Get ready Australia, the Diageo World Class global final is coming to this country in 2020, with the Bartender of the Year final taking place in Sydney next September.
Diageo World Class is one of the most respected bartending competitions in the world and promises to bring an elite group of some of the world’s best bartenders to these shores in 2020. Not that Australia doesn’t have its own share of leading global bartenders.
Tim Philips won World Class in 2012 and last year Orlando Marzo brought home the big prize and bringing the global final here next year is testament to the quality of Australia’s bars, bartending and overall drinks industry.
Simon Earley, Head of Diageo World Class, said: “At first glance, Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year is all about inviting the world’s finest bartenders to take part in a huge competition using the very best spirits. But it’s also about getting all these incredible talents working and learning together, so they can inspire each other to elevate drinks culture globally.
“Australia has consistently punched well above its weight in the global competition, and we cannot wait to see the city come alive with the world’s best in 2020.”
Next year’s finals will transform Sydney into an innovative hub designed to inspire the world’s best bartenders, alongside a host of exciting experiences that can be enjoyed by consumers.
Andrew Oughton, Diageo Australia Marketing & Innovation Director, said: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome the world’s biggest and best bartending competition to Sydney in 2020. A vibrant food and drinks scene is at the heart of any great city’s culture and we can’t wait to showcase ours next September.
“Australia’s bartenders are going to show the world why we’ve produced two World Class winners in the competition’s 11-year history, leading the charge with creativity, innovation and expertise. It’s going to be a brilliant celebration of Australian hospitality and our diverse and innovative drinks culture.”
The announcement was made during last week’s global final, which took place in Glasgow. Singapore’s Bannie Kang was named as the winner.
Speaking about her win, Kang said: “This has been an incredible experience. It’s been a lot of fun and a lot of hard work – a real whirlwind. I’d like to say well done to all the finalists – there were so many incredible drinks created this week it could have been any of us who won.
“I’ve learnt a lot and made some friends for life. It was a privilege to spend the last five days with these guys, working with these incredible spirits brands, at the best bartending competition in the world. To have won is the cherry on the cake.”
Kang will spend the next 12 months as a global ambassador for Diageo’s Reserve brands, travelling the world and judging World Class national heats; inspiring 2020’s hopefuls and crowning regional champions; completing guest shifts in the world’s best bars; and playing a role in Diageo’s global partnership with IMG’s Taste Festivals.
