2013 South African World Class National Finals
On the 29th and 30th of May, Durban will host the South African World Class National finals. The competition is taking place in a 5 star boutique hotel on the sun swept shores of Umhlanga. The Competition will be split over two days putting each contestant through 6 different challenges, each of which will test their bartending skills, theatre, knowledge and creativity. Not only will they be pushed to the limit, but they will also be judged by some of South Africa’s most prestigious faces in the food and beverage industry.
The competition kick starts at 10am on Wednesday with the first challenge called “Cocktail Mastery”. In this challenge each contestant will have to write an 80 question exam paper, conduct a blind spirits tasting and overcome a botanicals identification quiz. The written exam will be multiple choice and will cover all the trainings that have been conducted by the regional ambassadors over the past 8 months. For the blind spirits tasting task, they will have to identify 3 spirits in each category. They will know what the possible brands are, but they will have to arrange them in the correct order. They will get maximum points for identifying the RESERVE brand (Portfolio above). Finally in the mastery challenge, they will have to identify and label all 20 botanicals which will be spread out on a large table. They will have a possible 40 answers which will be listed on a separate sheet.
The second challenge of day 1 will be “Tropical Journey” in which each contestant will need to create a “tiki” style cocktail making use of exotic flavours. In this challenge it is all about the tropics and island style execution. Bright colours and fruity liqueurs! They will also have to be very cautious in their delivery to ensure that the drink still comes through as unique and sophisticated. In this challenge they will have to use the amazing Don Julio Reposado Tequila.
The last challenge for day 1 is “Retro Chic” where the bartenders will have to choose a classic recipe from the past and then deliver a modern day twist on it. They have a list of 12 recipes to choose from, each of which have been the bases of classic style bartending. Like a chef should know how to make a loaf of bread or a crème brulee, these classic recipes are at the foundation of general mixology. After making the classic recipe with their personal touch they will then have to make the “Twisted Chic” which is their own creation but must follow the same style as the classic. In this challenge they will have to make use of the super-premium Tanqueray No.Ten gin.
The second day kicks off with the “Classic Gentlemen” challenge. This challenge is all about sophistication, class and style. As the recipe will be designed for a “Classic” man, who is usually very knowledgeable, we have decided that the bartenders must only use Johnnie Walker Blue Label Scotch Whisky. As this spirit on its own is already refined and complex, it will be a tough task to deliver a drink that It not really changing the flavours of the spirit, but rather just enhancing them! The bartenders will be judges on technique, brand knowledge, drink taste and overall presentation.
The next challenge of the day is called “Durban Market”. In this challenge the bartenders will all be taken to the local market with a shopping budget of R150. With this money they will have to buy ingredients to produce two identical drinks. They have freedom to use any of the RESERVE brands (As above) and there will be some basic local Liqueurs available too. They will have 20 minutes to shop, 30 minutes to create and finalize their recipes and then 10 minutes to deliver the 2 drinks. They will be rewarded for unique and risky recipes that really test their creativity.
The last challenge for the World Class South African National finals is called the “Celebrity Bottle Serve” and like the name suggests, it’s all about presenting either a bottle of CIROC Vodka or Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Scotch Whisky in the most theatrical and entertaining way possible. Usually with a bottle serve the drink should be simple and effective as to allow the consumer to be able to make the drink themselves thereafter. Bottle serves are also ALL about the “bottle” and the beauty of the brand. The bartenders will be judges heavily on how well they thought about the celebrity and why the brand/recipe would work as a personal favourite for him/her. They are also able to pull out all the bells and whistles for this challenge as theatre and presentation are what the judges are looking for!
The overall winner will represent South Africa at the Global Finals where they will go up against 50 other competing countries. The Global Final is taking place in the Mediterranean on board the Azamara Luxury Boutique Cruise liner from the 4 – 9th of July later this year. Not only will they get an all-expense paid ticket but they will also receive R8000 spending money and feature all future World Class material. In my opinion, there is no other mixology competition like this anywhere in the World, this is the pinnacle of Bartending…
Good Luck guys!
