Selected from a pool of 343 entrants, the Top 25 were selected by judges for their unique cocktail that was submitted based on a select creative brief. Specifically, judges chose these top bartenders for their artistry, innovation, balance, technique and visual aesthetic.
This year’s judges include whisky aficionado, Dave Broom; Three Blue Ducks restaurateur, Darren Robertson; Founder and Director of Bon Vivant, Stuart McCluskey; and former World Class winners Tim Philips, Luke Ashton and Charlie Ainsbury.
Diageo Marketing and Innovation Director Adam Ballesty said of the finalists: “All contestants within the Australian competition have demonstrated their unwavering commitment and dedication to their craft, giving the industry the reputation for professionalism it deserves.”
Finals of the competition will be held between May 10-11 in Sydney, when these Top 25 will compete for their place on a round the world trip to visit 80 bars, as well as for their spot in the Global Diageo Reserve World Class Competition.
The finals will put the Top 25 through a number of bartending workshops before a series of five live challenges, which will test bartender’s talent, nerve and creativity.
Global World Class winner (2012), Tim Philips said: “Being chosen for the Top 25 of World Class is a major accolade for any bartender. Going through the finals is a life changing opportunity. Each workshop will open your eyes to new skills, flavours and techniques and you’ll find with the World Class Mentors and Judges, you can pour drinks you never thought possible.
“This year, World Class has selected some of the most esteemed experts in the world take you through to the end. My tip - stay calm, believe in yourself and learn from the best.”
The Diageo Reserve World Class Top 25 for 2015 are:
- Alex Archibald (Papa Jack’s)
- Brendan Keown (Baxter Inn)
- Cameron Pirret (Lychee Lounge)
- Daniel Gregory (Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall)
- Edward Quatermass (Maker)
- Jack Sotti (Boilermaker House)
- Jenna Hemsworth (Lui Bar)
- Jono Liu (Archie Rose)
- Jonathan Minihan (The Toff In Town)
- Lette Needham (Nant Whisky Bar)
- Manuel Alvarez (The Hazy Rose)
- Martin Lange (Cobbler)
- Mattia Arnabaldi (Stitch)
- Matthew Linklater (Bulletin Place)
- Matthew Stirling (Black Pearl)
- Nathan Beasley (Black Pearl)
- Pez Collier (Lychee Lounge)
- Phillip Louis Weber (Enrique’s)
- Rinna Kato (Blackbird)
- Rollo Anderson (The Rook)
- Rowan Furlong (The Victoria Room)
- Sacha Leonard (Double Happiness)
- Simon Audas (Sokyo)
- Thalita Alves (The Gresham)
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