Personal Information

This application form gives you the opportunity to save and resume your application later. To do this, click the save and resume later button at the end of the page. This will provide you with a link to your form. Please copy and save this link. It is also recommend that you select to receive an email of the link. You will not be able to resume your application without the link, so you’ll have to start from scratch!

Legal Name*

Address*
Are you a USBG Member?*
While being a USBG Member is not a requirement for the World Class Competition, if you’d like to learn more about becoming a member or finding a chapter near you, visit www.usbg.org

REGIONAL DIVISION

USBG Presents World Class Sponsored By DIAGEO will be divided into 3 Regions. See the grid below to find your region.








What Region do you represent?*
Select From Regional Division list above
Did anyone refer you to apply to the 2024 USBG World Class Sponsored By Diageo Competition? *
To facilitate the collection of this information, please do not enter more than one referral
To facilitate the collection of this information, please do not enter more than one email address

Please upload your headshot, aligning with the details below: 

  • Shoot your profile photo in vertical orientation (up and down).
  • Shoot during the day with natural lighting illuminating your face, without bright glares or harsh shadows over your face. 
  • Your body and shoulders should be positioned at a 3/4 view with your face and eyes looking forward directly into the camera. Try folding your arms or holding bar tools (no knives please). 
  • The photo should capture your mid-torso and up. 
  • Make sure your background doesn't have any distracting images and branding of any sort. 
  • Absolutely no imagery implying drinking. 
  • World Class is more than a competition, it's a celebration. Let your personality shine through the photo and present yourself how you want to be represented. 

Please make sure your photo is high quality, large format, and high resolution. Smartphone photography is more than acceptable, but please be sure your photo is at least 72 dpi and 3000 Pixels (W) x 4000 Pixels (H). 

Please note, applications will be judged blindly. This submitted headshot will only be utilized/referenced for announcement purposes.

To view an example photo, please click here. 

Upload Headshot*
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File uploads may not work on some mobile devices.
Files are limited to a maximum size of 25MB.

Work Status

Are you currently a working bartender or hospitality professional?*
Account Address *

Terms & Conditions

Applicants selected to move onto the Top 100 phase of the competition will be subject to undergoing a background check.

Application Challenge

Application Challenge Overview

Getting Started: We recommend that you compose your entry and save it in an offline document for your future reference. Please use these links to access an application worksheet on both Microsoft Word and Adobe PDF. WORD WORKSHEET AND PDF WORKSHEETS Application deadlines will be enforced without regard to technical difficulty, so start early! 

Download Challenge Overview PDF / Download Challenge Rubric PDF

Challenge Overview

Creating cocktail recipes for people with different taste preferences is an essential skill of being a World Class bartender and helps you to provide outstanding hospitality to your guests. For this challenge, you must create one unique, signature twist on a classic cocktail. Use the educational resources from Diageo Bar Academy and/or World Class Studios for inspiration in developing your signature cocktail.

 

Diageo Bar Academy Resources:

Before beginning this challenge, select one World Class Studio or Diageo Bar Academy Masterclass to complete, and take the learnings from that resource to help develop your recipe. Please include a link to the World Class Studio or Diageo Bar Academy Masterclass that has helped you refine your technique or inspire your recipe. Consider reviewing the additional Diageo Bar Academy resources below to help you prepare for this challenge:

 

World Class Studios from Diageo Bar Academy

Perfecting Classic Cocktails from Diageo Bar Academy

Making a Modern Classic from Diageo Bar Academy

Tips From the Best Bartenders in the World from Diageo Bar Academy

Minimum Ingredients and Maximum Flavor: Simple Cocktails from Diageo Bar Academy

 

For This Entry:

- You must use a minimum of 1oz of a DIAGEO Reserve Brand and/or Seedlip expression from the provided Stock and Pantry List .

- You may use no more than six (6) ingredients total in your cocktail recipe, including your chosen DIAGEO Reserve Brand and/or Seedlip expression(s). 

- Garnishes do not count towards your ingredient maximum. 

- One Homemade Ingredient is permitted and counts as one of your 6 permitted total ingredients. See guidelines for Homemade Ingredients below.

- All ingredients, outside of your one permitted Homemade Ingredient must come from the Stock & Pantry List. See Guidelines for Stock & Pantry List Ingredients below.

