Calling all cocktail-maker extraordinaires – prestigious World Class Bartender of the Year Awards to take place in Glasgow

The world’s most talented bartender will be crowned at a prestigious award ceremony in Glasgow later this year.

The 11th annual Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year competition returns this September, taking place at a yet to be revealed Glasgow location.

Scottish bartenders could be in with the chance of scooping this once in a lifetime prize, which sees the winner touring the world sharing their very own cocktail recipes.

Bartenders from around the globe will face off against their peers; mixing, muddling and shaking it up with liqueurs, spirits and delicious ingredients.

World Class is encouraging local Scottish talent to enter the global competition, offering two World Class Studios training sessions which will take place in Glasgow and Edinburgh next week, educating and preparing bartenders ahead of the hotly anticipated final in September.

Last year’s winner, Orlando Marzo from Australia beat thousands of talented bartenders at the 2018 competition in Berlin.

After creating countless cocktails during the toughest challenges in the business, he now embarks on a global tour to cities including Tokyo, New Orleans, Amsterdam and London.

Once there, he will take up exclusive residencies at some of the world’s most talked about drinking spots, teach bartenders the hottest techniques at World Class Studios and showcase his skills at the go-to place for foodies everywhere, Taste Festivals.

Orlando said: “Since winning in Berlin last year, I’ve had opportunities I’d only ever dreamed of. Entering the competition was one of the best decisions of my life.

“If I hadn’t done that, I wouldn’t be travelling the world visiting the planet’s coolest venues and helping others achieve their goals of becoming a top bartender.”

Scottish bartenders to previously compete in the prestigious competition include Bramble’s Jon Hughes, and Aidan Bowie – whose career began at Edinburgh boutique hotel, Tigerlily.

The Scottish Studio sessions will be held at Revolution Mitchell Street, Glasgow (Monday 25 Feb, 3-6pm), followed a special after party (6-9pm) and Revolution Chambers Street, Edinburgh (Tuesday 26 Feb, 3-6pm).

For more information on how to enter Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year, visit www.theworldclassclub.com.