Japan’s Manabu Ohtake wins Diageo Reserve World Class 2011
July 15, 2011: Culminating with a bang in New Delhi, India, Diageo Reserve World Class finally chose bar mixologist, Manabu Ohtake, from Tower’s Bar Bellovisto, Japan as the ultimate bartender for 2011.
Mr Ohtake beat 33 other finalists in the highest accolade of the liquid world to demand the crown. Indian bartender, Hemant Kumar Pathak from Blue Bar, Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi also won an award in the classic and vintage drinks with a twist category among the other bartenders from all over the world. Mr Pathak dazzled the judges by showcasing his exceptional mixology skills as he triumphed over competition from 38 of the world’s top bartenders, with his impressive and innovative cocktail, Balalaikia and Scotch Star,
From 10,000 to one, over the past eleven months, contenders from the most established and prestigious bars around the globe have been competing in regional heats, each wanting to win a coveted place at the Global Final in New Delhi. Just 34 were selected to go head to head in front of some of the most revered names in the industry - Dale DeGroff, Salvatore Calabrese, Peter Dorelli, Gary Regan, Hidetsugu Ueno and Daniel Estremadoyro.
Reflective of insights into current fine drinking trends, the challenges required bartenders to explore themes including Asian inspired food matching, classic and vintage drinks with a twist, female inspired cocktails and gentleman’s drinks.
The venue, designed by Indian designer Tarun Tahiliani, reflected Indian heritage and culture as people from across the world flocked to participate, view, cheer and enjoy this global competition. The stately Imperial Hotel, where the event was held, never looked busier than this time!
Diageo Reserve Brand Ambassador for India, Mr Tim Etherington Judge, was seen helping and relaxing the bartenders as they put their best hand forward and creatively mixed some unique and mean drinks!
After so much of excitement and fun, the Diageo Reserve World Class competition will surely be missed in India!
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