The final of WORLD CLASS 2016 is fast approaching with the world’s greatest mixologists competing in the industry’s most prestigious and respected bartender competition in Miami from 24th–29th September – and Ireland will be ably represented by Andrew Dickey from The Merchant Hotel, Belfast.

The elite competition is a celebration of contemporary cocktail culture and brings together the best bars, the most iconic bartenders and the most exquisite spirits from around the globe. It also showcases the Diageo Reserve portfolio of luxury spirits, including Ketel One, Cîroc, Zacapa 23, Tanqueray, Tanqueray No. Ten, Bulleit Bourbon, Don Julio and Johnnie Walker.

The Merchant Hotel held a celebratory cocktail reception for Andrew prior to his departure to Miami.  The evening featured a cocktail masterclass from Andrew who created some of his own specially–crafted cocktails on the night.

Speaking about the experience, Andrew Dickey said; “I obviously have a real passion for cocktail making and this has been fostered through working at The Merchant Hotel.  I decided to enter World Class 2016 to challenge myself.  It’s a competition like no other with a stunning portfolio of products and it tests every aspect of a bartender – skill, creativity, flavour perception and understanding, and hosting.  I’m delighted to have been selected to represent Ireland and have my sights firmly set on the title in Miami!”

Diageo Reserve Ambassador, Peter O’Connor, added; “All the bartenders who reached the final stage of WORLD CLASS in Ireland showed an amazing level of professionalism, skill, passion and creativity in showcasing their World Class drinks but Andrew really stood out. The final in Miami is going to be truly amazing and we want as many people as possible to get behind him and show their support using #worldclassdickey or #worldclassireland.”

Petra Wolsey from The Merchant Hotel said: “We are delighted that one of our bartenders has reached the global finals of WORLD CLASS.  The fact that Andrew has reached this stage of the competition is testimony to his true dedication, determination and indeed his understanding of both the art and the science required to be a WORLD CLASS bartender. We wish Andrew every success in Miami and we are confident that he has the ability to bring WORLD CLASS home to Ireland and The Merchant Hotel.”

Launched in 2009, WORLD CLASS has been transforming fine drinking experiences and cocktail culture around the world. The competition is part of a fully integrated program that aims to increase the quality of consumer’s experiences in fine drinking, offering support and skill training to thousands of bartenders and bars.

To date, the programme has inspired and educated more than 25,000 bartenders worldwide while working in partnership with bars, restaurants, night clubs and hotels to build their businesses and offer a better experience to consumers.

Previous winners have become recognized industry leaders, travelling the globe as WORLD CLASS Ambassadors, participating in international high–profile events such as Petra Ecclestone’s lavish wedding and consulting on the widely acclaimed James Bond film, Skyfall.

ENDS

For more information, please contact Claire Hutchinson, Diageo Northern Ireland on:

Tel: 028 9016 7373

Email: claire.hutchinson@diageo.com

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.