The 2027 World Class US competition is now accepting applications, bringing bartenders together for another season of competition, education and community building
NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The search for the next US Bartender of the Year is officially underway. Now in its 15th season in the US, Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Presents World Class Sponsored by DIAGEO returns in 2027, inviting bartenders from across the country to put their skills to the test, grow their careers and become part of one of the industry's most esteemed bartending communities.
Now in the second year of partnership with Tales of the Cocktail Foundation and DIAGEO, World Class US continues to look beyond the competition itself, bringing together education, mentorship, community, and advocacy to help ambitious bartenders build their craft, community, and careers. At its core, World Class is designed to help bartenders strengthen their skills, build meaningful industry connections, and create new opportunities to advance their careers.
"We are delighted to continue our partnership with DIAGEO and welcome a new season of World Class US," said Charlotte Voisey, Executive Director of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. "Our first year together reinforced how deeply the bar community values opportunities to learn, connect, and grow, and it is inspiring to see a program that invests in bartenders not only as competitors, but as the future leaders of our industry. We look forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new talent to the World Class community and to celebrating the creativity and excellence that make this community so remarkable to be a part of."
Applications are now open through November 10, 2026, with a more streamlined first round application prompt that makes it easier for bartenders to take their first step into the World Class competition. Unlike previous years, the initial application asks bartenders to submit just one signature cocktail and recipe inspired by the challenge prompt, along with a series of short essay questions, rather than multiple creative components. This streamlined approach gives more bartenders the chance to put their name in the ring, with those who advance going on to submit additional challenges until the Top 15 Finalists meet in person to compete for US Bartender of the Year.
Through engaging challenges rooted in DIAGEO's outstanding portfolio of brands, competitors are encouraged to look beyond current trends and help shape the future of bartending. Along the way, they can develop their craft, connect with fellow bartenders and compete for the title of 2027 US Bartender of the Year, with the opportunity to represent the US at the 2027 World Class Global Finals. As part of the ongoing partnership with Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, the Top 15 Finalists will attend Tales of the Cocktail 2027 through the Tales Scholar Program, receiving a VIP Seminar & Tasting Week Pass with access to immersive tastings, expert-led education and networking with leading voices in cocktail culture.
Key dates for the 2027 competition are as follows:
September 28th, 2026: Applications open
November 10th, 2026: Applications Close at 11:59 PM PT
December 2026: Top 100 Applicants Announced
Late January 2027: Top 100 Applicants Submit Second Round of Applications
March 2027: Top 40 and Top 15 Applicants Announced
May / June 2027: Top 15 Finalists compete at the World Class US Competition to determine the US World Class Bartender of the Year
Fall 2027: Global Finals for 2027 Bartender of the Year
"Entering the second year of our partnership with Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, we are building on our shared commitment to the people who make this industry extraordinary," said Mark Deveney, Senior Vice President of Customer Marketing at Diageo. "Together, World Class and the Foundation are expanding access to the opportunities, education, and community that World Class provides while maintaining the excellence of the competition, ensuring talented bartenders from every corner of the industry can see themselves in the program."
About Tales Of The Cocktail Foundation Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the global hospitality industry through education, advocacy, and community support. As the world's leading spirits education platform, the Foundation provides year-round programs and initiatives that foster professional growth and drive meaningful change. Each July, the industry gathers in New Orleans, the beating heart of cocktail culture and hospitality, for a one-of-a-kind conference that blends education, networking, and celebration like no other. Guided by its core pillars—Educate, Advance, and Support—the Foundation's impact extends far beyond the US, reaching professionals and communities around the world.
ABOUT DIAGEO Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.
Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in nearly 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.
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