Diageo Reserve Announces World Class Bartender Of The Year 2012

Following a week of mixology trends unveiled, red carpet events and a showcase of the industry`s brightest stars, Tim Philips, Hemmesphere, Australia was crowned Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year 2012, rising above 50 other finalists to win the most prestigious accolade of the industry.

Hailing from Hemmesphere cocktail bar in Sydney, Australia, Philips` brilliant creative vision, passion and commanding presence behind the bar personifies the relenting standards, showmanship and professionalism that success in the industry demands.

Following in the footsteps of mixology giants Manabu Ohtake, Erik Lorincz and Aristotelis Papadopoulos, he displayed exceptional style and technique, truly showing the artisanship of his craft and a talent beyond his 28 years.

Diageo reserve world class bartender of the year 2012, Tim Philips said: `I am thrilled and humbled to be awarded Diageo reserve world class bartender of the year amongst all the exceptional talent I was competing alongside this week. I have been inspired this week by the high standards and limitless talent and look forward to the year ahead, travelling the world, meeting my peers and continuing to create experiences through my creations that immerse customers in another world.`

Philips captivated judges with his winning signature serve, a twisted chic cocktail: Hot Toddy Australia made with Johnnie Walker©Gold Label Reserve&#trade; Blended Scotch Whisky, honey, cinnamon quill, ginger and innovative technique.

Tim Philips has served cocktails for a host of celebrities including, Prince Harry, George Michael, New Order, Al Pacino and Leonardo Dicaprio.

Later this year, Tim is taking the plunge and opening his own venue Bulletin Place in Sydney, which is undoubtedly set to become an Australian institution and will feature some of Tim`s finest creations.

Philips will become a recognized industry name and a global ambassador for Diageo Reserve World Class, travelling the world, educating and inspiring new talent while widening his own knowledge, honing his skills and techniques along the way.

The sophisticated and elegant Retro Chic inspired cocktails created during the Diageo Reserve World Class Global Final used the finest spirits from the Diageo Reserve luxury collection – KETEL ONE© vodka, Cǟ«ROC© vodka, TANQUERAY© NO.TEN&#trade; gin, TANQUERAY© gin, DON JULIO© tequila, ZACAPA© rum and JOHNNIE WALKER© GOLD LABEL RESERVE&#trade; BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY and JOHNNIE WALKER© BLUE LABEL&#trade; BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY.

Follow the competition on FACEBOOK at the `GLOBAL WORLD CLASS FINALS` page. For live updates on TWITTER follow @worldclasslive and join the conversation with #wcrio.