Kaitlyn Stewart wins World Class 2017

Kaitlyn Stewart of Canada has been crowned World Class Bartender of the Year 2017 after winning the final in Mexico City.

Stewart’s Diced Pineapples, Spilt Milk, Boy named Sue and Detox and Tonic cocktails did enough to impress the judges and she will now travel the world as a Diageo Reserve brand ambassador for the next year.

“I’m so incredibly amazed and shocked to have been named the world’s best bartender,” said Stewart.

“It’s been a grueling week, taking on the toughest challenges against some of most skilled bartenders I’ve ever met. Participating in the Finals was amazing enough but to finish the week as winner… I’m so delighted.”

The World Class Bartender of the Year competition is one of the biggest in the world with more than 10,000 bartenders from 57 countries taking part. After winning their regional competitions, 55 gathered in Mexico City for the final stages.

On Wednesday 23 August, after going to head-to-head with their competitors in the Lucha Libre ring, the top four bartenders made it through to the final round, designed to test them on their knowledge, creativity and mastery of the classics and signature serves.

Diageo Reserve’s global cocktalian and World Class judge, Lauren Mote, said: “What an incredible week. As judges we’ve seen everything, from six foot high flames to ingredients brought together in ways I’ve never seen before.”

“Every finalist was incredible but for me Kaitlyn really stood out. Her Lucha Libre performance was exceptional, the way she handled the Heat of the Moment round blew me away.

“And by the time it came to the final challenge, we wanted to find someone bursting with skill, knowledge and charisma, with unbelievable creativity and an incredible mastery of the classic and signature serves. Kaitlyn well and truly delivered. It was a phenomenal thing to witness and be a part of.”

Diageo’s Reserve division was created in 2004 and focuses on the global luxury opportunity and consists of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Ciroc, Don Julio, Tanqueray No. TEN, Ketel One vodka, Zacapa, Bulleit and a collection of Single Malts. The Reserve portfolio accounts for 16% of Diageo’s total sales and has grown by 7% this financial year.

Mote added: “The aim of World Class is not just to find the best bartenders in the world. We also want to inspire cocktail fans around the world to drink better – we want more ‘armchair mixologists’ to have the courage to explore what’s possible and create their own signature serves in the kitchen.

“Next year we expect just that – people experimenting with cocktails at home. We also expect sustainability to become a driving force behind cocktail creation, be that in the ingredients used or the methods applied.”

World Class will celebrate its 10th anniversary in Berlin next year.

 

KAITLYN STEWART’S RECIPES

Mex Eco Cocktail Name: Diced Pineapples

1.5oz Tanqueray No. Ten

A pinch of sea salt flakes

0.75oz of Lime Husk

0.5oz Pineapple Gomme

1oz Pineapple Kasu

0.5oz Junmai Nama Nigori Sake

1 dash of Bittered Sling Lem-Merrikhsh bitters

2 pieces of dehydrated pineapple

A pinch of grated black lime

3 pineapple leaves

Method

Combine all ingredients into a shaker tin. Vigorously shake for 10-12 seconds. Fine strain into chilled recycled pineapple juice can over ice. Garnish with black lime, dehydrated pineapple and pineapple leaves. Serve and enjoy.

Signature Cocktail Name: Spilt Milk

1.5oz Bulleit Rye

0.25oz Son of Vancover Amaretto

0.5oz Milk Liquer

0.5oz Cherry Shrub

A pinch of sea salt flakes

2 Lemon wedes

1 dash of Apricot kernel bitters

1 Lemon twist

1 gingersnap

Method

Combine all ingredients into a shaker tin. Vigorously shake for 10-12 seconds. Fine strain into a mini milk bottle over crushed ice. Garnish with a twist of lemon and a gingersnap cookie. Serve and enjoy.

Heat of the Moment cocktail name: Boy named Sue

1.5oz Johnnie Walker Black Label

0.5oz Campari

1oz Rapid infusion Pimms

Garnishes of Flamed rosemary, charred lemon wheel, pineapple frawns

Method

Combine all ingredients into shaker tin. Vigorously shake for 12 seconds. Fine strain over ice in a Collins glass. Top with soda.

Cocktails at Home Cocktail Name: Detox and Tonic

1.5oz Tequila Don Julio Añejo

4 pieces of pineapple

0.5oz Lemongrass syrup

1tbsp Grated ginger

0.5oz Limejuice

Lemongrass stalks

Lemon wheels

Method

Shake. Glassware: highball.