David Rios from The Jigger Cocktail bar in Bilbao has taken the title. Rios, along with 43 other global finalists took part in a five day cruise around the Mediterranean, aboard the Azamara Journey cruise liner.
They were joined by more than 600 guests and the competitors had to complete challenges throughout the five days to assess their skill, knowledge and creativity. Seminars and parties centering around Diageo's Reserve Portfolio took place along the way, including a Johnnie Walker Blue Label masterclass with whisky expert Dave Broom.
The Reserve portfolio includes Don Julio tequila, Ketel One vodka , Tanqueray No. 10 gin and Zacapa rum.
The competition was judged by respected industry personalities including Salvatore Calabrese, Dale DeGroff and Peter Dorelli.
Judge Dorelli said Rios was consistently good across all of the challenges. Calabrese said he made him drinks with flavours that took him back to childhood.
Previous winners include Erik Lorincz from the American Bar at London's Savoy hotel, who went on to consult on bar scenes in James Bond films and work with Cartier to produce a signature cocktail for a new product launch.
The competition is to become a four part TV show that is to air around the world.
