After a year-long wait, Diageo showcased Jakarta talent in its World Class bartending competition in early April. The four Jakarta semi-finalists are Benny Michael from Hotel Monopoli, Darussalam from Cork & Screw Country Club, Charles Richard from Hakkasan and Ryan Wibisono from Leon. These four bartenders are now in the running for one of the eight spots in the Indonesian national finals.
To mark the selection of the Jakarta semi-finalists, Diageo held a special exhibit of the winning cocktails at four different bars in Jakarta. Each of the semi-finalists was tasked with creating an original bespoke cocktail based on one of Diageo Reserve Brands’ fine collection of liquors, such as Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve, Singleton single malt whisky, Bulleit Bourbon, Ron Zacapa Rum, Ketel One Vodka, Ciroc Vodka, Tangueray No. TEN, and Don Julio Tequila.
At the session, Darussalam created his drink Golden Age with Johnnie Walker Gold Label for a strong, grapey-flavoured cocktail, meanwhile Ryan Wibisono created Dark Secang, a balanced dark cocktail with wedang secang extract, fresh ginger and Ron Zacapa Rum.
The winner of the national final will compete in the global finals in Glasgow, Scotland, UK in September.
