Diageo Crowns the World's Greatest Mixologist

  • July 17, 2009
Diageo has awarded its Reserve Brands World Class Bartender of the Year 2009 to Aristotelis Papadopoulos of Banquet in Thessaloniki, Greece. Papadopoulos bested some 6,000 bartenders from 24 countries.

The event was the first global Diageo Reserve World Class competition, which the company calls the "Liquid Oscars."

The finalists have been mixing drinks on www.WeAreWorldClass.com. The Diageo Reserve World Class competition was, per Diageo, "developed to educate and inspire bartending talent to create exceptional cocktails, service and experiences."

It also touts Diageo's Reserve Brands spirits, which the competitors reach for in the competition: Ketel One vodka, Ciroc vodka, Tanqueray No.TEN gin, Don Julio tequila, Zacapa rum and Johnnie Walker Gold Label and Blue Label Blended Scotch Whisky.

The finalists competed in six challenges including Classic Cocktails and Canape Pairing to Theatre and Cocktail Mastery.

Diageo says it will publish a lifestyle book with the finalists in September, and that the book will be a globetrotter's guide to the best cocktails from around the world.--Karl Greenberg

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