United States Bartenders' Guild and Diageo World Class Announce Tyson Buhler as the 2015 U.S. Bartender of the Year
15 Bartenders Embarked on 5 Challenges over 3 Days to Name 1 Winner
CHICAGO, June 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- After three rigorous days of show stopping mixology, the United States Bartender's Guild (USBG) and Diageo World Class has named Tyson Buhler as the 2015 Bartender of the Year. The prestigious competition brings together the country's best bartenders to show off their shaking, stirring and serving skills with the ultimate goal of representing the U.S. at the global competition.
Tyson Buhler proves that practice does make perfect, as it is the third year in a row the top New York City bartender competed in hopes to earn the esteemed title. While his career was established, it was important for the humble barman to continue to grow his skills and gain the invaluable experience of performing for the world's best mentors.
"I had to come back and keep trying," explains Buhler. "The community I have gained over the past three years has helped me be better at my craft. From the judges to my peers, they have taught me more than I could learn simply behind a bar."
Judges of the competition included 2014 global winner and Chicago native Charles Joly as well as 2013 U.S. winner Jeff Bell and 2012 U.S. winner Rickie Gomez. They were joined by internationally acclaimed industry icons including master mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, beverage expert Steve Olson, award-winning bartender Jim Meehan, James Beard Nominee Julie Reiner, National President of the USBG David Nepove, acclaimed mixologist and author Dale DeGroff and spirits specialist Jacques Bezuidenhout.
The fourth World Class U.S. competition drew in thousands of applicants, with 75 finalists selected to compete regionally. From there, fifteen barmen advanced to the national competition in Chicago to wow judges with their extreme talent from June 22-25, 2015. The bartenders demonstrated their knowledge, technique, and creativity by crafting cocktails featuring one of the Diageo Reserve brands including Bulleit® Bourbon, CIROC® Vodka, Johnnie Walker® Blended Scotch Whisky, Ketel One® Vodka, Tanqueray No. Ten®, Tequila Don Julio® and Zacapa® Rum.
"The USBG's mission is to unite the hospitality community to advance professional bartending," shares Aaron Gregory Smith, Executive Director of United States Bartenders' Guild. "Through the World Class program partnership with Diageo, we are able to deliver on this mission by delivering an exceptional experience through challenges and competitor evaluations by the beverage industry's best minds."
The three-day challenge kicked off with "Ode to the Windy City," encouraging bartenders to take their cocktail inspiration from the history, nightlife and cocktail culture of the great city of Chicago. "Sensorium" tested competitor's ability to create a memorable guest experience that appeals to all of the senses from your noise to your toes, while "Tasting Menu" pushed competitors to create perfect food and drink pairings. In celebration of the 325th anniversary of the Nolet Distillery, Ketel One Vodka, the group was taken to a famous Chicago market to buy ingredients for the "Local goes Global" challenge where they were tasked with creating Ketel One cocktails with a global influence.
Finally, in the ultimate test of time, "Cocktails Against the Clock" was a chance to wow the crowd with speed, creativity and grace under pressure, creating six cocktail in just eight minutes. In the end, only one talented tapster was named the winner, though each participant walked away with a new perspective on their craft.
"World Class is so much more than a competition," shares Melissa Woodbury, Director of On-Premise for Diageo North America. "While the winner's life will certainly change, so will all the participants who have discovered new boundaries, technique and knowledge through the program. Our goal is to provide the tools and inspiration bartenders need to be the best in their field."
Tyson Buhler will travel to South Africa to compete against bartenders from around the globe.
Cocktails featured throughout the competition have been captured on Twitter @WorldClassUS for creation and inspiration. When showcasing your own all-star mixology skills or savoring award-winning cocktails from your favorite barman, Diageo World Class reminds you to drink responsibly.
For additional information about the program and for upcoming competitions, the conversation by following @WorldClassUS on Twitter, use the hashtag #WorldClassUS and visit www.facebook.com/WorldClassUnitedStates.
About USBG
The USBG is the largest network of professional bartenders in the U.S. who come together to share the craft of mixology. With over 60 years of presence in the United States and International coverage in affiliation with the International Bartender's Association (IBA) in over 50 countries, the United States Bartenders' Guild is setting the standard for the profession throughout the country. With the resurgence and increasing popularity of the cocktail, there is a high demand for creative and professional bartenders. As an industry leader, the USBG is responsible for educating its members about current trends while encouraging them to start new ones. For more information, visit www.usbg.org.
About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol, with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanan's and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Tanqueray and Guinness.
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 and its brands, visit www.diageo.com. For Diageo's global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit www.DRINKiQ.com.
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SOURCE United States Bartenders' Guild
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