The Best Bartenders From Around the Globe Arrive in Gleneagles to Fight for the Title of World's Greatest Mixologist

Edinburgh, Scotland (ots/PRNewswire) -

47 of the world's leading mixologists raise a glass at Gleneagles
to

celebrate the start of the Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS(TM) Global
Finals

47 of the world's greatest mixologists came together at
Gleneagles, Scotland today to mark the start of the sixth annual
Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS(TM) Global Final 2014, the industry's most
prestigious and respected cocktail competition. The bartenders from
around the globe gathered at the iconic hotel as they prepared for
five days of mixology challenges which will determine who will be
crowned the 2014 winner.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140727/697720-a )

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140727/697720-b )

After conquering a year-long journey of qualifiers, they are
well-prepared to take on the other finalists in a series of
innovative challenges staged around Great Britain overseen by the
cocktail luminaries such as Dale DeGroff, Salvatore Calabrese, Peter
Dorelli, Daniel Estremadoyro, Steve Olson, gaz regan, Julie Reiner
and Hidetsugu Ueno along.

Matteo Fantacchiotti, Global Vice President Commercial, DIAGEO
RESERVE, said: "With its mix of history and heritage with
contemporary glamour and sophistication we believe that Gleneagles is
the perfect place to begin the final of the 2014 Diageo Reserve WORLD
CLASS(TM) Bartender of the Year. As the finalists travel from
Scotland, the home of iconic whiskies, to London, arguably the
cocktail capital of the world, we're set for five truly memorable
days of competition and unforgettable drinks. We wish every one of
the finalists the very best of luck."

Paying homage to Scotland's WORLD CLASS(TM) whisky heritage, the
bartenders will begin by having their knowledge of blends put to the
test, before moving on to a more sensory challenge to stimulate the
judges.

The Finalists will then travel down to London on The Orient
Express and on their arrival at St Pancras Station they will be
tasked with creating a classic Martini. After the challenge the
ultimate WORLD CLASS(TM) bar will open for service and those lucky
enough to get a seat will be able to enjoy the signature serves of
previous WORLD CLASS Winners David Rios, Tim Phillips, Manabu Ohtake,
Erik Lorincz and Aristolelis Papadopoulos in an evening that will
celebrate the best of cocktail culture and the superior craft of
bartending.

On Wednesday morning the remaining bartenders will compete in the
Five Star Challenge, being tested behind one of five different
leading hotel bars in London, including the Savoy and the Langham.
Next they combine writing and mixology with literary inspired
cocktails for the Written Word Challenge. As the week nears its
finale, the competition heats up as the mixologists are given a
challenge based in foodie haven Borough Market before speed serves in
Cocktails Against The Clock. The overall winner of the WORLD
CLASS(TM) Global Final 2014 will be announced at an awards ceremony
in London on 1st August 2014.

Opening to coincide with the WORLD CLASS(TM) Global Finals, the
WORLD CLASS(TM) House will be a celebration of contemporary cocktail
culture set over five floors of a beautiful townhouse on Fitzroy
Square, London. Drink connoisseurs will be able to experience one-off
pop-up bars and mixology masterclasses run by world-renowned
bartenders, unique cocktails and food tasting sessions, along with a
host of secret events.

Join the conversation and discover a world of fine drinking by:

visiting Definitivedrinkingguide.com on tumblr, liking
http://www.facebook.com/worldclass or tweeting @worldclass using
#WORLDCLASS14 and

following @worldclass on Instagram

For information about the WORLD CLASS(TM) TV Show, Diageo, its
people, brands and performance, visit http://www.diageo.com or
contact:

For Media Enquiries:
Effie Kli
Efthymia.kli@edelman.com
+44(0)7462943003

Photo:
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140727/697720-a

http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140727/697720-b

ots Originaltext: Diageo World Class
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