General Press Releases Thursday March 19, 2015 13:48 

Bangkok–19 Mar–Hill+Knowlton Strategies

Diageo takes media on a journey to becoming a World Class bartender and a true artist of fine and responsible cocktail-making.

Diageo Moët Hennessy (Thailand), Thailand’s leading importer and distributor of premium wines and spirits, today hosted an exclusive media Do-It-Yourself Workshop at the newly opened 195 Lounge in the Empire Tower building, taking the participants on a unique journey through the prestigious World Class training to becoming elite mixologists.

Editors from leading lifestyle and business outlets were welcomed by Mr. Pornseak Pharksuwan, Diageo Reserve Channel Director, and Mr. Chennarong Bhumichitr, Senior Brand Ambassador, Diageo Reserve, who shared special insights into the rigorous World Class programme and provided key tips on the artistry of cocktail-making and the newest industry trends.

“As drinking culture in Thailand and around the world is becoming more sophisticated, the bartending career is starting to have a greater appeal to many people,” explained Mr. Pharksuwan. “There is more than just shaking and stirring to being a good bartender. Apart from general spirits knowledge, it requires impeccable service, personal grooming, and exceptional communication skills – all the aspects that we focus on in our World Class programme. Our ultimate goal is to enable bartenders to unlock their talents and pursue their dreams, and to lift up the industry standards worldwide.”

Workshop participants were surprised by two previous winners of World Class Thailand competition, Mr. Supawit Muttarattana and Mr. Sarawut Pinpech, who showcased their masterful bartending techniques and guided them through the meticulous process of making three classic World Class cocktails – Ciroc Vodka Cosmopolitan, Pampero Blanco Rum Mojito and Don Julio Reposado Tequila Margarita. The interactive and engaging session allowed everyone to experience first-hand what it’s like to be training under the globally-acclaimed World Class programme.

“More and more people are appreciating fine and responsible drinking, and are caring about what they drink, as much as what they eat,” said Mr. Bhumichitr. “That’s exactly what World Class stands for. We believe the programme will have a positive impact on the overall alcohol industry and will serve as a career booster for mixology talents in Thailand, while spreading the knowledge of the art and culture of cocktail-making among the general public.”

The DIY workshop followed the first Bangkok training round in which 46 bartenders from 36 outlets received training and participated in two challenges under the World Class Thailand 2015 programme. As we go to print these contestants  are gathering again to take part in the second training and elimination round, after which 14 top bartenders from Bangkok will be selected to compete at the World Class Thailand 2015 Final at the end of April. There, the most talented and inspirational bartenders from across the Kingdom will have a unique opportunity to showcase their skills and compete for the title of Thailand’s best bartender, and a chance to advance to the 2015 Southeast Asia World Class Final, which will be held between July 1-2 at EmQuartier in Bangkok.