Jamie Jones wins Diageo World Class GB final

08 June, 2017

Jamie Jones of The Social Company has been named Diageo Reserve GB’s World Class Bartender of the Year 2017 following a two-day final held at The Mondrian, London.

Jones beat 10 other bartenders in a series of challenges over a two-day period and will now compete at the World Class global final in Mexico City in August.

Jones, said: “The last two days have been so intense but incredibly rewarding. I’ve had the chance to work with an unbelievable bunch of bartenders, ambassadors and even flavour chemists, which has been a huge privilege alone.

“I can’t wait to head to Mexico City for the next stage of the competition and the chance to represent Great Britain.”

Throughout the two-days the 11 competing bartenders were given three challenges which were judged by a variety of Diageo representatives and industry experts.

The first challenge, ‘Made in Mexico’, was hosted at Dandelyan bar in London and competitiors were given 45 minutes to create a twist on the classic Sangrita or Verdita using Don Julio tequila.

Dan Dove, head of Diageo Reserve World Class GB added: “World Class is a competition designed to celebrate the very best in bartending, inspire excellence and innovation and lead modern cocktail culture.

“We’re very proud to call Jamie the Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year 2017 – and can’t wait to support him in preparation for the global final in August in Mexico City.”

In the second challenge bartenders were tasked with creating their own essential oils to be used in a martini, which would be served in the last round.

The final challenge on day two, ‘A Table of Eight’ saw the bartenders create three drinks to serve alongside a three course dining experience for a table of eight guests.

Jones’s winning serves included a Tanqueray No. TEN martini made with hemp, lemon and lime oil-washed Ketel One Vodka.

His table of eight guests were served Jones’s signature drink, The Rumours Brew, comprising of Johnnie Walker Gold Label, Ancho Reyes Verde, Banane du Bresil, fresh lime juice, fresh pineapple juice and Hitachino Japanese rice beer.

That moment you win the #WorldClass GB cocktail final...congrats to Jamie Jones from The Social Company

A post shared by Drinks International (@drinksinternational) on Jun 7, 2017 at 3:07pm PDT





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