USBG Presents World Class Sponsored By DIAGEO is an educational platform leading up to a global bartending competition. This year, Nationals and Top 5 Finals will take place at a combined event in Austin, TX!
Here, the Top 30 will compete in National Challenges to narrow down to the Top 5 Finalists prior to the naming of the 2023 World Class US Bartender of the Year.
Ahead of the Competition, guests are invited to the exclusive US Premiere of the highly anticipated World Class Documentary, Spirit, which follows the journey to become the world's best bartender. This event takes place at the Violet Crown Cinema on Monday, May 15th with showings at 9:30PM & 11:00PM.
*Seating is first come, first served with 50 seats available at each showing.
Competitors will compete in (3) Challenges across the two National Competition days.
Guests are invited to join Johnnie Walker in the Bayberry Terrace and Ketel One in the Bass Ballroom for an immersive sampling experience throughout each of the days.
Guests and Spectators are invited to participate in the World Class Austin Cocktail Festival and enjoy World Class cocktails at some of Austin's must-visit, trend leading bars and restaurants during the Competition. A map of all participating locations will be provided on-site.
Ketel One Vodka’s Garnished with Good initiative challenges bartenders to serve their communities with each cocktail they create. This challenge is focused on storytelling and sustainability as competitors are tasked with integrating elements to their cocktail that create positive change in their community.
For over two centuries, Johnnie Walker has been committed to a spirit of progress and moving forward through their iconic “Keep Walking” campaign. For this challenge, Competitors are tasked with identifying someone who embodies the Spirit of Progress, developing a bespoke cocktail they would serve to them, and telling the story of their serve to the Judges.
In this challenge, the test will be how well competitors can create quality serves – quickly! Tasked with creating a World Class Menu and executing 8 serves in 10 minutes, this challenge will highlight competitors’ ability to showcase delicious serves in a fast-paced environment, as well as create a well-balanced and thoughtful cocktail menu.
Spectators 21+ are welcome to attend the US Premiere of Spirit, Competition Challenges, and the 2023 Bartender of the Year Announcement. Please RSVP for each event. Only registered attendees will be permitted entrance.
Specific Competitor Challenge Times will be made available upon arrival to the competition.
