Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS- Hong Kong 2013 National Bartender Final

Ricky Liau from Wyndham The 4th crowned Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Hong Kong Best Bartender 2013

(L- R) Kae Yin (Asia Pacific’s World Class Bartender of the Year 2012), Diageo Brand Ambassador Hong Kong Adam Brewer, Ricky Liau, and Tom Wood (World Class Hong Kong Bartender of the Year 2012)

Recently, ten of Hong Kong’s leading bartenders came together for the national finals judging event to compete for the opportunity to represent Hong Kong at the Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS global finals, taking place aboard boutique Azamara Club luxury cruise liner, Azamara Journey, from 4th – 9th July 2013.

Judged by a panel of industry experts including Marc Rodrigues from Drinks World Asia, Lucy Morgan from Tasting Kitchen, Daniel Haddad from Hungry Hong Kong as well as Kae Yin, Asia Pacific’s World Class Bartender of the Year 2012, Mr Liau triumphed due to his impeccable technique, beautifully balanced drinks and ability to charm the consumer. During the Hong Kong final, Ricky and his fellow competitors were tested on their bartending knowledge, skill and showmanship behind the bar. Liau, set to leave an indelible mark in the world of fine drinking, truly impressed judges with his signature cocktails “Don the Bootlegger” and “The Locker Room”.

Winning Cocktails by Ricky Liau

Cocktail name: Don The Bootlegger

Cocktail name: The Locker Room

Hong Kong Champion Bartender 2013, Ricky Liau of Wyndham the 4th will now represent Hong Kong at the DIAGEO RESERVE World Class Bartender of the Year Global Finals and compete against the world’s best bartenders from over 50 countries at the WORLD CLASS Global Final 4^th – 9^th July. Held aboard boutique Azamara Club Cruise’s ship, “Azamara Journey”, the voyage begins in the French Riviera and will include stopovers in some of the Mediterranean’s most iconic and chic destinations. Liau will be vying for the coveted title of Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year during a landmark week in the mixology circuit where the latest fine drinking trends are unveiled.