RIO DE JANEIRO, July 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

From a group of 15,000 talented mixologists, Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS, transforming fine drinking and cocktail culture around the globe, today announced the top 16 finalists vying for the ultimate title of Bartender of the Year. With a strong Asia Pacific and European contingent, the finalists include:

• Australia, Tim Philips
• Belgium, Olivier Jacobs
• China, Tree Mao
• Denmark, Kaspar Riewe Henriksen
• Great Britain, Andy Mil
• Italy, Dennis Zoppi
• Japan, Shigeki Yoshida
• Lebanon, Varia Dellalian
• Netherlands, Fjalar Goud
• Singapore, Aki Eguchi
• Spain, Guiseppe Santamaria
• Taiwan, Kae Yin
• Thailand, Supawit Muttarattana
• Trinidad, Stephon Scott
• UAE, Jimmy Barrat
• USA, Ricky Gomez

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120711/543637-a )
     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120711/543637-b )

Challenges at the Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Global Final are judged by the industry's leading gurus and require bartenders to explore fast growing industry trends, with a particular focus on Retro Chic, a global luxury trend encapsulating the glamour and simplicity of the golden era of 50s and 60s.

Rudy Paoli, Managing Director GLOBAL RESERVE: "Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS is a leader that collaborates with the industry's finest to continually elevate the craft of bartending. This week in Rio we have seen an unprecedented level of creativity against a backdrop of international events. The Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS finalists are truly transforming fine drinking culture with their innovation and trend setting Retro Chic serves."

Attendees at the landmark week include global trendsetters Dylan Jones, GQ, Piers Adams, Mahiki, Tony Chambers, Wallpaper*, Jason Beckley, Dunhill and  Mark Izzat, Vertu. Glamorous evening events have featured celebrity guests and entertainment - including Bossa Nova legend Bebel Gilberto - and a Mahiki Rio partnership with CÎROC vodka - introducing the world's first pop up bar at the Copa Club.   Later in the week a very special JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™ Blended Scotch Whisky event will be hosted by Christina Hendricks.

Over the next two days the top 16 finalists will compete through an additional elimination round, leaving just eight global finalists who aspire to be crowned Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year 2012 on 12 July.

Follow the competition on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/GlobalWorldClassFinals. For live updates on Twitter follow @WorldClassLive and join the conversation with #WCRio; or, follow our boards at pinterest.com/WCSociety.

Additional images at Image.Net

For information about Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS please contact:

Rachel Chan
Brand PR Manager, Diageo Reserve
+65-9618-5320
rachel.chan@diageo.com

Joanna Good
Neville McCarthy Associates
+44-(0)207-940-2900
joanna@nevillemccarthy.com

SOURCE Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS