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Diageo World Class Studio seminar series heads online
Johnnie Walker owner Diageo has launched a series of virtual workshops as part of its World Class Studio programme.
Launched on 4 February, the new World Class Studio series includes three sessions hosted on the World Class GB Facebook page.
The first instalment was titled First Draft and focussed on creativity, accessibility, service and methodology. Hosted by hosted by Ervin Trykowski, Diageo’s global new world whisky ambassador, and TJ Littlejohn, Diageo GB Scotch whisky ambassador, the seminar investigated draught serves and how they can be used to improve consistency of cocktails.
The second workshop, taking place on 11 February, is titled World Class Menus and explores the modern cocktail menu. The session will be hosted by Pippa Guy, GB Tanqueray and World Class ambassador, and Lauren Mote, Diageo global cocktalian.
The final session will be held on 18 February and will be a deep-dive into flavour. Titled Punch Modernism, the session will investigate the importance of flavour, textures and batching to help reduce waste and deliver exciting drinks.
The final workshop will be hosted by Jenna Ba, global whisky ambassador at Diageo, and Jo Last, GB World Class and malt whisky ambassador.
This year’s semi-final challenge for Diageo World Class has also been revealed to competitors. The top 100 bartenders will be tasked with completing The Singleton Challenge: Malt Memories, which will be judged virtually by Last, Guy, and Trykowski.
Through the series of seminars, bartenders competing in this year’s World Class competition will receive tips and guidance in preparation for the semi-final challenge.
Jack Sotti, head of advocacy GB at Diageo, said: “This is unlike anything we’ve ever experienced before and we’re incredibly grateful to be able to continue the World Class journey virtually in an exciting way.
“It was important for us to be able to adapt the competition and launch a platform where we could continue to support our community. The hospitality sector has been hit hard and we wanted to be able to keep our community closely connected and carry on championing fantastic bartender talent.
“We’re incredibly excited to be launching World Class Studios and paying homage to such amazing industry talent by coming together and making this another memorable year.”
This year’s Diageo World Class cocktail competition final will be held in the Spanish capital of Madrid, where the contest will take a ‘multi-format’ approach due to the ongoing pandemic.