Testing the skill and talent of the nation’s top 15 regional mixologists, the United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG) Presents World-Class sponsored by Diageo for its tenth National Finals in search of the 2022 U.S. Bartender of the Year.
For the first time, Nashville, TN, will host the event from June 19-22, gathering the leading bartenders from the country’s Northeast, South, Midwest, Southwest, and West regions. Facing off in four ambitious bartending challenges, the victor will represent the U.S. at the World Class Global Finals taking place in Sydney, Australia this September.
“We’re excited to be back in person for this year’s USBG Presents World-Class sponsored by Diageo Competition and welcoming all the amazing finalists into this one-of-a-kind program that instils the relevant training and mentorship for hospitality professionals,” shares USBG Executive Director Aaron Gregory Smith.
The challenges of this year’s U.S. National Finals in Nashville include:
- Spirit of Don Julio: Competitors will explore the rich history of Tequila Don Julio and its founder Don Julio González to develop two unique serves that pay homage to both the brand and founder.
- Taste the City: Nashville is the epicentre of some incredible southern dishes, so this year’s finalists will select one of the city’s popular dishes and create a signature cocktail using any Diageo Reserve Brand to pair with it.
- Home Brew: Every community has its own brew, whether that be tea, coffee, beer or even kombucha. Competitors will find a unique type of brew from their own community to create in two different cocktail styles with Ketel One Vodka.
- The Showdown: The Top 15 Finalists will compete against the clock and each other to create eight different cocktails in eight minutes to show who can make the best classic drinks while showing off their own signature creations.
The World-Class U.S. program strives to not only connect bartenders from across the country but also to bring the craft to new heights. The tenth season will see each competitor demonstrate their extensive knowledge, innovative technique and precise craft to prove what it means to be a World-Class bartender.
“It’s been an amazing journey to make the USBG Presents World-Class sponsored by Diageo possible this year while continuing to support and champion bartenders as well as everyone in the hospitality industry,” says Cassandra Ericson, Manager of On-Premise at Diageo North America. “We are proud to continue pushing the educational aspect of the competition while offering in-person events and online resources to the trade community through our World Class Studios available on DiageoBarAcademy.com.”
For more information on World Class, follow along on Instagram at @WorldClassUS.