Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year 2013- Singapore National Final

Tippling Club Head Bartender Zachary de Git to represent Singapore at Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Global Final 2013

Singapore Champion Bartender 2013, Zachary de Git of Tippling Club

June 18th, 2013

Earlier this month, unique venue TheatreWorks/ 72-13 was the site for Singapore’s fifth Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Singapore National Final, with five pop-up bars, six renowned judges and four challenges over six hours.

The eight finalists, qualifying based on their accumulated scores at all previous challenges included: Aron Christian Manzanillo (Raffles Courtyard, Raffles Hotel); Adrian Batlle Valencia (Catalunya); Alvin Au Yong (The Library); Bannie Kang (City Space, Swissotel the Stamford); Byron Tan (WOOBAR, W Hotel); Gan Kwok Yee (Jigger & Pony); Jeremy Chua (28 Hong Kong Street) and Zachary de Git (Tippling Club).

The judging panel for the Singapore final comprised Japan’s most celebrated bartender, Hidetsugu Ueno; KU DE TA – Bali’s, Bruce Bartholomew; and Director of Diageo’s Bar Academy, and former Vice Principal, Institute of Wines & Spirits at Shatec Institutes, Lam Chi Mun.

The Singapore World Class 2013 Finalists

Clockwise from top L– Alvin Au Yong (The Library); Zachary de Git (Tippling Club); Jeremy Chua (28 Hong Kong Street); Bannie Kang (City Space, Swissotel the Stamford)

Clockwise from top L- Gan Kwok Yee (Jigger & Pony); Byron Tan (WOOBAR, W Hotel); Aron Christian Manzanillo (Raffles Courtyard, Raffles Hotel); Adrian Batlle Valencia (Catalunya)

The Cocktail Challenges

The first of four challenges- Ketel One signature serve– tasked the eight finalists to create a signature serve in an elaborate Copper Kettle using Ketel One Vodka or Ketel One Citroen. The Library’s, Alvin Au Yong, won and secured a trip to the Ketel One distillery in Schiedam, Netherlands.

Three additional challenges followed-

The Johnnie Walker- Where Flavour is King challenge encouraged the finalists to create a cocktail showcasing the flavours of Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve and the spirit of the Heritage of the House of Johnnie Walker. Bannie Kang, City Space, Swissotel, presented ‘Smokey Johnnie On Rock’ and was awarded a trip to the prestigious Johnnie Walker House in Beijing, China.

Cocktails against the Clock challenge, a total of six minutes was set on the clock for preparation and a further six for crafting. Each finalist was required to make a minimum of three quality serves using spirits of their choosing – at least one signature cocktail with select serves and with the remaining time, make as many drinks as possible. Judges awarded points for quality and precision, as well as speed and quantity. Catalunya’s, Adrian Batlle triumphed, serving no less than 13 drinks. He was awarded a paid trip to work in Night Jar, London – one of the most recognised bar establishments globally.

The final challenge required a showcase of skill, knowledge, commerciality and creativity. Bartenders were invited to embrace the new trend in luxury punch working with Ron Zacapa 23 or Don Julio Tequilas. Using their own vessels and serving equipment, the finalists were given 10 minutes to prepare their punch before judges and consumers entered the bar space to order and compare. Jeremy Chua, 28 Hong Kong Street, captured the most attention with his signature punch ‘Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice’ and was awarded a trip to either Sydney Bar Week or Berlin Bar Week.

Singapore Champion Bartender 2013, Zachary de Git of Tippling Club will now represent Singapore 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. Zachary 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.

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.