Diageo Reserve has embarked on the second wave of its search for the finest UK bartending talent with its World Class competition opening again for entries.
After the first five UK finalists were selected in December, the second phase is open for entries from Friday March 18 to Wednesday March 30. It will lead to 50 bartenders being invited to a semi-final on May 3 and the selection of another five finalists.
This second wave, titled “Fruits and Plants”, invites bartenders to think of someone who has made a difference to the environment in some way, however small, such as a musician, athlete, artist, poet or a loved one.
Entrants’ cocktails and stories should be built around this person and deliver fresh, vibrant and light flavours with a strong seasonal sense of spring or summer.
Competitors are challenged to create a single or shared serve using white spirits from Diageo Reserve’s World Class selection, such as Cîroc Vodka, Tanqueray No Ten Gin, Ketel One Vodka or Don Julio tequila, using at least 30ml measure in their cocktail.
When creating their cocktails, bartenders should not use barware or any professional equipment, instead using basic tools that can be found in the home.
Dan Dove, head of World Class UK, said: “We are incredibly excited to open the second phase of this year’s UK World Class competition. The first phase, ‘Mindful Drinking’, was a huge success and we already have five very strong contenders through to the UK final.
“‘Fruits and Plants’ is structured in a way that we’re able to identify different talents to those we were strictly looking for in ‘Mindful Drinking’.
“My advice for entrants is to not be too technical. We’re looking for a human touch at this stage, so bartenders should create a drink and build a story for people who are not bartenders or from the industry.
“In stripping it back to the basics, competitors have the chance to showcase raw creativity and a true understanding of flavour. It also means we can celebrate the winner’s drink by replicating it in trade and importantly, in the home too.”
To enter, bartenders should visit www.theworldclassclub.com. To come up with a list of 50 semi-finalists, Dan will be joined by a host of judges, including World Class brand ambassadors, industry experts, leading influencers and previous competitors.
