
“When I started my journey in bartending I never thought it would lead me here. I was simply inspired by the community and creativity of everyone around me, it was infectious and soon I had fallen in love with the craft and opportunities. It gave me the drive and determination to seek out the best in the business to learn from and that’s what got me here today.”
