Nick Tesar from Bar Liberty in Melbourne has beaten the competition to take home the title of Diageo World Class Australian Bartender of the Year and will now represent Australia in the World Class global final, to be held in Sydney later this year.
Following multiple cocktail challenges at Sydney’s Shell House Nick took the win from fellow top five finalists Samuel Cocks (Bar Rogue, WA), Sarah Proietti (Maybe Sammy, NSW), Eduardo Conde (No.92 GPR, NSW) and Kayla Saito (Black Pearl, VIC).
Speaking about the win, Nick said: “Competing in the Diageo World Class Australian Bartender competition this year has been such an incredible experience. I am incredibly grateful to be part of this tight knit hospitality community and am proud of being able to represent Australia on the global stage this September. Bring on the finals.”
Based in Melbourne, Nick is a bartender at Bar Liberty who loves to champion local produce. He is part of the team behind Marionette Liqueurs, who work with local farmers to produce an array of cocktail liqueurs. He is also co-author of the book ‘All Day Cocktails’, that looks at utilising seasonal produce in no and low alcohol drinks.
Krystal Hart, Australia’s World Class Ambassador, said: “Each year I am blown away by the sheer talent from the competitors entering World Class, and this year was no different. The 2022 competition has revealed some incredibly exciting talent with cocktails championing sustainability, driving awareness when it comes to supporting local communities.
“All five of the finalists gave it their all, but there could be only one Australian World Class Bartender of the Year. I’m so excited to see Nick Tesar represent Australia in the global finals and show the world what we are made of.”
Nick will now compete in the Diageo World Class global final which will be held in Australia for the first time in the competition’s history, on 9–18 September. He will join 55 other global finalists from around the world, who will represent their nation and battle it out for the title of Diageo World Class Global Bartender of the Year.