- Submit a written response (300 words or less) describing the flavor profile of your serve, the classic cocktail that inspired the recipe.

- Identify a Diageo Bar Academy/World Class Studio resource to help you refine your technique and/or inspire your drink. 

 

Guidelines for Homemade Ingredient:

- You must submit the recipe for your Homemade Ingredient.

- You may use items on the Stock and Pantry List in addition to items not found on the Stock & Pantry list to create your Homemade Ingredient.

- There is no limit to the number of ingredients in your Homemade Ingredient recipe.

 

Guidelines for Stock & Pantry List Ingredients:

- All recipe ingredients, aside from the components of the one permitted Homemade Ingredient, must be from the Stock and Pantry List provided.

- Stock and Pantry items may only be manipulated using basic techniques that are reasonable to be executed during a normal bar service. 

Examples: 

You may slice, chop, or muddle a strawberry 

You may NOT create a strawberry syrup except as your Homemade Ingredient

You must provide the recipe and instructions for building a single serve. This recipe and associated written prompts will be paper judged.


Guidelines for Written Response:

You must also submit a written response (300 words or less) describing the flavor profile of your serve, the classic cocktail that inspired it, and which Diageo Bar Academy/World Class Studio resource you used that helped you refine your technique or inspire your drink. You must also demonstrate your knowledge of your selected DIAGEO Reserve Brand Spirit(s)/Seedlip expression by incorporating relevant information (i.e. "The name 'Barrel Roll' is an homage to the fact that Don Julio Reposado is aged in charred American white oak barrels for 8 months, and it was this barrel-aged expression that first launched the Don Julio brand in 1987"). Your submission will be anonymous to judges. Please do not include names of any establishments in your written response.

 

Technique Tested

In this challenge, you’ll be tested on your ability to create a balanced cocktail as well as your knowledge of classic cocktails and your chosen DIAGEO Reserve Spirit(s).

You are encouraged to review the scoring rubric to ensure that your cocktail recipe and supporting essay adhere to the application prompts and corresponding points categories.











* Tip for Mobile Users Turn your phone sideways for optimal viewing



Cocktail Recipe Instructions

Provide a thorough ingredient list for your cocktail. Remember, you may use no more than six (6) ingredients total in your cocktail recipe, including your chosen DIAGEO Reserve Brand and/or Seedlip expression(s). Garnishes do not count towards your ingredient maximum. 

One Homemade Ingredient is permitted and counts as one of your 6 permitted total ingredients. Be sure to review guidelines for homemade ingredients below 

  • Please use the following format when listing each of your ingredients: Quantity, Measurement, Ingredient (i.e. 1 oz Simple Syrup, 2 Cinnamon Sticks or 0.5 tsp Nutmeg)
  • Suggested units of measurement: oz, tsp, tbsp, cup, dash, barspoon
  • Please list one ingredient per line

Example:

  • 1.5 oz Zacapa No. 23
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 0.75 oz demerara sugar syrup (1:1)
  • 1 lime twist


Preparation Method:

Provide the thorough and complete preparation method for your signature cocktail including garnish, glassware, ice, and presentation method. As a reminder, this submission will be paper-judged to determine the Top 100. Ensure your submission is clear and comprehensive. If an ingredient, method, or step is not called out, it will not be assumed or completed.

Please provide step-by-step instructions required to create your Homemade Ingredient
Please Select From List.

Submission

Screening & Assignments

Is the preparation method instructions complete?
Meets Reserve Spirit Qualification?
Contains only stock list ingredients.
Employment Qualification Valid?
Evaluator Email Address
Application should be disqualified

SCORING RUBRIC

ACCURACY - 40 points

Below Average

Fair

Good

Excellent

0-9 Points

  • The submission does not demonstrate understanding of the Classics Reimagined challenge
  • No DBA asset was identified in the application/essay
  • All the cocktail ingredients are outside of the stock/pantry list
  • The cocktail recipe exceeded 6 ingredients

10-19 Points

  • The submission demonstrates a moderate understanding of the Classics Reimagined challenge
  • DBA assets were identified in the application/essay and incorporated into the creation of the signature serve
  • The cocktail ingredients aside from the Homemade Ingredient, are within the stock/pantry list
  • The cocktail recipe contained no more than 6 ingredients

