Celebrating Exceptional Cocktails and Bartenders
The World Class 50 event offered an extraordinary range of immersive beverage experiences and celebrated the artistry and craftsmanship of the world’s best bartenders. Inspired by the renowned Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS training program, this event showcased the pinnacle of cocktail culture.
The current Definitive Drinking Guide owners are not connected to the World Class 50 or Diageo Reserve.
As part of the festivities, the World Class 50 provides a curated collection of exceptional cocktails made by top bartenders worldwide and information on where to experience them. Additionally, the events served as a platform to crown the Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year, the highest honor in the industry.
The World Class 50 event differs from the Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year competition. The World Class 50 event is not a competition but a celebration of the bartending craft and culture. The World Class 50 event was launched in 2013 and is updated annually.
Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Training Program
The World Class 50 event drew its inspiration from the Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS training program. Recognized as a premier global initiative, this program focuses on nurturing the craft of bartending and fostering career development in the industry. Bartenders from across the globe participated in vigorous regional heats and national finals, showcasing their skills and creativity. This program offers aspiring bartenders unparalleled training, mentorship, and exposure to elevate their expertise.
The Global Final and Bartender of the Year
The pinnacle of the Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS program was the annual luxury landmark week, where the coveted title of Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year is awarded. This highly anticipated event brings together the world’s finest bartenders who excelled in their regional and national competitions. These talented individuals represented their respective countries and competed for the prestigious title, demonstrating their mastery of the craft and pushing the boundaries of mixology.
Bartenders featured in the World Class 50 event
- Peter Chua Zhibin is a bartender from Singapore who works at 28 Hong Kong Street, a speakeasy-style bar ranked 10th in the World’s 50 Best Bars list in 2016. He created a cocktail called The Nutcracker, inspired by the ballet of the same name and made with cognac, sherry, lemon juice, egg white, nutmeg, and cinnamon. He was featured in the World Class 50 in 2014.
- Giacomoloris Giannotti (Italy, 2014): He is the owner and bartender of The Jerry Thomas Project, a hidden bar paying homage to American mixology’s father. His signature cocktail is the Mediterranean Treasure, a refreshing drink made with Ketel One vodka, basil syrup, lemon juice, cucumber juice, and soda water.
- Vitaliy Ekimenko (Ukraine, 2015): He is the head bartender of Parovoz Speak Easy Bar, a cozy and intimate bar that offers classic and original cocktails. His signature cocktail is the Andreevsky Punch, a punchy drink made with Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve whisky, apple juice, lemon juice, honey syrup, ginger beer, and Angostura bitters.
- Aida Ashor (Egypt, 2016): She is the head bartender of The Tap East Bar & Grill, a lively and casual bar that serves food and drinks with live music. Her signature cocktail is the Pepperish Journey, a spicy drink made with Don Julio Blanco tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, red bell pepper puree, jalapeno pepper slices, and cilantro leaves.
- Jason Clark (New Zealand, 2017): He is the owner and bartender of The Hideaway Speakeasy Bar & Restaurant, a secret bar that offers creative cocktails and cuisine. His signature cocktail is the Long White Cloud, a creamy drink made with Bulleit bourbon whiskey, cream sherry, lemon juice, honey syrup, egg white, and bitters.
- Claudio Perinelli (Switzerland, 2018): A bartender from Italy who works at The Jerry Thomas Project, a speakeasy-style bar in Rome that pays homage to the father of American mixology. He created a cocktail called Coffee Break, made with bourbon, coffee liqueur, espresso, sugar, and cream. He was featured in the World Class 50 in 2015.
Singapore’s Legacy in the World-Class Competition
Despite its size, Singapore established a proud tradition of excellence in the Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS competition. Every year, Singaporean bartenders showcased their talent and expertise on the global stage, consistently earning their place as finalists. Noteworthy Singaporean finalists include Aubrey Sim (2009), Richard Gillam (2010), Aki Eguchi (2011 and 2012), and Zachary de Git (2013). This remarkable track record showcases Singapore’s thriving cocktail culture and passion for mixology.
The current Definitive Drinking Guide owners are not connected to the World Class 50 or Diageo Reserve.