DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year- Global Final 2013

SPAIN’S DAVID RIOS CROWNED BARTENDER OF THE YEAR AT DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS GLOBAL FINAL 2013

July 16th, 2013

Following a landmark week on the fine-drinking circuit – featuring intense competition, spectacular, star-studded events and the convening of fine-drinking industry elite, international celebrities, and global tastemakers – David Rios of Jigger Cocktail & Disco Bar, Spain, was crowned DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year 2013, rising above 43 other global finalists to win the most prestigious international accolade of the industry.

Following in the footsteps of mixology giants Tim Philips, Manabu Ohtake, Erik Lorincz and Aristotelis Papadopoulos, David captivated judges throughout the week with his winning cocktails. His Gold Basque Punch – using JOHNNIE WALKER® Gold Label Reserve, Amer Picon, pineapple juice, grenadine and soda, garnished with an orange slice, star anise and mint – along with his signature serve comprised of KETEL ONE® vodka, Apero-flavoured strawberries, sugar syrup, kumquat and grapefruit juice, egg white and orange bitters, showed innovation, creativity and the showmanship of a WORLD CLASS bartender.

Over the past year, contenders from the most esteemed bars around the world have competed in local and regional heats, each aspiring to attain a coveted place at the DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS Global Final aboard the boutique Azamara Club Cruise’s ship, Azamara Journey. Contestants from 44 countries participated with finalists being selected to showcase their creations in front of some of the most revered names in the industry – Salvatore Calabrese, Peter Dorelli, Dale DeGroff, Gary Regan, Julie Reiner, Hidetsugu Ueno, Arturo Savage, Steve Olson and Aristotelis Papadopoulos.

DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year 2013, David Rios said: “I am thrilled and humbled to be awarded DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year amongst the incredibly talented group of bartenders at the Global Final. I have been truly inspired this week by the unequivocally high standards and limitless talent at the Global Final. I look forward to the year ahead, travelling the world as an ambassador for the programme, meeting my peers, educating new talent, and learning about new cocktail cultures and trends around the globe.”

DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS 2013 GLOBAL WINNER

GLOBAL DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS BARTENDER OF THE YEAR 2013: David Rios, Spain

DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS 2013 REGIONAL WINNERS

ASIA PACIFIC DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS BARTENDER OF THE YEAR 2013: Tsuyoshi Miyazaki, Japan

LATIN AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS BARTENDER OF THE YEAR 2013: Mario Seijo, Puerto Rico

EUROPE DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS BARTENDER OF THE YEAR 2013: David Rios, Spain

NORTH AMERICA AND THE REST OF THE WORLD DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS BARTENDER OF THE YEAR 2013: Jeff Bell, USA

And for SINGAPORE interest, for the first time at the Global Final, one of the Challenges was won by the Singapore representative.

Challenge: MEDITERRANEAN MASTERY

This challenge required the bartenders to take into account the influence of Mediterranean food and drink culture on cocktails and fine drinking. Contestants were encouraged to share stories about the history of distillation or how trade and science across the Mediterranean helped shape the way drinks and cocktails are enjoyed today.

Diageo Reserve World Class Global Final 2013

Winner Zachary de Git, Singapore (Tippling Club)

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.