Show chronicles the international search for the world’s best bartender
Diageo announces the premiere of WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year, a TV Special that puts a spotlight on the world of mixology and showcases the world’s best bartenders as they compete at the 2012 Global Final in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Over 10,000 entered but only 39 made it to Rio. The programme captures these elite bartenders from around the globe testing their craft and skill in a series of challenges as they battle for the ultimate accolade in the mixology industry, to be crowned Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year 2012.
Produced by Shine North, the television format is based on the successful Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Competition now entering its 5th year. Local market versions are being distributed by Precious Media and are scheduled to air from October across more than 110 countries on channels including RTL 5, Acht, The Food Network, Fox Traveller, GNT, DirecTV and Travel Channel.
In Rio de Janeiro the bartenders were tested on everything; from their mastery of spirits, to food pairing, to speed rounds and their signature serves. The television programming features the challenges, the highs and the lows, and the dramatic eliminations held throughout the competition as the field is whittled down to the final 10 who compete for the title.
Each year Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS discovers the next generation of bartending talent who set the latest mixology trends and bring these to the best bars worldwide. Pushing the boundaries of fine drinking, the bartenders are encouraged to innovate and experiment using some of the finest spirits and ingredients.
Rudy Paoli, Managing Director, Diageo Global Reserve “For the past 4 years, Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS is transforming the face of cocktail culture by creating new experiences for consumers around the world. This TV special brings the world of mixology into the homes of a wider audience and will eventually create better drinking experiences for everyone.”
Alex Connock, Director of New Business, Shine UK said: “Diageo have established an amazing, credible competition in World Class that it has been a privilege for our team to capture in a television format. The global appreciation of mixology coupled with the truly international line up of talented, inventive bartenders makes for a compelling show with universal appeal. We plan to build on it with more such globally scaleable branded entertainment projects from Shine North.”
