Kiwi Tastes Success at World Class Bartender of the Year

New Zealander Tastes Success at World Class Bartender of the Year 2013

Jason Clark named as a challenge winner at drinks industry’s prestigious title

11 July 2013, Auckland - Following a week of cocktail challenges, luxury seminars and a showcase of the mixology industry’s brightest stars, kiwi bartender Jason Clark (32 years), was announced the joint winner of the DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year 2013 ‘Ibiza Tapas Challenge’ – beating six of the competition’s Top Eight finalists to win one of the competition’s eight ‘challenge’ elements.

The ‘Ibiza Tapas Challenge’ saw the Top 16 finalists pick two tapas each from a selection of six and match an original cocktail to each dish, using shared ingredients.

Clark, who is New Zealand’s first representative in the global competition and who tied in the challenge with Australia’s Luke Ashton, impressed a panel of the world’s most respected mixology cognoscenti with two cocktails that he expertly matched to his selected tapas. His efforts also saw him secure a place in the competition’s Top Eight.

Clark used the smokey sweetness and malt flavouring of Talisker 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky to create a cocktail that enhanced the flavours of his chosen oyster tapa. For an intensely-flavoured tapa of baked goats cheese and pickled aubergine on pastry, the smooth and fresh qualities of Cîroc vodka were used by Clark to create a cocktail that cleansed the palate.

Jason Clark says “Winning a challenge at what is such a prestigious international drinks industry competition is an absolute dream come true! I am humbled to be one of just a few recognised for their efforts – especially amid such exceptional talent and in front of industry ‘heroes’ that include Dale DeGroff and Salvatore Calabrese.

“Bartending is my absolute passion – I thrive on creating exceptional cocktails and providing my customers with a superior experience. The past week’s competition against the world’s best has further inspired me and I look forward to utilising what I have learnt when I take my next step and shortly open Midnight Bell in Auckland’s Ponsonby Central establishment.”

Clark, who flies to New York this week, also thanked the team behind getting him to the Global Final and said he is excited about what lies ahead for New Zealand’s hospitality industry as a result of his travels.

“I am indebted to the World Class New Zealand team who not only got me here but are also helping me get to New York where I hope to glean inspiration from the city’s impressive cocktail scene for Midnight Bell. I am also grateful to New Zealand label Barkers Menswear for ensuring I looked ‘world class’ throughout the five days of competition.

“I’m looking forward to getting home and sharing my experiences with fellow peers in the hope of growing our industry and I also can’t wait to get back behind the bar and offer customers exciting new drinks that will enhance their dining experiences,” says Clark.

Clark was described by New Zealand Diageo Reserve World Class spokesperson Frankie Walker as having “displayed brilliant technique and extraordinary style throughout the entire competition – from the regional heats in New Zealand through to the past week’s competition against the best on the world stage.

“Jason’s creative vision, evident passion and talent is an outstanding example of what it means to be a world class bartender and New Zealand should be very proud of his achievement,” says Walker.

From 15,000 to one, over the past 11 months contenders from some of the world’s most prestigious bars competed in a bid to win their national title and thus secure a coveted place at the fifth annual Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Global Final.

Last Friday, the 44 finalists boarded boutique Azamara Journey cruise liner to compete over five days in what is said to be the world’s largest and most credible mixology competition and in front of fine-drinking industry elite, international celebrities and global tastemakers.

Setting sail along the French Riviera in Nice and Monte Carlo, the ‘final’ voyage included stopovers in some of the Mediterranean’s most iconic and chic destinations including St. Tropez and Ibiza, before culminating in the Catalan capital of Barcelona where Spanish bartender David Rios was crowned WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year 2013.

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