Stewart’s Diced Pineapples, Spilt Milk, Boy named Sue and Detox and Tonic cocktails did enough to impress the judges and she will now travel the world as a Diageo Reserve brand ambassador for the next year.
“I’m so incredibly amazed and shocked to have been named the world’s best bartender,” said Stewart.
“It’s been a grueling week, taking on the toughest challenges against some of most skilled bartenders I’ve ever met. Participating in the Finals was amazing enough but to finish the week as winner… I’m so delighted.”
The World Class Bartender of the Year competition is one of the biggest in the world with more than 10,000 bartenders from 57 countries taking part. After winning their regional competitions, 55 gathered in Mexico City for the final stages.
Kaitlyn Stewart our official #WorldClass2017 champion! 🏆🙌 Big congratulations to you Kaitlyn! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/UwCIHZ7N4f
— World Class (@WorldClass) August 25, 2017
On Wednesday 23 August, after going to head-to-head with their competitors in the Lucha Libre ring, the top four bartenders made it through to the final round, designed to test them on their knowledge, creativity and mastery of the classics and signature serves.
Diageo Reserve’s global cocktalian and World Class judge, Lauren Mote, said: “What an incredible week. As judges we’ve seen everything, from six foot high flames to ingredients brought together in ways I’ve never seen before.”
“Every finalist was incredible but for me Kaitlyn really stood out. Her Lucha Libre performance was exceptional, the way she handled the Heat of the Moment round blew me away.
“And by the time it came to the final challenge, we wanted to find someone bursting with skill, knowledge and charisma, with unbelievable creativity and an incredible mastery of the classic and signature serves. Kaitlyn well and truly delivered. It was a phenomenal thing to witness and be a part of.”
Diageo’s Reserve division was created in 2004 and focuses on the global luxury opportunity and consists of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Ciroc, Don Julio, Tanqueray No. TEN, Ketel One vodka, Zacapa, Bulleit and a collection of Single Malts. The Reserve portfolio accounts for 16% of Diageo’s total sales and has grown by 7% this financial year.
Mote added: “The aim of World Class is not just to find the best bartenders in the world. We also want to inspire cocktail fans around the world to drink better – we want more ‘armchair mixologists’ to have the courage to explore what’s possible and create their own signature serves in the kitchen.
“Next year we expect just that – people experimenting with cocktails at home. We also expect sustainability to become a driving force behind cocktail creation, be that in the ingredients used or the methods applied.”
World Class will celebrate its 10th anniversary in Berlin next year.
KAITLYN STEWART’S RECIPES
Mex Eco Cocktail Name: Diced Pineapples
1.5oz Tanqueray No. Ten
A pinch of sea salt flakes
0.75oz of Lime Husk
0.5oz Pineapple Gomme
1oz Pineapple Kasu
0.5oz Junmai Nama Nigori Sake
1 dash of Bittered Sling Lem-Merrikhsh bitters
