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Tim Philips of Australia  wins the title of "Worlds Best Bartender" and Diageo Reserve World Class

Tim Philips of Australia wins the title of “Worlds Best Bartender” and Diageo Reserve World Class

Dennis Zoppi represents Italy in The Worlds Best Bartender on Travel Channel

Dennis Zoppi represents Italy in The Worlds Best Bartender on Travel Channel

Who do YOU is the best bartender in the world?

If you have a favorite, tell us below on this link and tune in the Travel Channel because tonight was the premiere “World’s Best Bartender,” and may air again on Travel Channel in November – stay tuned and subscribe to our mailing list here for the latest on this show and mixology!

Hosted by Travel Channel’s Don Wildman, this one-hour special showcases the top bartenders from all corners of the globe facing off in multiple rounds of competition. From Italy to Australia, and Lebanon to the United States, these 39 contenders have proved they’re the best on their own turf.  The main judges interviewed and featured in the show Dale DeGroff and Spike Marchant. Other judges such as Gaz Regan. 

Now, they need to test their talent, training and genius in a spectacular series of bartending challenges. Each bartender competes in three rounds of elimination, leading to a single winner who will earn the title “World’s Best Bartender.” The competition takes place in Rio de Janeiro, where each contestant competes and pushes the boundaries of creativity, innovation and showmanship.

Similar to a celebrity-cooking competition, judges and “gurus” watch, score and taste each of the competing cocktails. In the first round, the bartenders must craft two distinct cocktails.

The first drink will be made at the “retro bar,” where each bartender will make an old-school cocktail such as a Martini, Manhattan or Bloody Mary.

Spike Marchant judges The Diageo World Class, on Worlds Best Bartender TV Show

Spike Marchant judges The Diageo World Class, on Worlds Best Bartender TV Show

The second beverage in round one will be made at the “Hollywood bar,” where each bartender will invent a cocktail based on a movie. At the end of the first round, more than half of the contenders are sent home. In the second round, at the “Rio street market bar,” the remaining 16 bartenders must create a cocktail based on the local and exotic fruits of Rio de Janeiro. And in the final round, the 10 finalists have eight minutes to make as many stunning cocktails as they can, followed by the final challenge of making their signature drink.

“Exploring local food and drinks is a huge part of travel. They are the heart and soul of a location and key factors in experiencing its culture,” Andy Singer, General Manager, Travel Channel tells BourbonBlog.com. “‘World’s Best Bartender’ provides an exclusive pass to the world’s biggest and most-intense bartending competition. Viewers will get front-row access to the nail-biting competition – both on stage and behind the scenes.”

“World’s Best Bartender” is produced by Shine Limited for Travel Channel. For Shine, the executive producer is Cy Chadwick. For Travel Channel, the executive producer is Bill Howard.

 

Varia Dellalian Worlds Best Bartender on Travel Channel

Varia Dellalian, representing Lebanon’s Momo at the Souks bar, competes in the Cocktail Mastery Challenge on World’s Best Bartender on Travel Channel

 

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Diageo World Class is the largest international cocktail education program that champions the art of the crafted cocktail.

This captivating experience celebrates bartenders and mixologists in 50 countries across the globe through knowledge, skill and appreciation of the industry. One bartender or mixologist from each country competes to win the prestigious honor of being named World’s Best Bartender by Diageo and international cocktail gurus.

Diageo World Class features spirits from the Diageo Reserve portfolio including Ketel One Vodka, Ciroc Vodka, Tanqueray, Tanqueray TEN Gin, Zacapa Rum, Bulleit Bourbon, Johnnie Walker Blended Scotch Whisky and Tequila Don Julio.

 

Diageo asks that everyone celebrate their craft responsibly, and we second that here at BourbonBlog.com

World Class Diageo Global Final where 39 bartenders face-off, and the competition is the feature of World's Best Bartender

World Class Diageo Global Final where 39 bartenders face-off, and the competition is the feature of World’s Best Bartender

 Bartender Andy Mil, representing Great Britain, competes in the Rio Market challenge judged by gurus Ueno Hidetsugu and Daniel Estremadoyro during day 3 of the Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS 2012 Global Final, featured on World's Best Bartender on Travel Channel

Bartender Andy Mil, representing Great Britain, competes in the Rio Market challenge judged by gurus Ueno Hidetsugu and Daniel Estremadoyro during day 3 of the Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS 2012 Global Final, featured on World’s Best Bartender on Travel Channel

Dale DeGroff (King Cocktail) judge on Worlds Best Bartender, Travel Channel

Dale DeGroff (King Cocktail) judge on Worlds Best Bartender, Travel Channel

Rio de Janeiro

Don Wildman hosts World’s Best Bartender. He is also the current host and narrator of Off Limits and Mysteries at the Museum on Travel. He also hosted and narrated Weird Travels that formerly aired on the Travel Channel.

 

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