An Australian barman has been named Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year 2012, after creating a variant on the traditional hot toddy made with Johnnie Walker Gold Label.
Tim Philips, of Hemmesphere in Sydney, came out top of 50 world class finalists to win the award with his Hot Toddy Australia – made with Johnnie Walker Gold, honey, cinnamon quill and ginger.
According Diageo’s media release, contenders from bars around the world have competed in local and regional heats to win a place at the Global Final in Rio de Janeiro, where they showcased their talents and creations in front of some of the biggest names in the industry.
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. Diageo Reserve World Class is taking bartending from a humble trade to a profession.
“If I can be an ambassador for that, it’s a dream come true. 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.”
