Norwegian Adrián Michalčík took out the top award, the Diageo World Class Global Bartender of the Year, at an event in Sydney.
In more than 60 countries, the Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year competition brings together the world's best bartenders and pits them against each other in an extensive competition to crown the best bartender in the world.
This year, the competition was concentrated on five key brands: Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray, Talisker, Ketel One Vodka and Bulleit Bourbon.
During the competition, the candidates had to develop their own liqueur, invent and mix their own Highball and conjure up the "perfect" Tanqueray Nº Ten Martini. The latter saw 50ml of Tanqueray Nº Ten Gin strained with 10ml Dry Vermouth into a chilled silver martini glass and garnished with a piece of pink grapefruit.
The finalists were encouraged throughout to go beyond the limits of their craft. The result? Adrián Michalčík, who hails from Norway, can now style himself "Best Bartender in the World". Those bartenders who missed out are now looking towards the IBA World Cocktail Championship in Cuba in November.
