DGT says Grover impressed the judges with his showmanship, inventive cocktail-making and unrivalled flair.
The judges comprised: Mario Seijo, World Class global winner for Latin America & Caribbean 2013; Don Julio tequila master distiller Enrique De Colsa and Arturo Savage, one of Diageo’s senior Reserve Ambassadors.
The 27-year-old from India, beat more than 5,500 floating bartenders from four of the world’s leading cruise lines: Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, in the biggest year in global travel yet for Diageo Reserve World Class.
The competitors were tested on different aspects of their craft, creativity and bartending knowledge. Grover is said to have excelled in the bar arena and enthralled judges with his signature serve inspired by this year’s Mediterranean theme - ‘French Royale’ featuring Diageo’s premium vodka, Ciroc.
The mixologist will go forward to the Diageo Reserve World Class ‘Bartender of the Year’ global final which takes place between July 28 and August 1 in London.
He will battle it out against 50 of the world’s best bartenders for DGT’s ‘Bartender of the Year’ title.
Grover, who is one of the lead bartenders on the Oasis of Seas, said: “I’m thrilled to win the World Class Global Travel Final and I’m very excited to be going forward to represent cruise line bartenders at one of the industry's most prestigious and respected mixology competitions.”
Brian Abel, vice president of food & beverage, Royal Caribbean International said: “He is very talented and dedicated.”
DGT says previous winners have become recognised industry leaders, travelling the globe as ‘World Class’ ambassadors, participating in high-profile events such as Petra Ecclestone’s lavish wedding and consulting on the James Bond film, Skyfall.
