All aboard for the World Class mixology final

World Class, the global mixology competition organised by Diageo, is to take place aboard boutique Azamara Club Cruise’s ship, Azamara Journey, July 4-9, 2013. Each adding their own unique splash of creativity, dash of showmanship and twist of technique, only the 50 best bartenders will be selected to compete at the Global Final for the coveted title of Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year.
 
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 St. Tropez and Ibiza, before culminating in the Catalan capital of Barcelona.
 
The world’s most respected mixology cognoscenti as judges, boasting the likes of legends Dale DeGroff, Salvatore Calabrese, Peter Dorelli, Hidetsugo Ueno and Gary Regan, media glitterati, renowned bar owners and international stars of stage and screen, will join the Global Final. 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.
 
Rudy Paoli, MD Diageo Reserve, said, “The World Class Global Final is a landmark event in the luxury industry which has become an internationally recognized platform and mark of distinction for mixology. World Class elevates the craft of the bartender, discovers new talent and previews the latest trends and must-have fine drinking experiences to the world. Given the strong growth of the Diageo Reserve business within Europe, the Mediterranean was a clear choice for the 2013 Global Final.”
 
“Embarking on its maiden voyage, World Class recognises the increasing popularity of luxury cruises, which are becoming some of the most sought after tickets in premium travel,” continued Roland Abella, MD global travel & Middle East, Diageo.  “The partnership with Azamara Club Cruises will offer a unique experience for the voyagers. The Global Final will take inspiration from the most exclusive ports in Europe and bring to them the most stylish, distinctive fine drinking experiences on board the ship.”
 
Launched in 2009, the competition has grown from humble beginnings into a fully fledged property, training 15,000 bartenders around the world each year. In 2012, the World Class TV Show was broadcast in more than 110 countries, putting a spotlight on the World Class bartenders. The World Class social forum on Facebook is a collective of the world’s best bartenders where they connect, share and collaborate to discover new trends.

10 October 2012 - Felicity Murray