More than 10,000 bartenders worldwide have competed for the prestigious title of Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Bartender of the year. Four bartenders from Princess Cruises made it to the semifinals last week in Miami, and one, Matias Grosso will fight for the title at the finals in Rio de Janeiro next month.
Grosso’s award-winning cocktail “Spring Dew” (made of Ciroc vodka, Gewürztraminer wine, seedless red grapes, orange flower water, and a small rose petal) earned him a place in the finals. Sharing his thoughts on the creation of this drink, Matias said, “The initial idea was to work on aromas and flavors from the garden or countryside. Moreover, I wanted to place emphasis on the characteristics of the main spirits and enhance them with the Gewürztraminer bouquet.”
Since its induction, the Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS has become a very important event in the world of mixology and luxury drinks. Princess Cruises is the only cruise line that takes part in the event, and their bartenders received training from the Diageo Brand Ambassadors, utilizing sprits such as Ketel One® vodka, Ciroc® vodka, and Don Julio® tequila, from the Diageo Reserve luxury portfolio. Additionally, Princess Cruises’ finalists’ winning drinks will be showcased on their ships throughout the year 2012.
Princess Cruises’ vice president of food and beverage operations, Peter Tobler praises his bartender, saying, “We’re so proud of Matias for making it to the finals, and are thrilled to be the first cruise line to participate in Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS. Our bartenders value the recognition of their talent and look forward to bringing our passengers the new and unique cocktail offerings they are concocting.”
The other bartenders from Princess Cruises who participated in the semifinals alongside Grosso were Deepakkumar Chahuan of the Grand Princess, Jennifer Agbuya of the sapphire Princess, and Edgardo Pszemiarower of the Ruby Princess. These fine bartenders’ knowledge, creativity, and innovation were tested, as well as their presentation skills and technique by series of challenging, timed events; they were subsequently evaluated by a panel of judges composed of industry experts, including Marcy Rudershausen (Diageo’s Senior Master of Whisky for Global Duty Free Americas,) Spike Marchant (World Class Global Brand Ambassador,) Julie Reiner (owner of New York’s Clover Club and consulting firm Mixtress LLC, and a renowned mixologist.)
Rio de Janeiro will host the Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS 2012 Global Final Week from 8 to 12 July, 2012. Bartenders from all corners of the globe will be brought together to compete in this event for one of the greatest titles in the bartending industry.
See video Flair Bartending Princess cruises
