Former champ backs Daniel Warren for World Class glory
Former Diageo Reserve World Class GB champion Jamie Jones has backed this year’s winner, Daniel Warren to flourish in the global final in Berlin later this year.
Warren, of Last Chance bar in Nottingham was crowned 2018 GB champion on Tuesday, 19 June at The Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland following a day of trials in Edinburgh.
“I’m so proud of the guy, he’s put in so much effort and I think he can do great things,” said Jones. “I’ve offered to mentor him in the run up to the global finals. It’s a little sad to be giving up my crown but he’s a worthy champion."
The first challenge took place at the newly opened Edinburgh Grand Hotel. Designed to test the bartenders’ hospitality skills and their ability to create a welcoming experience, competitors were required to create the ‘Perfect Welcome Cocktail’ and experience using a base of Ketel One Vodka, Tanqueray No. Ten or Don Julio in any style, with five minutes to prepare for the presentation and five minutes to present to the judges.
Warren added: “This year’s competition has been tough, the challenges really tested my technical abilities as a bartender and also my hospitality skills and it’s not over yet.
“I can’t wait to see what the Global Final in Berlin brings, I’m counting down the days until I can do it all over again and represent my country.”
On day two, bartenders were asked to prepare a smoky cocktail in a ‘ready to go’ hipflask, which they brought with them to Scotland. The competitors presented and served their cocktail back to the judges.
The final challenge, ‘The 19th Hole’ took place at The Gleneagles Hotel in the Auchterarder 70 Club House where competitors acted as head bartender for 10 minutes.
During this time, the finalists were required to create two full serves for the judges at the bar, and 15 sample sized versions for the guests, whilst simultaneously taking orders from customers from a World Class classics menu.
Daniel Warren’s signature serve:
Peated terroir cordial
JW Blue label
70 Club House bitters
A thin slice of tobacco box Cedarwood
Frozen golf ball
The 2018 Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year prize package includes: