Tonight in Sydney, Norwegian bartender Adrián Michalčík mixed, stirred and shook his way to the title of Diageo World Class Global Bartender of the Year, which featured bartenders from 50 countries.
Alongside some of the best bartenders in the world, Adrián took part in a series of challenges that put her cocktail skills, knowledge and creativity to the test.
From creating a unique liqueur from surplus fresh produce to crafting a highball with the world’s number one Scotch[1]Johnnie Walker, to stirring the “perfect” Tanqueray No. TEN martini, finalists were encouraged to push the boundaries of their craft and champion the cause of drinking better, not more.
After his win, Adrián said: “Wow, I can’t believe I just won the biggest bartending competition in the world! The last few years have been incredibly tough for me and our industry. Getting the chance to face off once morest some really great bartenders in real life here feels like the beginning of a new chapter. There were moments when I wasn’t sure if I would make it to the next round, let alone win the title!”
Marissa Johnston, global director of the Diageo World Class competition, said: “This year’s competition really blew my mind. Our finalists took their craft to a new level, and Adrián proved himself to be a great among greats. He is a worthy winner and I very much look forward to working with him in the coming year.”
At this year’s festival not only the bartenders were present. Judges and cocktail legends such as Ago Perrone, Monica Berg and Ryan Chetiyawardana surprised Sydney residents with guest appearances at some of the city’s finest bars and restaurants as part of the World Class Cocktail Festival.
The festival also included a series of events and collaborations in restaurants and bars around the world-famous Sydney Opera House. These included food truck godfather Roy Choi, who hosts the Don Julio Food Truck Fiesta, and award-winning bartender and entrepreneur Monica Berg, who brings a new perspective on single malts with The Singleton at one of Sydney’s most popular venues, Shell House offers.
To stay up to date, follow @WorldClass on Instagram and Facebook.
[1] IWSR 2021
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1900092/Adrian_Michalcik_World_s_Best_Bartender.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1900093/Adrian_Michalcik_Awarded_World_s_Best_Bartender.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1900094/Adrian_Michalcik_Tanqueray_Challenge.jpg
