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Diageo has invited bartenders from Princess Cruises to join the Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year competition |
Diageo Reserve World Class 2012 has invited bartenders from Princess Cruises to join in the competition for the Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year title.
The Princess Cruises representatives will join more than 10,000 contenders who are vying for a place in the Global Final of the event scheduled to take place in Rio de Janeiro in July.
Diageo Reserve World Class is described as a “landmark week in the luxury industry where mixology trends are set, fine drinking experiences are created and the craft of the bartender is elevated”. At the core is a global training programme that invests in the skill of the bartender and provides an international platform to discover and showcase the best talent from top international bartenders.
Princess Cruises was chosen to join the competition due to its policy of employing “˜best in class’ bartenders and for its commitment to mixology as an essential ingredient in the passenger experience.
Using some of the spirits from the Diageo Reserve luxury portfolio, including Ketel One vodka, C̨roc vodka, and Don Julio tequila, Diageo brand representatives have been training Princess Cruises bartenders in several locations on their April РMay itineraries including Asia, US and Europe.
Monthly winners chosen from each module will be flown to Miami in June for the semi final, judged by the Global Brand ambassador for Don Julio Tequila and senior representatives of Diageo.
The winner will be go on to the finals in Rio in July and recipes created by the heats finalists will be showcased on-board Princess Cruises during 2012.
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The winner will go on the finals in Rio in July and recipes created will be showcased on-board Princess Cruises during 2012 |
Global Final judges will include Salvatore Calabrese, Dale de Groff and Peter Dorelli and finalists will be supported and advised by the 2011 and 2010 winners Manabu Ohtake, Chief Bartender, Tower’s Bar “˜Bellovisto’ at the Cerulean Tower Tokyo Hotel, Japan and Erik Lorincz Head Bartender at The American Bar, The Savoy, London.
Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year 2011 Ohtake explained what winning the title meant to him. “I have been propelled into the limelight, and constantly have clients wanting to be served by the “˜best bartender in the world’. It has accelerated my career and I am now working with the greatest names in the business. I have been travelling throughout Asia, Europe and the US to encourage new bartending talent, participate as a World Class judge and discover new flavours and trends from around the world.”
Diageo GTME Americas Customer Director Cruise Sandra Vaucher commented: “World Class is the only global event that recognizes the craft of the bartender, discovers new talent and previews the latest fine drinking trends. Given the continuous growth of the luxury sector driven by emerging markets, Brazil was a clear choice for the 2012 Global Final.
“The cruise industry is a perfect match for World Class and Princess Cruises is a natural partner for us as we open the competition up in the sector and work together to set new benchmarks for great passenger experiences,” she added.
Princess Cruises Vice President of Food & Beverage Operations Peter Tober said: “Princess Cruises is thrilled to be the first cruise line to participate in Diageo Reserve World Class. Our bartenders are excited to be competing for a chance to go to the finals in Rio, as well as bring new and unique cocktail offerings to our passengers.”
