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Cal – a World Class Top 10 finalist

Ireland's Cal Byrne was one of 10 finalists vying for Diageo's World Class Bartender of The Year 2021, the first-ever fully virtual Diageo World Class Global Final.

 

Cal carried out his challenges from Irish Craft Cocktails' lab based in Dublin.

Cal carried out his challenges from Irish Craft Cocktails’ lab based in Dublin.

Over five days 27 year-old Cal (originally from Galway and now bartender at the Blind Pig Speakeasy in Dublin) and 49 other bartenders were streamed live from their home countries as they virtually competed against each other in a series of challenges that tested their skills, creativity and showmanship.

In a fitting nod to home, Cal created a drink infused with natural dyes used in Irish wool jumpers. He chose these ingredients to highlight his project to connect artists and traditional craftspeople whose livelihoods have been hit during the pandemic.

However Canada’s James Grant took the top prize and although he didn’t take home the grand prize, Cal’s the first Irish representative in history to reach the Top 10 globally, testament to years of practice, creativity and commitment to his craft especially during such a difficult year for the bar trade.

Cal carried out his challenges from Irish Craft Cocktails’ lab based in Dublin.

Over 400,000 bartenders across the globe have been supported, trained and inspired by World Class since its inception.

For more information on World Class and to keep up-to-date with the latest drinks, trends and training, visit www.diageobaracademy.com/en_zz/world-class-/ and follow @WorldClass.

#WorldClass2021 @WorldClass

 

 


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