Diageo GB has announced the top 10 finalists of its 2023 World Class competition.
The finalists are as follows:
Josh Linfitt, Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling
Alex Taylor, Pennyroyal
Emanuele Mensah, Lyaness
Danilo Frigulti, Nomad Hotel
Jacob Clarke, Couch
Katie Rouse, Couch
Holly Bennetts, The Greenbank Hotel
Tom Fastiggi, Schofields
Matt Arnold, Passing Fancies
Ryan Way, Orchid
For the first time this year, judges also gave ‘Challenge Champions’, with Jack Smith winning for his Don Julio serve and Eve Green for Chase. The Challenge Champions receive educational and mentorship prizes.
A ‘Bartenders’ Bartender’ prize was also awarded at the semi-finals. Liam Scott won this and received a bottle of Don Julio 1942. This award is and voted for by World Class GB's Top 50 bartenders and awarded to the person who "embodied the community spirit of World Class".
The World Class GB final, where the 10 competitors will compete for a place a the global finals, will take place at Johnnie Walker Princes Street.