Shaking Up the Cocktail Scene: EABL Hosts 9th Edition of World Class Kenya Bartending Contest

East African Breweries Limited (EABL) announces the 9th edition of the World Class Kenya 2024 Bartending Competition, presented by DiaGeo. The competition runs worldwide with more than 60 nations hoping to have one of their own crowned The Top Bartender in the world.

EABL continues its commitment to supporting talent and fostering the growth of the bartending industry in Kenya. This year’s competition promises an excellent display of mixology if previous editions are anything to go by giving mixologists a chance to shine on the global stage. “Last year, we saw the very best the country has to offer, with bartenders from various backgrounds pouring their personalities and inspiration into every glass”, says Suwilanji Ngambi, the National Advocacy Manager, EABL.

“We have 40 talented individuals ready to stake their claim to being the Top Bartender not just here in Kenya but in the World and with support from EABL, through our bootcamps and studio sessions, we believe they can all surpass their current level and realize their dreams. Today, they step further into the competition, a challenge tailored for the best of best at the #worldclasske2024”

The journey began on April 9th with an online zoom training session focusing on the first-round challenge, “JW Beyond a Night Cap” which saw over 270 entrants challenging for the top 40. This challenge aimed to spotlight the depth of flavor and versatility of Johnnie Walker Black Label while testing the bartenders’ understanding of classic cocktail structure.

May 9th marks the second Community Day at the KBL Microbrewery, where the top 40 participants will engage in the second-round challenge. Speaking at the event, EABL’s Luxury Brand Ambassador Wangari Mwangi noted, in this challenge, bartenders will showcase their skills with “Singleton at the Disco.” This unique challenge celebrates the spirit of togetherness and flavor exploration. Submissions for the second round will be made in the latter weeks of May to allow for deliberations as the top 20 are finally selected, earning a coveted spot in the semi finals slated for June 4th, 2024. Thereafter, the top six finalists will be selected for a showdown to determine the best of the best.

But before they dive right into the final, interactive studio sessions and bootcamps will be held to refine their craft and techniques in preparation for the challenges at the tail end of June 2024.

The grand finale on June 20th of the #WorldclassKE 2024 will crown the competition at the KBL Microbrewery, where the top six contestants will vie for the title of Kenya’s top bartender. Stay tuned as the World Class Kenya 2024 Bartending Competition unfolds, promising exci