Diageo, the global leader in the alcoholic beverage industry, has once again hosted the Diageo World Class Indonesia Final, an annual event that brings together the best bartenders from bars across Indonesia to showcase their skills. In a final presentation attended by notable figures in the hospitality industry, the judges this evening crowned the best bartender to represent Indonesia at the global Diageo World Class competition in Shanghai, China, which will take place in September 2024.
DIAGEO WORLD CLASS 2024 Indonesia Final: I Putu Aris Sanjaya Putra from Bali Represents Indonesia at the 2024 World Bartender Competition in Shanghai, China
The Diageo World Class Indonesia Final is part of the annual Diageo World Class event by Diageo, which has been running for 13 years. This event has inspired over 400,000 bartenders worldwide to explore creativity and innovation in delivering the best cocktails. Since May 2024, Diageo has initiated a series of competitions in Indonesia, inviting eight top bartenders from Jakarta, Malang, Surabaya, and Bali to join the semi-finals and finals held at Bimasena at The Dharmawangsa Jakarta today.
"This year, Diageo celebrates 15 years of hosting Diageo World Class, an event that has been an extraordinary source of inspiration for many around us. The Diageo World Class event helps our partners, bartenders, and bar owners to better understand the culture of responsible drinking and to explore premium cocktails from Diageo's premium brands, which hold such rich heritage and stories," said Alefiyah Sarma, President Director of Diageo Indonesia.
Alefiyah added, "The mission of Diageo World Class aligns perfectly with Diageo's efforts to build appreciation for cocktails, to enjoy every sip of a cocktail crafted by bartenders." Alefiyah emphasized that the fine drinking theme carried by Diageo World Class this year underscores Diageo's commitment to continually practicing responsible production and marketing of alcoholic beverages.
From the works produced and the skills honed during this event, Diageo World Class plays a role in improving the quality of alcoholic beverages in Indonesia. "We greatly appreciate the steps taken by Diageo through Diageo World Class, which encourages innovation in the beverage industry, particularly the alcoholic beverage industry, to support the tourism sector. Alcoholic beverages have also contributed to Indonesia's export products in 2023, valued at 14 million USD. This value can still be increased. We are optimistic that this event also presents an opportunity for Indonesia to introduce Indonesian products at a global level and provides access for the domestic industry to meet the needs of alcoholic beverages for the tourism sector and increase exports," said Merrijantij Punguan Pintaria, Director of Beverage Industry, Tobacco Products, and Refreshing Materials at the Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin).
Cocktails: A Blend of Bartending Science and Art
The Diageo World Class Indonesia Final invites and challenges talented bartenders to create innovative cocktails using Diageo's premium brands, namely Don Julio and The Singleton. Each bartender will make two cocktails using Don Julio tequila and The Singleton single malt and present them to the judges.
"Cocktails are the perfect blend of the art and science of bartending. Each drink has an interesting story to tell, from premium ingredients to the techniques used to mix them. Diageo World Class encourages bartenders to explore these stories and share them with consumers. Beyond taste, enjoying cocktails becomes an immersive experience that deserves appreciation," said Adrian Michalcik, Diageo World Class Winner 2022 and final judge of the Diageo World Class 2024 Indonesia. He continued, "Bartending is a profession that requires skills honed through various training and competitions. Bartenders must understand the uniqueness of Don Julio tequila or The Singleton single malt to present extraordinary drink ideas and recipes. Diageo World Class emphasizes quality and expertise, and we want to see bartenders' creativity and innovation and hear the incredible stories behind the cocktails they create."
In addition to Adrian, the judges present at the Diageo World Class Indonesia Final were Group Head Bar Manager at Union Group Kiki Moka, Global Relationships Director Nolet Distillery Schiedam Holland Dennis Tamse, and Whisky Educator and Founder of Highlander Inn Jakarta Andrew Soetiono. The judges will look for more than just delicious cocktail flavors but also the art and stories behind each creation, including creativity and presentation.
The Diageo World Class event is part of the Diageo Bar Academy, committed to providing accessible training and resources for hospitality industry professionals to create a sustainable, inclusive, and advanced industry. In Indonesia, the Diageo Bar Academy has been running since 2010, training over 30,000 professionals in Jakarta, Medan, Bandung, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Malang, Bali, and Makassar.
During the Indonesia Final of Diageo World Class 2024, Merrijantij also expressed her hopes and appreciation for this competition, "We see the extraordinary impact of the Diageo World Class initiative. This program shows how businesses can actively contribute to improving the quality of professionals in their respective industries. By promoting an inclusive environment, Diageo World Class helps elevate industry standards and creates opportunities for Indonesian people to continue developing their potential and contributing to sustainable economic growth and development."
At the highly anticipated Indonesia Final, I Putu Aris Sanjaya Putra from Sycro Base Bali was announced as the winner of Diageo World Class Indonesia 2024, surpassing 100 other contestants. He will undergo various training preparations to represent Indonesia at the Diageo World Class Global Final 2024 in Shanghai, China, competing with the best bartenders from 60 countries.
Aris, Diageo World Class Indonesia Winner 2024, expressed, "I am very happy and proud to be part of Diageo World Class 2024. My victory in the Indonesia Final is the first step towards advancing to international stages, and with Diageo, I will bring extraordinary Indonesian cocktail creations to Shanghai. This victory is a shared victory with my fellow Indonesian bartenders who were present today and showcased our best skills before the judges. I hope that what I and my fellow bartenders achieved today at the Diageo World Class Indonesia event can inspire other bartenders to always hone their skills, continue to explore Indonesian cocktail stories, and become professional bartenders to advance Indonesian tourism.
