Diageo Reserve World Class bartenders Malaysia

Some of Malaysia’s best bartenders who are competing for a place in the 2015 World Class Global Finals in South Africa

Diageo Reserve World Class, one of the world's most prestigious mixology competition was held in Zeta Bar, Hilton Kuala Lumpur last April. The esteemed, by-invitation only event which goal is to redefine fine drinking experiences featured the ever versatile Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Blended Scotch Whiskey, one of the most well crafted spirits from the Diageo Reserve luxury collection.


Diageo Reserve World Class competition
easy cocktail recipes

Forget fine dining - fine drinking is evidently a lot more exciting

The fifteen talented mixologists vying for the title of Best Bartender in Malaysia are:
  1. Arsenio Mariano Jr., Nobu
  2. Daniel Eman, Las Caretas
  3. Dedi Pranata, Souled Out
  4. Edward Tang, Skybar
  5. Hafiz Hisham, Chamber’s Bar
  6. M.Hanafi, Qba
  7. Insan Sharily, Tate
  8. Jeffri Sulaiman, Mr. Brooks
  9. Joel Timis, The View
  10. John Yap, Majestic
  11. Khir Johari, CuBen
  12. Naresh Kumar, Qba
  13. Osmund Illah, Hubba Hubba
  14. Samuel Mesol, Hubba Hubba 
  15. Shawn Chong, Omakase+Appreciate

These competing bartenders have a similar objective in mind - to bring about sophistication and innovation in their drinks by pushing the boundaries of the contemporary cocktail culture. They need to undertake two challenges that will put their skills to test: (1) Fundamental of Flavors, using Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Blended Scotch Whiskey, and (2) A History of London, using Tanqueray No. Ten Gin. Judging criteria is based on the aroma, flavor, presentation, technique, and the use of spirits.

I used to think that being a bartender is an easy job, but it actually takes plenty of effort, trials, and artistry to concoct a remarkable glass of cocktail which can leave a lasting impression.


Diageo Reserve World Class bartender
Diageo Reserve World Class
Diageo Reserve World Class competition
Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Blended Scotch Whiskey
Diageo Reserve World Class
Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Blended Scotch Whiskey

Bartenders in action, juggling and flipping shakers and bottles. What a sight!


Diageo Reserve World Class event

We want more! We want more!


hilton hotel kuala lumpur

Great performances by Transit that got everyone grooving


zeta bar, hilton kuala lumpur

Had a great night!


Best bartender in the world
Diageo Reserve World Class

Some of the iconic cocktails presented that night which incorporated JW Gold Label Reserve. Yums!

Drinks prepared that evening were:

  • GOLD RUSH by Sam from Hubba Hubba - JW Gold Label Reserve, fresh lemon juice, velvety egg white and sugar syrup strained into ice
  • SMOKEY APPLE JULEP by Jeffri from Mr. Brooks - JW Gold Label Reserve,apples, lemons, sparkling apple juice and fresh mint leaves
  • GOLD FASHIONED by Joel from The View - JW Gold Label Reserve, bitters, a muddled sugar cube with a dash of water and an orange peel
  • LEMONGRASS SOUR by Angel from Hit & Mrs - JW Gold Label Reserve, lemon juice, homemade lemongrass syrup, egg whites, lemongrass and orange bitters
  • GOLDEN APPLE by Eddie from Zeta Bar - JW Gold Label Reserve, clear apple juice, soda water and apple slices

My personal favorite? Probably the Smokey Apple Julep :) Can't wait to see the progress of the competition!

Special thanks to Johnnie Walker and Alex.