World Class is a landmark event 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 an outstanding, global training programme that invests in the skill of the bartender and provides an international platform to discover and showcase the best talent from preeminent bartenders all over the world. World Class is shaping and changing the face of the industry, encouraging the next generation of the world’s finest bartenders to push boundaries and take cocktail creation and the bartender profession to the next level.
The World Class Western Europe final, held at the luxurious London Syon Park Hotel, saw the finalists from 12 countries around Western Europe participate in a series of exciting timed cocktail challenges set out to test their knowledge, innovation and creativity as well as presentation and technique. Contestants impressed the elite judging panel with their exceptional mixology skills and flair.
Putting the contenders through their paces, the sterling panel of judges comprised a host of industry experts and two previous World Class global winners – Manabu Ohtake, chief bartender at Tower's Bar ‘Bellovisto’, Cerulean Tower Tokyo Hotel, Japan; and Erik Lorincz, head bartender at The American Bar, The Savoy, London.
Spike Marchant, World Class Global Brand Ambassador, said: “This year’s first ever World Class Western Europe Final really upped the ante of the overall competition, exceeding all expectations in terms of the standard of bartending knowledge, mixology and innovation on display. Demonstrating an excellent palate and awareness of flavour, depth of drinks knowledge and precise bartending skills, the 12 winners shone in creating inventive and unique cocktails.”
World Class 2012 Western Europe country winners are:
Austria: Bert Jachmann, Oswald Haerdtl, Vienna
Belgium: Olivier Jacobs, Jigger’s, Gent
Denmark: Kasper Riewe Henriksen, Ruby, Copenhagen
France: Winner to be announced in Paris on Tuesday 5th July 2012
Germany: Harry Glockler, rivabar, Berlin
GB: Andy Mil, The London Cocktail Club, London
Greece: Vassilis Kyritsis, The Gin Joint, Athens
Italy: Dennis Zoppi, Smile Tree, Turin
Netherlands: Fjalar Goud, Vesper Bar, Amsterdam
Norway: Jesper Høst, No. 19 Bar, Oslo
Spain: Guiseppe Santamaria, Ohla Boutique Bar, Barcelona
Sweden: Rikard Enell, Le Rouge, Stockholm
Switzerland: Armando Archundia, Hirschli, Aarau
Follow their journey whilst at the World Class Global Final in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GlobalWorldClassFinals.
