DIAGEO RESERVE- WORLD CLASS Bartender Competition - Singapore Challenge #3

DIAGEO RESERVE- WORLD CLASS Bartender Competition – Singapore Challenge #3- Bar Chef Challenge

May 28th, 2013

The top eight luxury bartenders vying for the title of Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year 2013 – Singapore, have been announced. The bartenders were shortlisted from 15 of Singapore’s top luxury bartenders, following the third and final challenge hosted by At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy.

Held earlier this month in Singapore, the third bartender’s challenge, themed “Bar Chef”, called for bartenders to draw inspiration from both the kitchen and the bar. Exploring the similarities between the disciplines from ingredients and methodology, to the service ritual and pairing. Less than 30 minutes before the competition commenced, the judging panel upped the ante with the introduction of a mystery ingredient – Cacao Nibs, a compulsory addition for bartenders to incorporate into their cocktails. To really put skills and drinks knowledge to the test, the participants were also invited to draw lots ‘live’ to determine the base spirit for their cocktail.

The judging panel- Janice Wong, one of Asia’s leading pastry chefs, as well as the four past winners across Asia Pacific, including Kae Yin (World Class Bartender 2012, Taiwan and Global World Class Bartender second runner-up 2012).

The “Bar Chef” Challenge Winner

Byron Tan from WOOBAR at W Singapore Sentosa Cove
His winning cocktail: “Walk the Coco”- Johnnie Walker Gold Label infused with cacao nibs, and garnished with caramelised Nashi pear for a sweet finish.

The Top Three Placegetters at Challenge #3

1. Byron Tan from W Hotel’s WOOBAR
2. Kiver Yong Kam Hoe from Raffles Hotel’s Raffles Courtyard
3. Alvin Au Yong from The Library

Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS 2013 – National Finalists, Singapore:

• Aron Christian Manzanillo (Raffles Hotel, Raffles Courtyard)
• Adrian Batlle (Catalunya)
• Alvin Au Yong (The Library)
• Bannie Kang (Swissotel, City Space)
• Byron Tan (W Hotel, WOOBAR)
• Gan Kwok Yee (Jigger & Pony)
• Jeremy Chua (28 Hong Kong Street)
• Zachary de Git (Tippling Club)

Singapore participants have competed in three challenges, themed Retro Chic (25 January), Hollywood / Bollywood (18 March), Bar Chef (9 May), producing three winners in each round. The eight finalists were selected based on their cumulated scores at all three challenges.

The bartenders will come together for the national finals on Wednesday, 5 June 2013 to compete for the opportunity to represent Singapore at the Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS global finals, taking place aboard boutique Azamara Club luxury cruise liner, Azamara Journey, from 4th – 9th July 2013.
Setting sail along the French Riviera in Nice and Monte Carlo, the voyage will include stopovers in some of the Mediterranean’s most iconic and chic destinations including Nice/Monte Carlo, St. Tropez and Ibiza, before culminating in the Catalan capital of Barcelona. Together over 600 attendees will celebrate the craft of bartending with exclusive insight into testing cocktail challenges, high-profile evening events and inspiring industry talks and debates.

The WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year is a global undertaking by Diageo, the world’s leading premium drinks company and owner of an impressive assemblage of brands including Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, Tanqueray, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Cuervo, and many others. At the pinnacle of the brand collection are the premium DIAGEO RESERVE brands- Johnnie Walker Gold Label Blended Scotch Whisky, Ketel One vodka, Zacapa rum, Don Julio tequila, Cîroc vodka and Tanqueray No. Ten gin.

The DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year concept has been operating globally for the past five years and encompasses a program of both training and national competitions, with over 10,000 bartenders from 40 countries participating this year. The national champions from each country will compete at the Global Finals event to be held on-board a luxury cruise liner sailing from the French Riveria to Barcelona in July.