This marks Canada's 4th win as a nation at the
15th edition of World Class for the coveted title, as
Toronto is named host for next
year's competition
TORONTO, Sept. 19,
2024 /CNW/ - Keegan
McGregor, from Halifax, Nova
Scotia, has been awarded the coveted title of World Class
Global Bartender of the Year 2024 at the world's biggest cocktail
competition, celebrated in Shanghai this year. Competing against
finalists from 45 regions around the world, Keegan McGregor was named the ultimate winner by
an international line-up of industry legends during the annual
celebration of global cocktail culture.
Not only is this a monumental achievement for Keegan, but it's a
significant milestone for Canada.
His victory marks a historic fourth win for Canada in Diageo World Class' 15-year history,
solidifying Canada as the most
awarded country, with no other country having claimed the title
more than twice. His win follows in the footsteps of past Canadian
World Class Global Bartender of the Year champions Jacob Martin, James
Grant, and Kaitlyn Stewart,
further cementing Canada's status
as a global leader in cocktailing. Adding to the excitement, it was
also announced that Toronto will
host the World Class Global Final in Summer 2025, bringing the
world's best bartenders to Canada's doorstep.
Keegan McGregor of Highwayman in
Halifax, Nova Scotia, stood out
amongst competitors by presenting a series of signature serves that
celebrated community, sustainability and innovation to earn a place
at the Global Final.
As part of his journey, he was challenged to create a duo of
drinks reimagining both his home city and Shanghai, featuring indigenous ingredients
alongside Don Julio. For his home
city, Halifax, Nova Scotia, he
showcased his take on a dish called Hodge Podge – a stew with
locally harvested vegetables – taking elements of that to create a
twist on a classic eggnog.
"My World Class journey started
six years ago, so it's a really special experience to be recognized
as the World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2024," says
Keegan McGregor, World Class Global
Bartender of the Year winner. "The camaraderie amongst the
competitors this week has been both inspiring and has kept me
going. The biggest piece of advice I was given was to be myself and
that's exactly what I did."
"Diageo's mission in Canada is
to uplift and celebrate the bartending community across the
country. Every year at World Class, we bring together the most
talented bartenders and it's a tremendous honour for Keegan, and
Canada, to secure Canada's fourth global winner," says
Michael Armistead, Diageo Canada's
National Reserve and Sponsorship Manager. "We couldn't be more
proud of Keegan and I am excited to watch him embark on this
thrilling new chapter as World Class Global Bartender of the
Year!"
Some of the industry's most respected and awarded talent,
including Agostino Perrone, Director
of Mixology at London's
Connaught Bar; Ryan Chetiyawardana,
mastermind of the Mr Lyan empire and Julie
Reiner, from NYC hotspots Milady's and Clover Club,
alongside an elite team of bartenders and bar owners from the
world's most celebrated bars formed the judging panel throughout
the week.
World Class's international industry experts did more than judge
challenges, they also participated in the first-ever World Class
Mentorship program and contributed to Industry Forum. This
consisted of seminars, workshops, and group discussions focused on
the industry's hottest topics faced by global hospitality
businesses and professionals in every region.
For more information on World Class and to stay up to date with
the latest drinks, trends and training, follow @WorldClassCa on X,
@WorldClassCanada on Instagram, and
Facebook.com/WorldClassCanada.
ABOUT WORLD CLASS
World Class is on a mission to inspire people to drink better and
create unforgettable experiences in the process. Whether at home or
in a bar, World Class encourages consumers to think and care about
what, where and how they drink, and in doing so, discover the best
of cocktail culture.
World Class has supported, trained and inspired over 400,000
bartenders across the globe for the past fifteen years, while
partnering them with the world's finest spirits. World Class is the
authority on the global drinks industry for information on the
latest drinks, trends, cocktail recipes and industry insight.
ABOUT WORLD CLASS INDUSTRY FORUM
World Class is a global gathering of the world's most respected and
celebrated talent, and through the World Class Industry Forum
initiative, the conversations that spark creativity are nurtured.
The Industry Forum is providing a platform that unifies the
community and encourages leading voices to share insights, discuss
impact and build a lasting legacy for those in the industry. From
the introduction of technology infused mixology to vibe
architecture, the art of curating an emotional connection for
guests, the community remains committed to transforming cocktail
culture and delivering next level experiences for each and every
cocktail lover. This year's World Class Industry Forum also saw a
brand new one-on-one mentorship programme introduced, offering the
finalists the opportunity to receive dedicated time and bespoke
guidance from some of the industry's world-leading talent,
including the World Class Hall of Fame.
ABOUT DIAGEO
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding
collection of brands across spirits and beer categories. These
brands include Mortlach,
Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B
and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff,
Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray, and Guinness. Diageo
is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180
countries around the world. The company is listed on both the
London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO).
For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and
performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global
responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information,
initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Celebrating life,
every day, everywhere
SOURCE Diageo