Canada's Kaitlyn Stewart named World Class Bartender of the Year 2017
Kaitlyn Stewart, a bartender at Royal Dinette restaurant in Vancouver, Canada, has won the Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year 2017 competition in Mexico City.
Over the past week, she has completed challenges including the Lucha Libre ring, going head-to-head to create her best classic cocktail; the Heat of the Moment challenge, incorporating the best of culinary techniques; and showing how bartenders can look for new ways to create the ultimate ‘green' cocktail in the Mex ECO challenge.
including Britain's Jamie Jones of bar consultancy No Fixed Abode - and then a final four on Wednesday 23 August.
Stewart will have the chance to travel the world as a Diageo Reserve Brand Ambassador, judging competitions, and becomes the ninth member of the World Class Hall of Fame, and the second female winner following Jennifer Le Nechet's win last year.
Stewart said: "Cocktails are on the up now more than ever and to be at the forefront of that, pushing forward the idea of using better ingredients and better recipes to create even better cocktails is something I'm really passionate about and I've loved every moment of this experience."
Johanna Dalley, Global World Class director, said: "Cocktail culture is booming and these World Class finalists are the people who are leading the way, helping the industry grow from strength to strength."
Diageo Reserve's global cocktailian and World Class judge, Lauren Mote, added: "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."
World Class will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year in Berlin.
Winner of World Class Bartender of the Year Global Final 2016 named >>
Britain's Jamie Jones in final 10 for World Class Bartender of the Year >>
Jamie Jones is Diageo Reserve GB's World Class Bartender of the Year 2017 >>
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