On July 15, Diageo’s Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year 2010 was presented to Erik Lorincz from the Connaught Bar at the Connaught, London. Lorincz’s title comes after a year long global challenge which saw 9000 bartenders from around the globe whirl jigger, beaker and flask in an attempt to represent their country on the world stage.

24 representatives from the 24 participating countries were competing for top honours - going head to head over four days of World Class challenges.

To claim the overall title Lorincz had to impress some of the most recognised names in the business  such as Dale DeGroff, Salvatore Calabrese, Peter Dorelli, Gary Regan, Alberto Soria and Hidetsugu Ueno.

“What’s most impressive about Diageo Reserve World Class is how every aspect of the craft of bartending is tested by the challenges and judges,” explains DeGroff.  “You need to be creative, thorough and skilled - it’s daunting. Each year I learn different skills from everyone I meet at world class including the contestants. These 21st century bartenders are the pioneers of a new golden age of the craft.”

Lorincz, the overjoyed World Class 2010 Bartender of the Year,  said: “This is a dream to win such a prestigious award, to be judged by some of my heroes such as Salvatore Calabrese and Dale DeGroff has really inspired me. I’m really excited about the year ahead.”

A full wrap-up of the year long global World Class program will be printed in the October issue of Australian Bartender magazine.