International Bartender of The Year hosts masterclasses in SA

Joe Schofield, reigning International Bartender of The Year 2018. Image supplied.

Hailing from Manchester, England, Schofield is coming to inspire the local F&B world with his modern-day, conceptual libations with exclusive masterclasses as well as fundraising guest shifts at both Cause & Effect in Cape Town and Sin & Tax in Johannesburg. Funds raised at the events will go towards Joe Schofield’s charity of choice – Beyond Bars Akademia.

Revolutionising the experience of enjoying cocktails

He has been recognised with some of the most prestigious awards in the industry such as the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards’ “International Bartender of The Year 2018” for his skills, innovation, hospitality, and international recognition received for his work. Additionally, Schofield has been awarded the “Bartenders’ Bartender” title at the World’s 50 Best Bars 2018, where he was voted in by his peers for the impact and contribution he has made in the industry over his career.

Schofield is the only person in history to have won both of these awards and has built a reputation as one of the world’s best – and most respected – bartenders before he even reaches the age of 30.

Above and beyond these accolades, Schofield’s most career-defining work to date is revolutionising the experience of enjoying cocktails with his creation of Sensorium, a memory-triggering cocktail programme created with Singapore’s own Tippling Club’s chef and founder Ryan Clift. While working as head bartender at the awarded bar, Schofield co-created the olfactory drinking experience that translates carefully created scents into memories and emotions through 12 unique cocktails.

In addition to these acknowledgements awarded in 2018, Beam Suntory recognised Joe Schofield’s unique talents and value as an industry leader and invited him to collaborate with their Blends of The World Tour. It was here, that he had the chance to travel to Australia, offering inspirational seminars and guest shifts with the aim of educating and advancing aspiring bartenders.

Masterclasses

On 29 June, Schofield will be offering his expertise here in South Africa in two masterclasses for local bartenders that will both be held at Cause & Effects’ new venue at the V&A Waterfront followed by hosting a guest shift at Cause & Effect Bar from 7pm until late. Guests of the bar can then enjoy demonstrations and servings of four signature cocktails each uniquely blended with Beam Suntory spirits such as Auchentoshan Whisky, Roku Gin and Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky.

On 1 July 2019, Schofield will make his debut in Johannesburg’s own Sin & Tax bar where he will also be offering masterclasses as well as hosting a fundraising guest shift from 7pm until late. A donation, as well as proceeds from Joe’s guest shifts in Cape Town and Joburg, will be made to Beyond Bars Akademia, an organisation offering bartending skills to formerly incarcerated women to help them re-integrate into society.

A cause that Schofield feels passionately about, he shares, “I believe Beyond Bars Akademia is an incredibly inspiring charity, they champion giving people a second chance in life whilst promoting diversity in our industry.”

“We want to show the world what sheer talent exists in the cocktail industry, and cannot wait for South Africa to get the chance to experience the utter ingenuity of Joe Schofield,” shares Beam Suntory’s managing director, Mark Pockele.

For more information around Joe Schofield please click here or follow him on Instagram @joe_schofield.