For 10 days from the 28th August until the 5th of September, the Mother City will officially be the Cocktail Capital of the World. And the even better news is that the venue where all the action is set to take place, is open to the public.
World Class Global Finals are taking place in Cape Town from 28th August until the 5th of September. This means that 55 of the world’s best bartenders, including South Africa’s own Domenico De Lorenzo, will descend on our beautiful city to spend a week going head-to-head in mixology challenges that will see one bartender emerge as the global champion.
While all this is taking place, World Class House will be open to the public – allowing everyone to enjoy the event, and to take the opportunity to revel in a cocktail experience second to none.
7 brands will be represented at World Class House, which will be located in Woodstock. Some of them you would have tried before and I know you will definitely want to experience again, and others you may not have even heard of yet, but believe me when I tell you – these are the best in their drinks categories in the world. Add that to the fact that the top bartenders in the world will be making the cocktails – well, this is something not to be missed.
One of the highlights this year will be the Bulleit Bourbon room in the house. Here you will experience Mint Juleps combined with Southern hospitality. Bulleit is launching officially in SA next year, and Tom Bulleit himself will be on hand to chat about his famous Bourbon.
The Don Julio Tequila Cantina will no doubt be one of the more popular destinations in the house with this brand gaining huge popularity with South Africans over the past few years. You can get your Mexican on and Instagram to your heart’s content.
For rum lovers the Ron Zacapa room will provide a sensory experience that blows your taste buds away, and you will meet one of the world’s top master blenders, Lorena Vasquez – something you don’t want to miss. I’ve met her before and the woman is pure inspiration.
Johnnie Walker Blue needs no introduction and you’ll take an interactive journey through the 6 main flavours of the whisky. Small groups of no more than 12 will enjoy an intimate tasting led by Johnnie Walker global brand ambassador, Tom Jones.
At Ketel One Vodka, the world’s favourite vodka for bartenders, you will get to experience a Bloody Mary like never before.
The Tanqueray Gin experience will take you all the way back to the roaring 20s where the gin and tonics will be flowing from the shaker of London bartender, Thomas Aske – and doesn’t that sound fun?
One of the highlights for me this year is the record number of women taking part in the competition – so you could also get to meet one of these talented ladies if you come down and join us for a cocktail at World Class House.
If you can’t be in Cape Town and join us for the fun – then please follow us on social media for pictures and videos of the World Class week – we’ll be throwing it out there!
Twitter – @food24 / @WorldClassSA
Instagram – @food24_sa / @WorldClassSA
Snapchat – food24_sa
World Class House will be open from 6pm – 11pm from the 28th August until 5th September (except for Tuesday 5th September the house will be closed to the public).
The cost is R180 for entrance but R80 of that comprises of vouchers to spend on drinks that will be served in any of the rooms in the house.
We say cheers to that!