SA ready for Diageo Bartender of the Year 2014

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Selected by Diageo World Class regional ambassadors, the top 27 cocktail bars are:

• Asoka, Bascule, Buena Vista, Café Caprice, Casa Del Sol, DearMe (Tjing Tjing), HQ, One&Only, Orphanage and Piano Bar in Cape Town
  
• Maslow Hotel, Michelangelo, Signature Restaurant, OCD, Café Della Salute, Mark Anthony at Emperor's Palace and Elevate in Johannesburg
  
• Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel, Harry's Cocktail Bar, Havana Grill, Connor's Bar, Frank's Bar, Bertoua, The Fairmont Zimbali Resort, The Chairman, Unity Bar and the Oyster Box Hotel in Durban

Since its launch in 2009, World Class has been lauded as one of the world's leading luxury drinks training programmes, not only elevating the craft of bartending, but setting international standards and trends in the cocktail world, with winners being propelled into the global limelight as the world's bartending elite.

"The competition seeks to celebrate the craft of mixology, honouring the innovation and talent of the world's best bartenders. This competition is about skill and using the finest ingredients to create unique and priceless drinking experiences," says Dominic Bothner, Diageo Reserve's national category development manager.

"This year's regional finals promise to be the biggest and most exciting yet, with a high level of skill apparent across the contestant selection."

Along with a stringent qualifying process, the contestants will be put through their paces in a selection process to ensure that they have what it takes to compete on the global stage in pursuit of the coveted title of World's Best Mixologist.

"Previous winners of this competition have seen immeasurable success, with some rising to celebrity-status. Through the programme, the company aims to nurture the industry's incumbent talents and set new trends in luxury drinking circles to raise awareness and respect for the art of mixology," concludes Bothner.

The Cape Town leg of the regional finals took place on 25-26 November and continue on 21-22 January 2014 and 11-12 March; Johannesburg regional rounds are on 14-15 January and 11-12 March and Durban rounds were on 11-12 November and continue on 21-22 January and 11-12 March.