World Class Community Week

Diageo Reserve is launching a series of seminars designed to both inspire and engage with the trade community in Australia.

This week (May 13th - 15th 2020) sees a new virtual classroom open its doors to the Aussie bar industry - one which will chat business, cocktails, community and spirits. It's all part of Diageo's Reserve global competition World Class, which was due to arrive in Sydney this year. Coronavirus may have put a stop to that but the team, headed up by Lauren Mote, World Class Global Cocktailian, are keen to keep chatting and connecting with bar folk in the digital world.

From Wednesday to Friday there'll be two sessions in the evenings (with an extra Martini Hour on Friday night) which you can join via zoom. The program has been put together by Lauren and our own Tim Philips-Johansson, a previous winner of global competition and Sydney bar owner.

Check out the seminars below:

DAY 1: WEDNESDAY 13TH MAY

5:00PM AEST - The Future of Whisky
with Global Scotch Ambassadors Ewan Gunn & Ervin Trykowski, Roe & Co.’s European Brand Ambassador Alan Mulvihill and co-owner of Whisky & Alement Brooke Hayman, hosted by World Class Brand Ambassador Katie Nagar.

Whisky sales are at an all-time high, as the category continues to grow in production and popularity. Join the panel of experts as they explore the evolution of whisky, including shifting perceptions around whisky-drinkers, changes in modern production methods, current drinks trends, and predictions for the future of the industry.

Zoom link: https://diageo.zoom.us/j/94559132789

7:00pm AEST - The Power of Community
with World Class Australia Bartender of the Year 2017 Andrea Gauldi, Bulletin Place bartender Evan Stoeve, Global Relationships Director for the Nolet Distillery Dennis Tamse and Luke Aston from the successful hospitality group Merivale, hosted by Diageo Reserve Brand Ambassador Krystal Hart.

Take a deep dive into sustainability in the drinks industry, and the benefits of supporting local. This will be your road map to better understanding the impacts of sourcing indigenous ingredients and its connection to our community.

Zoom link: https://diageo.zoom.us/j/98731180826

DAY 2: THURSDAY 14TH MAY

5:00PM AEST - DBA Aperitif Module – No & Low Alcohol
with Gemma Duff, Maybe Mae’s Ollie Margan, Global Cocktailian Lauren Mote, Bar Liberty bartender Nick Tesar & World Class Ambassador Nick Edwards.

The panel of industry legends will be taking a closer look at the aperitif; where it has come from, the category’s increased popularity and where low ABV is going next.

Zoom link: https://diageo.zoom.us/j/92197984198

7:00pm AEST - Trivia Night
with Jonny Nease, Katie Nagar, Nick Edwards, and special guests Tom Jones & Ervin Trykowski, hosted by Tim Glasson.

The Australia World Class Brand Ambassador team are joined by our Global Brand Ambassadors for Whisky Ervin Trykowski and Tom Jones, for a trivia night with an Aussie twist. Grab a dram, warm up your buzzers and settle in!

Zoom link: https://diageo.zoom.us/j/94628473987

DAY 3: FRIDAY 15TH MAY

5:00PM AEST - Ready to Drink
with World Class Ambassadors Gemma Duff & Tim Glasson, Owner of Earl’s Duke Joint Pasan Wijesena, World Class Australia Bartender of the Year 2019 Alex Boon & Global Whisky Ambassador Jenna Ba

Ready-to-Drinks have always been popular in Australian culture, but the category has transformed overnight with the advent of takeaway and delivery services for craft cocktails from some of the nation's top bars. Join the panel as they discuss this rapidly changing scene, sharing their own experiences on what works (or doesn't), market demand, best techniques and predictions for the future of RTDs once bars reopen.

Zoom link: https://diageo.zoom.us/j/96186737522

7:00PM AEST - The Power of Community
with host Krystal Hart, Diageo’s Chef in Residence Mark Moriarty, Global Brand Ambassador for Ketel One Paulo Figueiredo, World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2018 Orlando Marzo and Head Chef at CicciaBella Mitch Orr.

Better drinking and better eating are a huge focus across our industry. In this expert panel discussion, you'll be navigating current local and global food trends to better understand the future of community through flavour and chatting through the power of chefs and bartenders working together.

Zoom link: https://diageo.zoom.us/j/99537393214

9:00PM AEST - Tanqueray No. TEN ‘Best in Show’ Martini Hour
with Tim Philips-Johansson, Krystal Hart - Australia’s World Class Brand Ambassadors - hosted by Lauren Mote

Diageo's entire national World Class Brand Ambassador team is getting together for a fun-filled cocktail hour with a difference. Each of their Brand Ambassadors will be popping in throughout the session to keep things fresh and introduce their take on their favourite martini. It's a big cheers to the end of the week!

Zoom link: https://diageo.zoom.us/j/95407368624