The Kenyan Media Immersion Mixology Contest came ahead of the Diageo Reserve World Class Final to be held in the UK from 28th July-1st August in which 50 of the world’s best bartenders will compete for the coveted accolade of the World’s Best Bartender.
Launched in 2009, the mixology competition aims to find the bartender of the year.
World-renowned mixologist, cocktail innovator and Diageo Reserve Brand Ambassador for Africa, Tim Etherington-Judge, hosted an exciting Media Immersion Mixology Contest at Norfolk Hotel on the 6th of May.
(Tim Etherington showcases his mixing skills)
The Kenyan Media Immersion Mixology Contest came ahead of the Diageo Reserve World Class Final to be held in the UK from 28th July-1st August in which 50 of the world’s best bartenders will compete for the coveted accolade of the World’s Best Bartender.
During yesterdays exclusive event, media personalities were introduced to the highest standard of mixology skills in action and also had the opportunity to be introduced to the world of Diageo Reserve, as Kenya is launched into the global luxury drinking experience.
(Jackson Biko of Msafiri, Vincent Onyango & Carol Odero of Drum Magazine)
Members of the media had a chance to mix it up against their colleagues as Tim trained the “contestants” on creating a perfect cocktail, before challenging them to a “Cocktails Against the Clock” test, where they were tasked with creating a perfect cocktail in a strictly timed environment. The contenders recreated a drink shown to them by Tim, hoping to win the prize – an engraved bottle of Johnnie Walker Platinum Label Reserve, as well as ultimate bragging rights.
Diageo announced that Great Britain will play host to the highly anticipated Global Final of Diageo Reserve World Class, the industries most prestigious and respected mixology competition.The Global Final will see the 50 best bartenders in the world compete in a series of innovative challenges staged around the country that will tell stories of places, people and provenance.
(Judges during the mixologist contest)
This year, for the first time ever, consumers will also be able to participate in the World Class Global Final week with masterclasses, cocktail themed events and the challenges themselves as a way to recruit consumers into the fine drinking culture.
“This contest was a fitting way to introduce Kenya to the world of Diageo Reserve, by incorporating the luxury, skill and excitement inherent to the brands represented by Diageo Reserve. The event also allowed me to personally engage with the media and I am always excited to share my skills and knowledge,” says Tim.
(Leila Namisango of Couture Magazine showcases her prowess in mixology)
Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories with Diageo Reserve’s key tenants being luxury, history and craftsmanship.
These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.
(Andrew Kilonzo (sales director KBL), presenting a gift to Mike Makori who was among the winning team. Other winners were Emmanuel, Gachiri, Mutegi & Wamboi)
(Agnes Adera, Charles Weru, Dan Angima of EABL & Elyane Okara of Mashariki Mix.
