Halifax Bartender Crowned Canada's First-Ever Diageo World Class Canada Bartender of the Year
Canada to be represented on the global stage for the first time
TORONTO, June 19, 2013 /CNW/ - It was a race to the finish with less than one point separating Jenner Cormier from Halifax, NS and Shane Mulvany from Toronto, ON, but the Maritimes prevailed and Jenner took home the coveted crown, as the first-ever Diageo World Class Canada Bartender of the Year. In third place, representing Canada's West Coast was Grant Sceney from Vancouver, making the World Class winner's circle a national coast-to-coast celebration.
On Monday, June 10th, Jenner and nine other Canadian competitors were judged on their bartending knowledge, skills and showmanship behind the bar by two legends in the cocktail industry, Steve Olson and Tony Abou-Ganim, along with last year's World Class USA winner Ricky Gomez and Canadian author and journalist, Jacob Richler.
Set to leave an indelible mark in the world of fine drinking, Jenner was named Canada's best bartender for his World Class technique, poise, balanced cocktails and bartending charm; but Jenner truly impressed the judges with his Mad Hatter presentation of the exquisite Zacapa® Rum 23, during a bottle serve challenge that was inspired by the silver screen and earned Jenner the highest points ever awarded for this category from all four judges.
"Winning the first-ever Diageo World Class Canada title and being recognized by the world's most prestigious mixology competition is an incredible honour," said Jenner Cormier. "The level of competition and cocktail mastery from my Canadian peers is truly second to none, and I was honoured and inspired to compete and learn alongside bartenders that are as passionate about their craft as I am."
Having won the Canadian title, Jenner is ready to take the next step in his journey to becoming the greatest bartender in the world as he represents Canada in the World Class Global Final. "Canada's thriving cocktail culture has generated international attention and now for the first time ever we're proud that a Canadian will participate," said Rodolfo Aldana, Director of Reserve Brands, Diageo Canada. "We are excited to see Jenner in action celebrating the art of the cocktail using our unparalleled portfolio of brands responsibly during the world's largest cocktail educational program and competition."
Jenner will compete against the world's best bartenders from more than 45 countries at the Diageo World Class Global Final from July 4th-9th where he will have the opportunity to create cocktails made with luxury spirits such as Johnnie Walker®, Ketel One® vodka, Tanqueray No 10® gin, tequila Don Julio®, and more. Held aboard the boutique Azamara Club Cruise's ship, Azamara Journey, the voyage will begin in the French Riviera and include stopovers in some of the Mediterranean's most iconic and chic destinations. Jenner will be vying for the coveted title of Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year during a landmark week in the mixology circuit where the latest fine drinking trends will be unveiled.
Canadian judge and industry aficionado Tony Abou-Ganim noted, "my fellow judges and I were met with an extremely high caliber of talent in Canada and were very impressed with their passion and instinct for bartending; however, Jenner's style, skill and performance gave him that edge. There is no doubt he will make a serious contender at the Diageo Reserve World Class 2013 Global Final and we wish him all the best."
If Jenner is successful at the Global Final, becoming the Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year will set him on a life changing journey. Previous winners of Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year have become recognized industry names and have gone on to receive numerous accolades.
The inspired cocktails created during the Canadian World Class Final used the finest spirits from the Diageo Reserve luxury collection which include: ZACAPA® rum, BULLEIT ® bourbon, JOHNNIE WALKER® Blended Scotch Whisky, KETEL ONE® vodka, TANQUERAY® No.TEN™ gin, tequila DON JULIO® , Classic Malts and GRAND MARNIER®.
Interview opportunities with Jenner Cormier are available.
Be World Class. Always Mix Responsibly.
About Diageo
Diageo (Dee-Ah-Gee-Oh) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer, and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Jose Cuervo, Tanqueray and Guinness, Beaulieu Vineyards and Sterling Vineyard Wines.
Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.
Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.
ABOUT DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS
Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS is transforming fine drinking experiences and cocktail culture around the world and in the home. The industry's largest, most credible investment in the luxury on trade, it discovers the next generation of bartending talent who set the latest mixology trends and bring these to the best bars worldwide. At the core is an outstanding, global training program and internationally recognized platform that elevates the craft of the bartender and builds careers in the industry culminating in an annual luxury landmark week where the Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year is announced. Launched in 2009, over 15,000 bartenders have been inspired and educated in the craft of mixology using the finest spirits in the Diageo Reserve collection. A partnership and collaboration with gurus, media, partners and owners, Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS is widely recognized as a mark of sophistication and distinction of international fine drinking culture by bartenders and customers alike.
SOURCE: Diageo Canada
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