20-29 Points

  • The submission demonstrates a good understanding of the Classics Reimagined challenge
  • DBA assets were identified in the application/assay and incorporated into the creation of the signature serve
  • The cocktail ingredients aside from the Homemade Ingredient, are within the stock/pantry list
  • The cocktail recipe contained no more than 6 ingredients

30-40 Points

  • The submission demonstrates an excellent and accurate understanding of the Classics Reimagined challenge
  • DBA assets were identified and creatively incorporated into the creation of the signature serve
  • The cocktail ingredients aside from the Homemade Ingredient, are within the stock/pantry list
  • The cocktail recipe contained no more than 6 ingredients
On a scale of 0 - 40 rate the candidate's challenge accuracy



CRAFT - 25 points

Below Average

Fair

Good

Excellent

0-5 Points

  • The cocktail recipe is compiled in a way that does not demonstrate a basic understanding of craft cocktail technique
  • The recipe instructions were incomplete


  • Optional Consideration:
  • The Optional craft of including a Homemade Ingredient was not used or lacked creativity


6-11 Points

  • The cocktail recipe is compiled in a way that demonstrates a basic or rudimentary understanding of craft cocktail technique
  • The recipe instructions were difficult to follow


  • Optional Consideration:
  • The optional craft of including a Homemade Ingredient is present in the recipe and was moderately creative


12-18 Points

  • The cocktail is compiled in a way that demonstrates good understanding of technique and craft
  • The recipe instructions were complete and easy to follow 


  • Optional Consideration:
  •  The optional craft of including a Homemade Ingredient is present and creative 


19-25 Points

  • The cocktail is compiled in a way that demonstrates exemplary understanding of technique and craft 
  • The recipe instructions complete, easy to follow and entertaining


  • Optional Consideration:
  •  The optional craft of including a Homemade Ingredient  is present, highly creative and unique


On a scale of 0 - 25 rate the candidate's craft cocktail technique



FLAVOR ANALYSIS - 15 points

Below Average

Fair

Good

Excellent

0-3 Points

  • The cocktail recipe demonstrates an unbalanced drink 
  • Based on the judge’s experience, the taste and aroma are expected to not marry well


4-7 Points

  • The cocktail recipe demonstrates a somewhat balanced drink
  • Based on the judge’s experience, the taste and aroma are expected to be average and unexciting


8-11 Points

  • The cocktails recipe demonstrates a balanced drink
  • Based on the judge’s experience, the taste and aroma are expected to be good, the flavor would be appetizing and enjoyable


12-15 Points

  • The cocktails recipe demonstrates a balanced and innovative drink
  • Based on the judge’s experience, the taste and aroma are expected to be excellent, and the combination of flavors are unique and exciting 


On a scale of 0 - 15 rate your analysis of the cocktail flavors according to the rubric



KNOWLEDGE - 20 points

Below Average

Fair

Good

Excellent

0-4 Points

  • The applicant does not provide convincing evidence of knowledge about Classic Cocktails
  • The applicant does not provide convincing evidence that they are knowledgeable or well informed about the selected Diageo Reserve Brand or Seedlip


5-9 Points

  • The applicant provides some evidence of knowledge about Classic Cocktails  
  • The applicant provides some evidence that they are knowledgeable or well informed about the selected DIAGEO Reserve Brand or Seedlip

10-14 Points

  • The applicant provides good evidence of knowledge about Classic Cocktails 
  • The applicant provides good evidence that they are knowledgeable or well informed about the selected DIAGEO Reserve Brand or Seedlip


15-20 Points

  • The applicant integrates knowledge of Classic Cocktails into the inspiration of the challenge and provides excellent innovation
  • The applicant integrates knowledge of the selected DIAGEO Reserve Brand or Seedlip into the inspiration of the challenge
On a scale of 0 - 20 rate the candidate's spritz and brand knowledge conveyed in descriptions

Evaluator No. 2

Evaluator No. 2 Email

SCORING RUBRIC - Evaluator No. 2

ACCURACY - 40 points

Below Average

Fair

Good

Excellent

0-9 Points

  • The submission does not demonstrate understanding of the Classics Reimagined challenge
  • No DBA asset was identified in the application/essay
  • All the cocktail ingredients are outside of the stock/pantry list
  • The cocktail recipe exceeded 6 ingredients

