A premier event showcasing top Indonesian bartenders crafting world-class cocktails for the global stage.

The Diageo World Class Indonesia Final returned with tremendous excitement and enthusiasm. Hosted by Diageo, a global leader in the alcoholic beverage industry, this prestigious event took place on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at the Bimasena Club, The Dharmawangsa Hotel Jakarta. It gathered top bartenders from renowned bars across Indonesia, all set to showcase their skills and innovation in crafting premium cocktails. Key figures from the hospitality industry attended to witness this pinnacle moment, where the best bartender was crowned to represent Indonesia in the Diageo World Class global competition in Shanghai, China, in September 2024.

13 Years of Inspiring Creativity

For 13 years, the Diageo World Class has been a beacon of inspiration, motivating over 400,000 bartenders worldwide to explore their creative potential in cocktail craftsmanship. The 2024 competition kicked off in May, with a rigorous selection process that invited the top eight bartenders from Jakarta, Malang, Surabaya, and Bali to compete in the semifinals and finals in Jakarta. This event was designed to challenge bartenders not just on taste but also in bringing to life the stories and artistry behind each drink.

Alefiyah Sarma, President Director of Diageo Indonesia, shared her enthusiasm for this milestone. “This year marks the 15th anniversary of Diageo World Class, an event that has become an extraordinary source of inspiration for many around us. The Diageo World Class program helps our partners, bartenders, and bar owners to better understand responsible drinking culture and to explore premium cocktails from Diageo’s premium brands, which carry such a rich heritage and story,” she said.

Cocktails: A Blend of Art and Bartending Science

The Diageo World Class Indonesia Final this year posed a challenge for bartenders to create innovative cocktails using Diageo's premium brands like Don Julio and The Singleton. Each bartender crafted two cocktails combining Don Julio tequila and The Singleton single malt, which were then presented to the judging panel. This competition tested not only their technical skills but also their ability to narrate the story behind each cocktail.

Adrian Michalcik, the 2022 Diageo World Class Winner and a judge for the 2024 final, emphasized the role of artistry in bartending. “Cocktails are the perfect blend of art and bartending science. Every drink has a fascinating story, from premium ingredients to the techniques used in blending them. Diageo World Class encourages bartenders to explore these stories and convey them to consumers. Besides the taste, enjoying a cocktail becomes an immersive experience that deserves appreciation,” he explained.

Joining Adrian on the judging panel were Kiki Moka (Group Head Bar Manager at Union Group), Dennis Tamse (Global Relationships Director at Nolet Distillery Schiedam Holland), and Andrew Soetiono (Whisky Educator and Founder of Highlander Inn Jakarta). They sought more than just delicious flavors; they looked for the art, creativity, and narratives behind each creation. The competition encouraged bartenders to delve into the uniqueness of their ingredients and create drinks that are not only delightful but also memorable.

Diageo Bar Academy: Elevating the Hospitality Industry

The Diageo World Class event is a key part of the Diageo Bar Academy, an initiative committed to providing accessible training and resources for hospitality professionals. In Indonesia, the Diageo Bar Academy has been active since 2010, training over 30,000 professionals in cities like Jakarta, Medan, Bandung, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Malang, Bali, and Makassar. This program aims to foster a sustainable, inclusive, and advanced hospitality industry.

This competition goes beyond finding a winner; it inspires bartenders to continually refine their skills and uncover the stories behind each cocktail. It advances the hospitality industry and elevates Indonesia's profile on the global stage. The Diageo World Class Indonesia Final is a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in bartending.

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