The global final of the world's biggest bartender competition is
fast approaching and last night at a prestigious semi-final event in Miami, Marc McArthur of Norwegian Cruise Line captivated a
judging panel of leading industry experts to be crowned the best cruise line
bartender in the world.
The next dock for Marc, 28,
from South Africa, is the global final
of one of the leading and most respected bartender competitions in the world -
WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year in Mexico City on 20th - 24th August 2017. Here he will
represent cruise lines and battle it out against 56 of the world's best
bartenders for the coveted 'WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year' title.
Last
year's winner, Jennifer Le Nechet from France has experienced a life-changing
journey and now enjoys travelling the world, judging the finals of top
bartender competitions. Jennifer was part of last night's judging panel and
witnessed Marc's talent and originality.
Marc
saw off competition from talented cruise line bartenders from three of the
world's top cruise lines during a series of heats, before the final three
contenders mixed it up in the deluxe Diageo 396 Bar in Miami last night.
Jennifer
Le Nechet judged the proceedings along with fellow industry elites; Enrique De Colsa, Master Distiller
of TEQUILA DON JULIO and Ben Potts, one of Miami's finest bartenders.
It
wasn't just down to taste; the judges observed the semi-finalists' creativity,
knowledge, showmanship and the overall delivered drinking experience. Marc
fascinated the judges throughout the 'Mystery Box Challenge' and 'Cocktails
Against the Clock Challenge', mixing up unique cocktails with outstanding
product from the DIAGEO RESERVE collection.
Marc McArthur, Head
Mixologist on board Norwegian Escape, said: "I can't put into words how
much this achievement means to me. I've invested a lot of training and
dedication into this competition, just making it through to the semi-finals was
incredible, but to be judged by last year's winner and succeed to go on to
represent the cruise industry in the global final of the WORLD CLASS Bartender
of the Year, it's without doubt the highlight of my career. I can't wait
to compete with the best and bring the confidence and skills I've developed
through the WORLD CLASS program to Mexico City."
Marcos Bibas,
Commercial Director, DIAGEO Americas said: "The WORLD CLASS program is
devised to educate and inspire bartenders to deliver outstanding drinking
experiences, and I'm delighted we can offer this experience to cruise line
bartenders on board our partners' ships. Last night we witnessed a thrilling
competition showcasing a remarkable standard of craftsmanship and creativity.
We want to congratulate all of our finalists and wish Marc the very best of
luck at the WORLD CLASS Global Final in August."
Wes Cort, Senior
Director, Restaurant and Beverage Development & Operations at Norwegian
Cruise Line, said: "We're so pleased for Marc and his achievement. We wish
him the best of luck in the WORLD CLASS Final and are confident his
craftsmanship and talent will impress the judges once more. We'd like to extend
our sincerest gratitude to WORLD CLASS for putting on such a thrilling event
and for training our bartenders in the art and science of creating
moment-defining cocktails, using award-winning spirits from the DIAGEO RESERVE
collection. Our partnership provides Norwegian Cruise Line guests with fine
drinking experiences, making our guests' overall cruise vacation unforgettable."
Please
drink responsibly, visit DRINKiQ.com.
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