-- CANADA'S JAMES GRANT TAKES THE NUMBER 1 SPOT AT DIAGEO WORLD CLASS BARTENDER 
OF THE YEAR GLOBAL FINALS 2021

James Grant representing Canada has been named the world's best bartender for 
2021 at the first-ever fully virtual World Class Global Final. 

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1560519/Canada_James_Grant.jpg 

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1560520/James_Grant_Canada.jpg 

Over five days, James and 49 other extraordinary bartenders were streamed live 
from their home countries as they virtually competed against each other in a 
series of unique challenges that tested their skills, creativity and 
showmanship. 

James said: "I can't believe I've won! All the bartenders were incredible and 
to be chosen as this year's winner, after the year we've all had is 
unbelievable. When I started my journey in bartending I never thought it would 
lead me here. I was simply inspired by the community and creativity of everyone 
around me, it was infectious and soon I had fallen in love with the craft and 
opportunities. It gave me the drive and determination to seek out the best in 
the business to learn from and that's what got me here today. I want to thank 
all those who have been part of that journey and now I want to inspire up and 
coming bartenders to find a career and a creative outlet in the extraordinary 
world of bartending."

A virtual competition didn't mean the challenges were any less ambitious with 
the finalists tasked to create a Johnnie Walker highball that reflected the 
flavours and culture of their home city; host a masterclass for making a World 
Class Tanqueray No. Ten cocktail at home; design a Ketel One vodka cocktail 
that had a positive environmental impact and a sense of community at its core, 
and produce an original subterranean-inspired Don Julio serve. The week was 
rounded off with a special edition 'Malts' speed round challenge using The 
Singleton and Talisker, that not only tested the finalists' efficiency but also 
the quality and design of their cocktails.

Simon Earley, Global Head of Diageo World Class, said: "Our first-ever virtual 
World Class Global Final has been a huge success and has resulted in one the 
most innovative and creative competitions we have ever seen. The judges were 
blown away by James' creativity and originality, creating serves that were 
amazing to experience visually, virtually and in person. They are a fully 
deserving winner and I'm really excited to start working with them as a World 
Class ambassador in the year ahead."

Innovation was at the heart of this fully virtual competition, with a 
production and broadcast hub based in a London studio alongside a selection of 
our locally-based judges, and avatar bartenders assigned to mix each 
competitor's cocktails while the on-screen finalist made and presented the 
drinks to the judges live from their own country. This novel idea allowed for 
the expert judging panel of former winners, award-winning mixologists, drinks 
writers and journalists to taste and critique the cocktails in real time and 
experience these creations just as they would have in a real-life event. 

During the week, as well as a live stream of the competition, there was a 
packed itinerary of immersive virtual experiences that viewers could engage 
with online. The content ranged from actor and Tanqueray No. Ten global 
partner, Stanley Tucci meeting his World Class match with World Class judge and 
Director of Mixology at the Connaught, Ago Perrone; to a dynamic panel 
discussion between some of the industry's leading movers and shakers on the 
future of socialising, featuring Diageo's Global Head of Digital Innovation, 
Benjamin Lickfett and drinks trailblazer, Ryan Chetiyawardana, a.k.a Mr Lyan.

Diageo Global Reserve Director, Pedro Mendonça said: "World Class is an 
extraordinary festival of creativity and experiences. From the competitors to 
the virtual Taste of the Future experiences, we got to see how drinks culture 
is evolving and it's exciting. It was also fantastic to see such commitment 
from our finalists, judges and friends to championing positive drinking, a key 
focus for Diageo and all its brands across everything we do."

This year's winner, James, is the twelfth bartender to enter the World Class 
Hall of Fame, and today marks the start of an exciting 12 months that will see 
them judging World Class national heats; inspiring 2022 hopefuls and crowning 
regional champions.

Simon Earley added: "For more than 12 months the hospitality industry has been 
one of the hardest hit, but what this year has shown is the creativity, 
innovation and camaraderie that lives within our bartender community and we are 
delighted that we were able to showcase just some of this spirit within the 
World Class Competition.

Since its launch in 2009, Diageo World Class has played a significant role in 
inspiring better drinking and transforming cocktail culture around the world. 
Over 400,000 bartenders across the globe have been supported, trained and 
inspired by World Class since its inception.

For more information on World Class and to keep you up to date with the latest 
drinks, trends and training, visit www.diageobaracademy.com/en_zz/world-class-/ 
and follow @WorldClass

SOURCE Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year Global Finals