Canadian Bartenders Shine at Diageo World Class Finals
Aug. 1, 2016
Mixing drinks is an art form, but it is also a competitive sport – a highly competitive sport – and nowhere is it fiercer than World Class, sponsored by Diageo and the USBG. This past June, eight of Canada’s best bartenders descended upon Washington D.C. for the North American finals, a two-day battle for the top spot and a chance to represent Canada at the International Finals in Miami.
From Vancouver to Nova Scotia, the nation’s premier mixologists came out to test their mettle in five rounds of competition built around the best of Diageo’s extensive spirits portfolio. With a free hand to pick from the world’s finest spirits, the contestants were able to let their imaginations run wild and create drinks that earn the “World Class” distinction.
During the speed round, “Cocktails Against the Clock,” each bartender had to prep and deliver themed drinks under an unforgiving time limit. The “Tasting Menu” round challenged the contestants to create drinks to pair with food from local chefs. In “Mastery of the Blend” each competitor crafted elaborate, multi-sensory spectacles to complement their drinks. “Bartender Roulette” added an element of chance, as the bartenders literally spun a wheel to determine what kind of drink they would prepare, while “Market Basket” offered them each a chance to use fresh, local ingredients to make food and drinks that told a personal story.
The competitors came from bars and restaurants all over Canada, unified by their shared love of mixology and the will to win. Vancouver was represented well, with Amber Bruce, Max Borrowman, Chris Enns and Stefano Righetti all making the trip to D.C. Toronto’s Shane Mulvany made Ontario proud, while Jean-Félix Desfossés of Quebec and Andrew Whibley of Montreal brought honour to their province. Lastly, Shane Beehan drove down from Halifax to represent Nova Scotia.
The finals were capped off with an evening of cocktails and camaraderie before the award presentations. It was a night of celebration that lasted well into the morning.
Awards for the individual rounds were handed out first. Mulvany won the “Cocktails Against the Clock” speed round. Enns took home the award for “Mastery of the Blend.” Bruce won “Bartender Roulette.” Borrowman clinched the win in the “Market Basket” round, and Desfossés won for his “Tasting Menu” performance.
The top honor of the night went to Mulvany, who was making his fourth appearance in the World Class competition this year. Mulvany claimed to have been on the fence about joining the competition this year, following three heartbreaking losses. He even named one of his speed round drinks “Maybe, Taylor,” in honor of a friend who was constantly asking Mulvany if he planned to enter the contest in 2016.
Mulvany will now face off against the winners from nations around the world in Miami, Florida, for the World Class Finals. Best of luck to you, Shane, and congratulations to all of this year’s Canadian competitors.