CANADIAN bartender Kaitlyn Stewart has been named the ‘world’s best bartender’ after the grand final of Diageo’s World Class competition.
Stewart, of Royal Dinette in Vancouver, beat finalists from Denmark, Turkey and Australia to take the world title. British winner Jamie Jones, of London firm No Fixed Abode, was knocked out the previous day having made it to the final ten of the contest.
Stewart will spend the next year travelling the world as a brand ambassador for Diageo Reserve, hosting events and judging cocktail competitions.
She said she was “amazed and shocked” to have won the global competition, which attracted 10,000 entrants from 57 different countries.
“It’s been a grueling week, taking on the toughest challenges against some of most skilled bartenders I’ve ever met,” said Stewart.
“Participating in the finals was amazing enough but to finish the week as winner… I’m so delighted!
“Cocktails are on the up now more than ever and to be at the forefront of that, pushing forward the idea of using better ingredients and better recipes to create even better cocktails is something I’m really passionate about and I’ve loved every moment of this experience.”
