Following three regional finals across major cities in February and March, 30 contestants created more than sixty cocktails but only SA’s top ten mixologists have guaranteed themselves a spot at the upcoming national finals to compete for the coveted title of “South Africa’s best bartender 2017” .
Bruce Dorfling ,winner of the Durban regional competition that took place at El Toro in Durban North on 13 March, will join Johannesburg regional champion Dino Batista and Cape Town regional champion Brent Perremore with seven other mixologists, at the Nationals from the 24 to 26 April 2017 at the Diageo Headquarters in Waterfall, Midrand.
“The momentum building as we get to Nationals is exciting and exhilarating for us. As we excite and intrigue consumers about this competition showcasing inconceivable mixology skills, we also inspire thousands of bartenders in the fraternity to perfect their skill and strive to compete on the global stage, said Steven Saunders, Senior Reserve Brand Ambassador at Diageo South Africa.
“World Class has supported, educated and inspired over 250,000 bartenders through its training and advocacy programme since its inception in 2009.” He added.
The crowned winner will go on to compete against the best in the world, representing our country where bartenders from more than 60 countries around the world will be on a quest for victory for the ultimate, World Class Bartender title in Mexico later this year.
Mixing it up at the national shakedown will be:
· Dino Batista
· Brent Perremore
· Bruce Dorfling
· Evert de Jong
· Julian Short
· Travis Khun
· George Hunter
· Rudolf de Vos
· Jody Rahme
· Ayanda Khanyile