1. World Class
What: One of the most popular competitions organized by Diageo (home of Johnnie Walker), they recently did a qualifying round and had over 100 bartenders participating.
Last year’s winners: Milk Pailin formerly at
Vesper, who also went on and won the SEA competition, along with Ronnaporn "Nueng" Kanivichaporn and Kitibordee "Gov" Chortubtim both from
Backstage Cocktail Bar and Pinsuda "Ann" Pongprom from
The Bamboo Bar.
Next date: After the qualifying round, 30 chosen bartenders will be competing again on April.
2. Diplomatico World Tournament
What: A competition for bartenders to create a cocktail using Diplomatico rum, organized by Brand Connect.
Final round: Mar 6 with four bartenders competing: Attapon "Buk" De-vilva from
Q&A, Kitibordee "Gov" Chortubtim from Backstage Cocktail Bar, Suchada "Fahbeer" Sopajaree from
The Owl Society Whiskey Saloon and Noppasate "Depp" Hirunwathit from
Revolucion Cocktail.
Next date: The 2017 competition is still ongoing. The 2018 one will take place around the end of 2017.
3. Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition
What: Bartenders use Bacardi products to create signature cocktails.
Final round: Mar 14 with four bartenders competing: Hideyuki Saito and Krit "Joey" Pragobdee from
Bronx Liquid Parlour, Nont "Pae" Ketumarn from
Morimoto and Dedsakda "Kenny" Thianthong from
Toro.
Next date: Submissions usually take place around Jul/Aug.
4. Chivas Masters
Plan ahead: Pernod Ricard, the importer of Chivas Regal, is planning on bringing Chivas Masters competition here in early 2018. Stay tuned at
www.fb.com/chivasexperience
