KUTA, Bali (BPN) – In an exciting development for the Indonesian hospitality industry, DIAGEO, the global leader in beverage alcohol, announced the final stage of its highly-anticipated WORLD CLASS 2023 Indonesia competition.
The competition has attracted over 70 participants and has featured a series of cocktail festivals leading up to this moment.
“DIAGEO is proud to bring the WORLD CLASS competition back to Indonesia this year and to continue our commitment to the innovation of cocktail craftsmanship and fine drinking by searching for a highly-skilled bartender who represents the creativity of the mixology industry,” says Lam Chi Mun, CSW, CSS, Director of Diageo Bar Academy Asia Pacific and one of the judges.
After a rigorous selection process, eight finalists from the country’s top bars have been chosen to compete for the coveted title of Best Bartender in Indonesia and the opportunity to represent Indonesia at the Global Finals in São Paulo, Brazil.
At the final stage in La Favela Seminyak on Tuesday (March 7, 2023), the finalists were tasked with showcasing their skills and creativity by crafting cocktails using two of Diageo’s iconic spirits, The Singleton and Don Julio. Judges will be looking for a flavor-forward cocktail that takes them to a memorable drinking experience worthy of becoming a modern classic.
Sustainability is also a key criterion for the winning cocktail, emphasizing using sustainably-sourced ingredients.
The final stage is set for an epic showdown by the eight finalists who emerged victorious from a pool of the most talented mixologists in the country.
Malvern Nathaniel of The Langham Jakarta was named Bartender of the Year, winning DIAGEO WORLD CLASS 2023 INDONESIA, and was honored to represent Indonesia in the global final. DIAGEO’s continued commitment to craft cocktail innovation and quality drinks developed during this competition will pave the way to new levels of excellence in the bartending industry.
Other esteemed judges include Bannie Kang, Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year 2019; Aldho Gunawan, Diageo WORLD CLASS 2017 Indonesia Winner and A to Z Corporate Bar Manager, and Agung Prabowo, Co-founder of Penicillin and Dead & Bar in Hong Kong.
Since its initiation over twelve years ago, WORLD CLASS has supported, trained, and inspired over 400,000 bartenders across 60 countries.
Since the first competition in Indonesia in 2010, WORLD CLASS winners have continued to shape the drinking culture and set industry standards. These winners have since gone on to make their mark in the industry and have been recognized at some of the most prestigious awards ceremonies in the world. Previous winners of WORLD CLASS Indonesia have led the industry and made their mark at some of Asia’s Top 100 Best Bars and the World’s 50 Best Discovery. By winning this competition, bartenders have not only gained recognition but have also been able to take their careers to new heights.
“WORLD CLASS has always been an important part of the DIAGEO business in Indonesia. It provides a platform for highly skilled bartenders to improve their craft and ascent to the top of the industry and support our mission for inclusivity and diversity. At WORLD CLASS, every bartender has an equal opportunity to showcase their skills and be celebrated for their achievements in craftsmanship, regardless of their background,” says Maren Herrmann of Diageo.
“WORLD CLASS is a reflection of DIAGEO’s commitment to creating a responsible industry for our customers, communities, and individuals who are brought together by our iconic products. We believe that through our bartenders, we are able to share our values and contribute to building a better and more positive drinking industry and inclusive world. We are proud to be a part of this competition, and we look forward to seeing the impact that our bartenders will make in the future.”
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