On Thursday the 28th of March, Ciroc Vodka and Uber Zulu in Morningside joined forces to create a White Mansion Ciroc Experience. Uber Zulu have recently joined the RESERVE team as a preferred vendor of the brands.
The night started at 6pm with VIP invited guests only. These guests were treated to complementary Ciroc Serves, decadent zulu sushi and VIP treatment. We had beautiful Ciroc Hostesses which were there to communicate the brands story and to capture guest details onto a database for the Ciroc VIP experience giveaway. This was announced at 11pm and congratulations to Sean Bentley and his girlfriend for winning the prize!
At 8:30pm the doors opened to the public making way for regional DJ’s and head liner Coco Loco. The event had roughly 300 people and as you can see from the images, the décor and setup was luxurious and sexy. A great night all round!
New Bar Manager Wanted at the American Bar, Savoy Hotel
Well, this opportunity doesn’t come around very often, and I would imagine that the person who gets this exclusive role would be in for a number of industry changing decades. This position includes managing 22 staff, Erik Lorincz (Head bartender and winner of World Class 2010), and a world known bar that’s heritage alone is something to respect. I have never been to the hotel, or even seen the bar (accept in photos) but I do know that this land mark in London has led the cocktail industry for decades, and any mixologist on the planet would tell you this.
Recently I organized for some of my customers in Durban to visit the hotel bar with Tim Judge (Africa Reserve Brand Ambassador) and from what I hear it was an overwhelming experience. Just the impact and presence alone is enough to send you home with passion and inspiration to jet set you along your journey as a professional bartender. I am extremely jealous!
Good luck to whoever is successful in being awarded this title, I do hope that one day I can meet you!
Well today is the day that we announced the winner of the Johnnie Walker “Bartender Bar-Chef” leg of the WORLD CLASS competition. What an outstanding presentation of skill, enthusiasm, innovation and originality, a massive well done to our top 7 finalists for putting up a very difficult judging session yesterday!
As you know all contestants had to participate in a Whisky category training in which they were introduced to the brands, Johnnie Walker Blue, Gold Reserve & Platinum Label. The training was finished off with an advanced mixology module in which the trainees were shown various molecular techniques to help them with this month’s challenge of “Bartender Bar-Chef”. Each contestant had to submit a recipe containing one of the RESERVE Johnnie Walker Blends either paired with a popular dish or a recipe created using various culinary kitchen techniques. This challenge allowed our local mixologists to go completely out of the box. As you will see from the photos on the WORLD CLASS Facebook page, the day was filled with absolute class and sophistication. The Bar has definitely been raised once again!
But as we all know, we can only have one winner, winning by 85.5% from Harveys Restaurant…
· In 1st place we have Mathew James Low winning himself R1000 cash, a spot in the regional finals and an addition R10,000 event budget for his venue
· In 2nd Place was Hauroon Haffajee winning himself R700
· In 3rd Place was Steven Saunders winning himself R300
I look forward to the next training round of WORLD CLASS (Taking place on Monday the 18th of March – Venue TBC), of which we will be taking on the challenge of “Classic Gentleman” with the classic malts selection. In this challenge the contestants will have to come up with a recipe that would be enjoyed by a sophisticated gentlemen containing one of the following single malts; Singleton Of Difftown 12 YO, Caol Ila 12 YO, Talisker 10 YO, Lagavulin 16 YO, Dalwhinnie 15 YO or Glenkinchie 12 YO. This will definitely push the bartender’s skills to further heights!
Good luck and see you all soon!
MONDAY, JANUARY 28TH, 2013: Today, WORLD CLASS, the world’s largest and most credible mixology competition, announced the 2013 Global Final will take place aboard boutique Azamara Club Cruise’s ship, Azamara Journey, from 4th – 9th July 2013. Each adding their own unique splash of creativity, dash of showmanship and twist of technique, only the 50 best bartenders will be selected to compete at the Global Final for the coveted title of Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year.
