Due to unforeseen circumstances, South Africa’s National WORLD CLASS Finals winner, Brent Perremore, will no longer be able to attend the WORLD CLASS Global Finals, to take place in Scotland & London from 28th July to 1st August.
Jeff Lopes of The Michelangelo Hotel in Johannesburg will now be South Africa’s representative in the Global WORLD CLASS Finals, the winner of which will be crowned World’s Best Bartender 2014.
“Unavoidable circumstances beyond our control have made it impossible for Brent to enter into the Global Finals. While this is unfortunate news, we are 100% sure that Jeff will make an excellent contender in the Global Finals, and will do his country proud as South Africa’s representative,” says Dominic Bothner, Diageo’s National Category Development Manager.
Since its launch in 2009, WORLD CLASS has been lauded as the world’s leading luxury drinks training programme, not only elevating the craft of bartending, but setting international standards and trends in the cocktail world, with winners being propelled into the global limelight as the world’s bartending elite.
Jeff Lopes is the Head Sommelier and Mixologist at Johannesburg’s The Michelangelo Hotel. His intricate understanding of wine plays a significant role in his ability to create nuanced and captivating sensory experiences in his cocktails.
During the WORLD CLASS National Finals in South Africa, Jeff made an unforgettable impression through his creation of several outstanding cocktails that engaged all senses. During the “Real McCoy” challenge, Jeff prepared trays of beach sand for each of the judges, allowing them to feel the texture of the beach while enjoying his tropical cocktail, “The Nassau Sling,” which was chilled in an ice sculpture fashioned as a ship.
“Jeff has a gift for engaging his guests, and making sure that each cocktail he prepares is a multi-sensory experience. We urge South African mixology fans to support this truly WORLD CLASS bartender as he represents his country amongst 49 other master mixologists in the Global Finals,” adds Dominic.
This year’s WORLD CLASS Global Final will see 50 of the world’s best bartenders competing in the UK from for the most coveted accolade in the luxury drinks industry, the title of World’s Best Bartender, to be announced in London on August 1st.