Diageo World Class Kenya partnered with luxury hotel Villa Rosa Kempinski to host the first ever Cocktail competition between two of the finest mixologists in the country; Evans Otieno and Joshua Wesonga.
The cocktail competition offered a variety of curated experiences that celebrate the craft of bar-tending and provided consumers with amazing quality cocktails, while delivering a luxury consumption experience.
The mixologists battled it out in a quest to make the best whisky, gin and rum cocktail. Evans Otieno was crowned the best mixologist and got his cocktail menu featured on the Kempinski Balcony Bar.
According to the 2018 Economic Survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, the arts, entertainment and recreation sector created 5,000 jobs in 2018. The increase in the number of Kenyans with higher disposable incomes, global exposure and refined tastes has fueled demand for premium quality cocktails and spirits.
“WORLD CLASS is on a mission to improve the cocktail culture by training up bartenders and enabling them to hone their craft. The skills they learn through the World Class training programme make them more competitive, resulting in higher incomes and provide a higher quality experience for the customer. A higher number of trained bartenders will enable the hospitality industry to diversify and create more signature drinks with each hotel looking to make its own mark on the industry.” said Diageo East Africa Senior Brand Ambassador Douglas Duncanson.
“Shining a light on some of Nairobi’s best hospitality talent, World Class celebrates the skill, creativity and inspiration that goes into creating cocktails. The event provides a fantastic opportunity for venues to showcase what they are best at and guests to experience cocktails in a new, fun and interactive way.” said East Africa Breweries Limited Brand Manager Grace Nyokabi.
“We chose to partner with Villa Rosa Kempinski because of their shared dedication to delivering wonderful service, excellent drinks and a great experience,” she added.
World Class bartenders and the venues where they work are synonymous with sophistication, impeccable service and pushing the boundaries of contemporary and experiential cocktail culture.
