Charles Joly from USA Serves Up a Week of Magnificent Mixes to be Named the World's Best Bartender

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LONDON, August 2 /PRN=KYODO JBN/ --

CHARLES JOLY BEATS 47 PEERS TO BE CROWNED THE DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS(TM)

BARTENDER OF THE YEAR 2014

After a week of fierce competition, incredible craftsmanship, unrivalled

creativity and exceptional cocktails, Charles Joly from The Aviary in Chicago,

USA, beat 47 of the best mixologists from around the globe to be crowned the

DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS(TM)Bartender of the Year 2014.

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140801/700392-a )

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140801/700392-b )

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140801/700392-c )

Charles mesmerised the judges from the very first cocktail but it was his

unique and show-stopping signature serve that will help cement his name in

cocktail history. His signature cocktail Above the Clouds, crafted for the

final Punch and Glass challenge, blew the judges away. Throughout the week

Charles consistently proved his winning credentials to the esteemed panel of

judges that included legends and luminaries of the cocktail scene such as Dale

DeGroff, Salvatore Calabrese, Julie Reiner, Steve Olsen and Gaz Regan.  

"Wow, I just feel totally overawed by this. I know it sounds like a cliche but

to be announced as the DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS(TM) BARTENDER OF THE YEAR 2014

is like a dream. The other finalists really are the best bartenders in the

world today so for the judges to pick me as the winner is incredible" said

Charles Joly.

"This journey didn't start today at the ceremony, it started many years ago

when I first started working in a local bar. I make drinks with my heart and it

makes me happy to see customers happy. The possibilities open to a bartender

are limitless, not just in terms of your career but your creations - the only

limit is your imagination."

Matteo Fantacchiotti, Global Vice President Commercial, DIAGEO RESERVE, said:

"Right from the beginning Charles Joly's passion, creativity and unrivalled

mixology skills captivated the judges.  His desire to create unique serves that

combined sophisticated tastes with innovative modern twists never faltered at

any stage of the competition. It's a real honor to have Charles as our 2014

Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS(TM) ambassador."

Charles Joly will now become a global ambassador for Diageo Reserve WORLD

CLASS(TM), a role which will see him travel the world, educating and inspiring new

talent whilst developing his own skills and knowledge through the different

tastes and techniques they experiences along the way.

The 2014 WORLD CLASS(TM) Finals consisted of a series of innovative challenges

staged around Great Britain, starting in Gleneagles, Scotland, before

travelling via the iconic Orient Express to London.  Discovery was at the heart

of the competition, a theme brought to life by the series of innovative

challenges that immersed the 48 finalists in Great British culture and inspired

them to create premium serves, using the world's finest spirits.

This year, for the first time ever, consumers were also invited to participate

in the WORLD CLASS(TM) Global Final and discover a world of fine drinking culture

at the WORLD CLASS (TM)House where masterclasses run by world-renowned bartenders,

unique cocktails and food tasting sessions that made the WORLD CLASS(TM) House the

spiritual home of fine drinking experiences this summer.

You can find out more about WORLD CLASS(TM) and discover a world of fine drinking

by: visiting Definitivedrinkingguide.com on tumblr, liking

http://www.facebook.com/worldclass or tweeting @worldclass using #WORLDCLASS14

For images, B-roll footage and information about the WORLD CLASS(TM), Diageo, its

people, brands and performance, visit http://www.diageo.com or contact:  

Johanna Dalley

World Class Director, Diageo Reserve

Johanna.Dalley@diageo.com  

+31(0)6-1020-7234

Source: Diageo WORLD CLASS(TM)