NEW YORK, June 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Twenty mixologists, five Cocktail Luminaries, four challenges - all to determine who will journey to Rio de Janeiro to represent the United States in the world's largest international cocktail program.  After months of scouring the country and searching for America's top talent behind the bar, the United States Bartenders' Guild has named Richard Gomez the first ever Diageo World Class U.S. Ambassador. Emerging from the nation's top cocktail talent, Ricky will travel to Brazil in July to compete at the World Class Global Final against 47 of his peers from around the globe.

"This is an unbelievable opportunity and I can't express how excited I am to be the first ever Diageo World Class U.S. Ambassador," said Gomez. "My fellow participants are an amazing illustration of American mixology talent and I am truly honored that my skills were chosen to represent the U.S. in the international finals this summer."

This announcement of the Diageo World Class U.S. winner concludes a two-month, nationwide search for the top mixologists and bartenders led by the USBG. Beginning April 4, 2012, cocktail craftsmen from across the country applied online for the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of cocktail culture. Following the close of entries, 20 finalists were chosen to travel to one of the cocktail capitals of the United States, New York City, to prove their skills.

On June 19, 2012, the finalists competed in four challenges judged by top Cocktail Luminaries including Jim Meehan, Tony Abou-Ganim, Julie Reiner, Steve Olson and USBG National President David Nepove. After months of preparation, Gomez emerged victorious and was named the ultimate honoree during a celebration ceremony at New York's IAC Center.

"We are extremely excited to extend Ricky Gomez the opportunity to become the first ever Diageo World Class U.S. Ambassador," said Mark Schulte, Diageo's Senior Vice President of Customer Marketing. "We know that his supreme talent, cocktail knowledge and mixology skills will make the United States proud when representing our country at the international competition in Brazil. We are confident that he will personify American cocktail culture and enter the World Class league by celebrating with World Class responsibility."

The World Class Global Final is a landmark week in the spirits industry that sets the trends of mixology worldwide. While in Brazil, Gomez will spend five days participating in a series of challenges judged by some of the most renowned and respected in the industry and have the opportunity to earn the title of "Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year."

For additional information about the program and Ricky Gomez's journey to becoming the Diageo World Class U.S. Ambassador, visit www.DiageoWorldClassUSA.com. Join the conversation by following @WorldClassUS on Twitter, use the hashtag #CocktailChallenge and visit www.facebook.com/WorldClassUS.

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 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, Windsor, Buchanan's and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Jose Cuervo, 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, 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.

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SOURCE Diageo