Chivas Masters Cocktail Competition – There’s a lot more to ‘slinging a cocktail’ than meets the eye
Yesterday, the Chivas Masters Competition took place in South Africa for the first time since its launch three years ago. This year the global competition took place in Johannesburg and will make its way around the world before finalists from across the world gather in Shanghai in June.
Chivas Regal has adapted the global cocktail mixing competition so that it not only has the elements of a world-class competition, but locally using it to develop the bartender platform as a respected profession.
To get a taste of what is possible, 10 of South Africa’s bartenders who were identified as up-and-comers were given the opportunity to compete with each other by using Chivas Regal 12 Year Old as the base for their creations that personified the brand essence.
Under the watchful eyes of a select panel of judges – led by Max Warner, the global Chivas Regal ambassador, the contestants enjoyed a Master Class with other local bartenders. Max who offered wisdom gathered during years of working in establishments that have included the Savoy Hotel in London, the Bank Restaurant and Bar, the Sanderson Hotel and Baltic.
Entering his 12th year as the Brand Ambassador for Chivas Regal whisky, his visit to South Africa was to educate, guide and help identify a South African who could represent his country after taking part in the Chivas Masters competition.
Shelley Reeves, Marketing Manager: Scotch Whiskies at Chivas Regal South Africa says that first and foremost the Chivas Masters competition is an advocacy-building programme designed to engage with bartenders in iconic bars of the world and empower the skill set of the tradesmen.
The winner of the South African leg of the competition, Johan Blaauw, impressed the judges with his personal story and dedication to the craft of bar keeping in conjunction with his simple yet unique scotch-based cocktails. We are delighted with the outcome of the Chivas Masters event and look forward to accompanying Johan on his journey of personal development.