Setting sail along the French Riviera in Nice and Monte Carlo, the voyage will include stopovers in some of the Mediterranean’s most iconic and chic destinations including St. Tropez and Ibiza, before culminating in the Catalan capital of Barcelona.
On Friday the 25th of January, Harlequins in Pretoria hosted a sponsored Ciroc Vodka event as their winning prize for WORLD CLASS. As you entered the venue it was clear from the blue neon lights and dry ice vapors that Ciroc was in its playground!
The man who made this all happen was Marcel Vd Merwe, who’s winning recipe was leagues above the rest. His recipe, “The Clooney” was named after famous actor George Clooney, was made with Ciroc Vodka, fresh cucumber, mint, apple, mint ice and home made pomegranate caviar. An absolute master piece which got the attention of every consumer at the event.
Well done to Gareth Wainwright and Warren Wright for setting up such a marvelous evening.
Johnnie Walker has unveiled the first of a portfolio of whiskies that take their inspiration from the travelling heritage of John Walker & Sons. Available only in duty-free stores, the Spice Road pays homage to the global travellers of today.
The brand has long had an affinity for travel: from 1820, the Walker family and their agents travelled the world, navigating their way down the famous trade routes: the Spice Road of Europe and Asia; the Royal Route from Europe to Persia; and the Gold Route of the Americas and the Caribbean, in pursuit of adventures bringing both new business and rich experiences. Their efforts ensured that, by the 1920s, Johnnie Walker had arrived in 120 countries and was being enjoyed on the great railways, luxury ocean liners and early transatlantic flights.
Back in London, close to the shipping houses and docks from which the Johnnie Walker agents travelled the world, Alexander Walker established the Travellers’ Room where his agents would convene to rest, talk strategy and exchange stories and samples from their travels. These colourful tales of exploration influenced the Master Blenders, who began to create different styles of whisky to reflect these exotic stories.
Today, this tradition continues as Johnnie Walker launches a range of whiskies made exclusively for travellers: the Explorers’ Club Collection™. The first three blends in the collection, collectively known as the Trade Routes Series, are inspired by the richness that could be found along the great trade routes.
The first release, Johnnie Walker The Spice Road, is an evocative expression of the vibrancy, aromas and spices that one would have discovered in the thriving markets around Asia. It is a whisky of exceptional smoothness and rich flavour, matured in old oak casks for an intense finish.
“We specially selected whiskies to create a bold blend of intriguing complexity inspired by the richness of this part of the world: there is a spicy zestiness on the nose, balanced by fresh citrus. The smooth, rich and honeyed flavours on the palate, warmed by cloves, ginger and vanilla sweetness, give way to a smouldering finish of the Johnnie Walker signature smoke,” said Master Blender Jim Beveridge.
Johnnie Walker The Spice Road will be available in duty-free boutiques in Europe, the Middle East and Australia this December, before being released globally in other duty-free stores from January 2013.
Jalisco Espresso
Glass: Coupe
Garnish: Orange Zest
Pair: White Lindt chocolate balls
Ingredients:
- 50ml Don Julio Reposado
- 25ml Agave Necter
- 30ml Espresso
- Dash of Fee brothers orange bitters
Method: Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and shake vigorously. Fine strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with an orange zest. Pair on a white dish with white chocolate.
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label stainless steal ice cubes. Filled with Glycol, these little babies will keep your blended malt chilled for hours!
As part of the WORLD CLASS program in South Africa, every month there is a outlet incentive of R10000 cash for a customized RESERVE event. In month one of the program, Harvey’s Restaurant in Morningside, KZN was the winner and decided to host some of their premium clientele with an exclusive evening hosted by Johnnie Walker® Platinum Label™.
The idea of the event was to showcase the new variant with an informal whisky tasting followed by some really intricate molecular food pairing and luxury liquid serves. We had live singing from a local artist as well as the new RESERVE recipes which are going into the new WORLD CLASS iPad menu in January.
The event was well attended and gained some great media coverage. Overall it was a successful evening paying tribute to the luxury standards of the outlet and the Johnnie Walker® Platinum Label™ brand itself.
The images were taken by Oliver Twist Productions.
