Alfado Surya Goenawan (Aldo) of Frestro Bali won the Indonesian Finals of Diageo World Class 2017the industry’s most prestigious and respected mixology competition held at Goldstein Bar. Alfado was crowned the Indonesia winner after he vowed the International Judges with his creativity, dedication, and knowledge of his craft in two exciting challenges; “Cocktails of Tomorrow” and “Cocktails against the Clock”. Both cocktails were to be made using any of the Diageo Reserve Brands: Ketel One Vodka, Tanqueray No. Ten, Ron Zacapa 23, Don Julio Blanco, Don Julio Reposado, Bulleit Bourbon, Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve, Singleton of Glen Ord 12YO.
Pitting his skills against seven other Bartenders, Alfado stood out for his interesting take on “Back to the future” made with Johnnie Walker Gold Label and Singleton which he combined with other Vegan ingredients to make a drink with no animal products; truly a drink for the future!
Speaking about his finals win Alfado said “For me it is not just a personal victory, but an opportunity to showcase the talent from my country on a global platform. This is my first World Class event and to think that Iam the finals winner and that I will now get to travel to Mexico to meet other amazing mixologists from the world over is a dream come true”
Speaking about Alfado Judge John Lermayer, Owner and Bartender, Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Company, Miami USA, said “Alfado impressed us all with his strong storytelling and presentation of his drinks. He infused his drinks with local influences but most importantly he was extremely well prepared and had obviously done his research on the brand, the ingredients, and his concepts.”
“World Class Indonesia is now in its 7th year and it has been amazing to see the entries grow from 12 Bartenders to over 200 from all over Indonesia. It is always rewarding to discover the next generation of bartending talent and we wish Alfado all the best and are committed to work with him in the coming months to build his craft to a standard that will stand out at the global finals,” said Kabir Suharan, Diageo Indonesia Commercial Head Reserve Brands.
“I just went back from Bangkok to get more knowledge on bartending technic and skills. It was actually more related to World Class challenges in Mexico yet I can apply it on my daily routines as a bartender,” Aldo explain. Aldo will compete with other 56 bartenders from all over the world to be crowned as the World Class winner.
The winner of the National Final will compete in the Global Finals to be held in Mexico City, Mexico in August. To follow the Indonesian winner Alfado’s journey or to know more about the event find hashtag: #worldclassID.
About Diageo Reserve
Diageo Reserve represents the luxury division of Diageo, a multi-award winning portfolio of fine spirits rich in heritage, craftsmanship and innovation.
The World Class Collection of brands includes: Ciroc vodka, Tanqueray No. TEN and Tanqueray London Dry gins, Johnnie Walker Blue Label and Gold Label Reserve Scotch Whiskies, Tequila Don Julio, Zacapa rum, Ketel One vodka, Haig Club Single Grain Scotch Whisky, Bulleit Bourbon, Talisker, Mortlach and Singleton Single Malt Scotch Whiskies.
Diageo Reserve promotes responsible drinking.
Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.
About Diageo Reserve World Class™
Diageo Reserve World Class™ is transforming fine drinking experiences and cocktail culture around the world and in the home. The industry’s largest, most credible investment in the luxury on trade, it discovers the next generation of bartending talent who set the latest mixology trends and bring these to the best bars worldwide.
At the core is an outstanding, global training program and internationally recognized platform that elevates the craft of the bartender and builds careers in the industry culminating in an annual luxury landmark week where the Diageo Reserve World Class™
Bartender of the Year is announced. Launched in 2009, over 20,000 bartenders have been inspired and educated in the craft of mixology using the finest spirits in the Diageo Reserve collection.
A partnership and collaboration with gurus, media, partners and owners, Diageo Reserve World Class™ is widely recognized as a mark of sophistication and distinction of international fine drinking culture by bartenders and customers alike.