10-19 Points

  • The submission demonstrates a moderate understanding of the Classics Reimagined challenge
  • DBA assets were identified in the application/essay and incorporated into the creation of the signature serve
  • The cocktail ingredients aside from the Homemade Ingredient, are within the stock/pantry list
  • The cocktail recipe contained no more than 6 ingredients

20-29 Points

  • The submission demonstrates a good understanding of the Classics Reimagined challenge
  • DBA assets were identified in the application/assay and incorporated into the creation of the signature serve
  • The cocktail ingredients aside from the Homemade Ingredient, are within the stock/pantry list
  • The cocktail recipe contained no more than 6 ingredients

30-40 Points

  • The submission demonstrates an excellent and accurate understanding of the Classics Reimagined challenge
  • DBA assets were identified and creatively incorporated into the creation of the signature serve
  • The cocktail ingredients aside from the Homemade Ingredient, are within the stock/pantry list
  • The cocktail recipe contained no more than 6 ingredients
On a scale of 0 - 40 rate the candidate's challenge accuracy



CRAFT - 25 points

Below Average

Fair

Good

Excellent

0-5 Points

  • The cocktail recipe is compiled in a way that does not demonstrate a basic understanding of craft cocktail technique
  • The recipe instructions were incomplete


  • Optional Consideration:
  • The Optional craft of including a Homemade Ingredient was not used or lacked creativity


6-11 Points

  • The cocktail recipe is compiled in a way that demonstrates a basic or rudimentary understanding of craft cocktail technique
  • The recipe instructions were difficult to follow


  • Optional Consideration:
  • The optional craft of including a Homemade Ingredient is present in the recipe and was moderately creative


12-18 Points

  • The cocktail is compiled in a way that demonstrates good understanding of technique and craft
  • The recipe instructions were complete and easy to follow 


  • Optional Consideration:
  •  The optional craft of including a Homemade Ingredient is present and creative 


19-25 Points

  • The cocktail is compiled in a way that demonstrates exemplary understanding of technique and craft 
  • The recipe instructions complete, easy to follow and entertaining


  • Optional Consideration:
  •  The optional craft of including a Homemade Ingredient  is present, highly creative and unique


On a scale of 0 - 25 rate the candidate's craft cocktail technique



FLAVOR ANALYSIS - 15 points

Below Average

Fair

Good

Excellent

0-3 Points

  • The cocktail recipe demonstrates an unbalanced drink 
  • Based on the judge’s experience, the taste and aroma are expected to not marry well


4-7 Points

  • The cocktail recipe demonstrates a somewhat balanced drink
  • Based on the judge’s experience, the taste and aroma are expected to be average and unexciting


8-11 Points

  • The cocktails recipe demonstrates a balanced drink
  • Based on the judge’s experience, the taste and aroma are expected to be good, the flavor would be appetizing and enjoyable


12-15 Points

  • The cocktails recipe demonstrates a balanced and innovative drink
  • Based on the judge’s experience, the taste and aroma are expected to be excellent, and the combination of flavors are unique and exciting 


On a scale of 0 - 15 rate your analysis of the cocktail flavors according to the rubric



KNOWLEDGE - 20 points

Below Average

Fair

Good

Excellent

0-4 Points

  • The applicant does not provide convincing evidence of knowledge about Classic Cocktails
  • The applicant does not provide convincing evidence that they are knowledgeable or well informed about the selected Diageo Reserve Brand or Seedlip


5-9 Points

  • The applicant provides some evidence of knowledge about Classic Cocktails  
  • The applicant provides some evidence that they are knowledgeable or well informed about the selected DIAGEO Reserve Brand or Seedlip

10-14 Points

  • The applicant provides good evidence of knowledge about Classic Cocktails 
  • The applicant provides good evidence that they are knowledgeable or well informed about the selected DIAGEO Reserve Brand or Seedlip


15-20 Points

  • The applicant integrates knowledge of Classic Cocktails into the inspiration of the challenge and provides excellent innovation
  • The applicant integrates knowledge of the selected DIAGEO Reserve Brand or Seedlip into the inspiration of the challenge
On a scale of 0 - 20 rate the candidate's spritz and brand knowledge conveyed in descriptions

Round 1 - Total Score

Top 100 Notification

Top 100 Invitiation
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