Once again, Filipinos are showing World Class bartending talent to the world!
At the recent Diageo Reserve World Class Philippines Bartender of The Year 2022 finals held at Alibi Lounge, Crimson Hotel in Alabang, 7 of our talented bartenders topped the competition and displayed their world-class bartending knowledge and skills, by creating one (1) Aperitif, and one (1) Digestif cocktail using Diageo Reserve spirits Johnnie Walker Black Label and The Singleton of Dufftown, and ultimately showcasing their own unique techniques.
Top 7 Bartenders
- Claude Delima – The Spirits Library
- Abby Leyte – Southbank Café + Lounge
- Duane Legaspi – Coconut Grove, Admiral Hotel
- Lovely Enage – Bar 20, Swissotel Clark
- Melody Lim – Oasis Garden Café Solaire Resort and Casino
- Rodny Protacio – Baccarat Room and Bar, Solaire Resort and CasinoNikki Lacsamana – Baccarat Room and Bar, Solaire Resort and Casino
Without a doubt, these skillful bartenders are worthy of notice – they were incredible during the competition!
It was already a captivating event seeing world class bartenders showcase their artform, but they made it even more exciting and enjoyable because of their bar-stage presence which made everyone love each of their performances. The crowd was so thrilled that they were rooting for all the bartenders. It was exceedingly difficult for the judges to pick just one winner because each had its distinct personality and bartending flair.
Judges
- Royce Pua, 2017 Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year for the Philippines, Bar Consultant and Owner of Someyoung PH
- Lucky So Alabado, Founder of DiscoverMNL
- Icy Marinas, Co-Founder and Head Mixologist of Drink Manila, Veteran Hotelier and Restauranteur
- Chinkee Koppe, Lifestyle Writer & Content Creator, Senior Food Writer for Tatler Dining
- AK Roxas, 2013 Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year for the Philippines, Bar Manager of Dillinger’s and Prohibition
While all the bartenders were fantastic and deserving of praise, Claude Delima of The Spirits Library ultimately won as the Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of The Year 2022 Philippines!
Now, let’s get to know Claude Delima, our new bartender of the year!
Claude’s journey in the cocktail industry wasn’t a walk in the park. It was in the year 2017 when he first started working as a part-time bartender. His only job was to prepare everything that the head bartender needed, and he was squeezing lots of lemons and limes. Because of his perseverance, he eventually got his own small bartending gigs, and worked in different establishments such as hotels and restaurants. With his passion for cocktails, he pushed himself and kept going. Now, he is currently a bartender at The Spirits Library, in Poblacion, Makati, Philippines, one of the top bars in Manila. He is very passionate about spirits and cocktails, and very hospitable which makes him an amazing bartender. His favorite cocktail is a Tanqueray Gimlet.
In the competition, Claude introduced his winning cocktails named “Pagsidlak” and “Takipsilim” which wowed the judges. He said “The inspiration of these cocktails is Time, particularly sunrise and sunset. Even if you start early or even if you start late, what matters most is how you used time, and how that time molded you.”
“Pagsidlak” is a citrusy aperitif that tingles your taste buds making you feel like you’re drinking and tasting summer. He used 45ml of Johnnie Walker Black Label, and 30ml Pomelo Tepache Cordial topped with his very own homemade blended soda.
“Takipsilim” symbolizes sunset, just like how this particular time makes you feel just like how this particular time makes you want to settle in, slow down and just live in the moment. This cocktail is 45ml The Singleton of Dufftown 12YO mixed with 10ml of Lemon, 10ml of simple syrup, 10ml Fat washed Green Chartreuse Mozzarella, 30ml PX sherry reduction and 45ml of Aquafaba.
This is Claude’s 3rd time joining the World Class Competition in the Philippines. He said “I always tell myself that I need to improve, joining 3 times means I learned a lot three times. That kept me motivated that I need to push myself to be innovative and of course grow as a bartender.”
He also shared in the interview his excitement about the upcoming 2022 Global Finals happening in Sydney, Australia in September. “I’m very much excited to meet the outstanding bartenders of other countries and of course to represent my country. Currently I’m gathering knowledge to prepare for the competition especially that I will be highlighting the Filipino bartending culture and also Filipino ingredients”, Claude answered.
Stay tuned for Claude’s World Class Global Finals journey. Visit the World Class Philippines microsite to stay updated with the competition and follow @worldclassphilippines on Instagram.
As always, #MakeItWorldClass and drink responsibly. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and to learn more about alcohol facts.
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