The three Diageo GT bartenders will compete in the global final in October.

Three bartenders from Diageo Global Travel (GT) have made their way to the prestigious World Class Bartender of the Year finals in Berlin.

Romania’s Razvan Dorel Cordea, South Africa’s River Wood and Macedonia’s Igor Ilioski beat off competition from bartenders representing global cruise lines in the semi-final of Diageo’s competition.

Cordea represented Norwegian Cruise Lines, with Wood competing for Seabourn Cruise Lines and Ilioski for Celebrity Cruises.

They will now battle it out against 50 finalists for the coveted ‘Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year’ title, held on 5-8 October in Berlin.

PRESSURE SERVES

The semi-finalists faced two challenges to display their craft, creativity, knowledge, technique, presentation and delivery.

The ‘Market Basket Challenge’ asked the bartenders to create two cocktails using fresh ingredients sourced from a local farmers’ market, while ‘Cocktail against the Clock’ put their speed skills to the test with four to six cocktails required in a five-minute sitting.

Marcos Bibas, Commercial Director Diageo Global Travel said: “We are delighted to support a programme which educates and inspires bartenders to deliver outstanding drinks experiences and we believe this is particularly important for cruise line bartenders on board our partners’ ships who consistently deliver exceptional drinks experiences for their guests.

“The Diageo World Class competition showcases a remarkable standard of craftsmanship and creativity, which we have seen demonstrated at this semi-final. We want to congratulate the winners and wish them the very best of luck at the Diageo World Class Global Final in Berlin this October.”