Singapore bartender wins world title at World Class cocktail making event in Glasgow

A bartender from Singapore has taken home the global crown after a hard-fought contest at the world cocktail making championships in Scotland.

Published 27th Sep 2019
Updated 27 th Sep 2019

Bannie Kang was named the 2019 Diageo World Class champion - a prestigious event that's been likened to the 'Olympics' of Mixology - late on Thursday night at a glittering event in Glasgow.

Her coronation brought the curtain down on a week where Scotland played host to more than 50 of world's best bartenders from six continents.

The competitive action included a mystery ingredient challenge at the Talisker whisky distillery on the Isle of Skye on Monday and concluded at the SWG3 venue in Glasgow on Thursday evening with an against-the-clock speed test.

Ms Kang hailed the finals, which started with an opening round at the Ketel One distillery in the Netherlands on Sunday, as an "incredible experience".

"I'm so happy, I still can't believe it," she said.

"I just tried to enjoy it and tried to be my best.

"I feel like I'm dreaming. I think I will enjoy this moment first and then I will think how do I help and how do I inspire other industry bartenders."

Hosted by drinks giant Diageo, Simon Earley, who heads up the event, said the Scottish showpiece was one of the most competitive finals in the competition's history.

"The skill and talent of the bartenders battling it out across all the different challenges was awe-inspiring," he said.

"Bannie Kang is a worthy winner and her technique, temperament, and artisanship really stood out across the four days."

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Mr Earley added: "At first glance, Diageo World Class bartender of the year is all about inviting the planet's finest bartenders to take part in a huge competition using the very best spirits available.

"But it's also about getting all these incredible talents working and learning together, so they can inspire each other and spark ideas off each other that will elevate drinks culture globally, for everybody's benefit."

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Driven by a passion for all things drinks-related, Sean writes for The Scotsman extensively on the subject. He can also sometimes be found behind the bar at the world famous Potstill bar in Glasgow where he continues to enhance his whisky knowledge built up over 10 years advising customers from all over the world on the wonders of our national drink. Recently, his first book was published. Dubbed Gin Galore, it explores Scotland's best gins and the stories behind those that make them.
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