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News
Swedish bartender wins Diplomático World Tournament 2017
Charlotte Halsius from Sweden has been named Diplomático rum’s World’s Best Bartender following a gruelling final at the Beaufort Bar at The Savoy in London.
Charlotte Halsius from Sweden has been named Diplomático rum’s World Best Bartender
Halsius beat 12 other competitors with her cocktail Blood, Tears and Gold, which combined Diplomático Mantuano, Amer Picon, cherry syrup and gold tincture.
More than 1,200 bartenders from 40 countries entered the competition, which saw contestants undergo local and continental rounds, under the scrutiny of a judging panel of industry professionals.
Their entries were judged on technique, presentation, garnish, taste, texture, aroma and balance.
“We are delighted to have hosted the Diplomático World Tournament at the prestigious Beaufort Bar at The Savoy, home to some of the world’s best bartenders both past and present,” said José Rafael Ballesteros, president, Diplomático Rum.
“To watch the incredible talent of a new generation of bartenders worldwide was truly an honour and awe-inspiring. Huge congratulations to Charlotte on winning the 2017 Diplomático World Tournament. The level of skill just keeps increasing and we thoroughly look forward to future tournaments.”
Hosted by Ian Burrell, global rum ambassador and UK Rum Fest founder, the judging panel comprised Sai Hamsala, winner of the 2015 Diplomático World Tournament and global brand ambassador for Diplomático; Jillian Vose, bar manger and beverage director of New York’s Dead Rabbit; Peter Dorelli, former head bartender at the American Bar at The Savoy; Declan McGurk, and current bar manager of the American Bar at The Savoy.
“It has been such an amazing experience and I still can’t believe what’s happened,” said Halsius. “I’m so grateful for being part of the whole tournament, to have met so many inspiring people from around the world, who share the same passion. I’m so humbled and it still hasn’t sunk in.”
As well as claiming the title of Diplomático’s World’s Best Bartender, Halsius was also awarded US$10,000 in prize money.
Second place was awarded to Cameron Pirret from Australia for his Delight of Discovery cocktail, while in third place came Hisatsugu Saito with ‘Noble Diplomat’.