Diageo Lebanon crowned Refaat Ghostin from Central Station as Lebanon’s Best bartender, in the most prestigious mixology global competition. Diageo WORLDCLASS 2015 Finale was held at Trainstation in Mar Mikhael on June 3^rd ; the event pitted the seven local finalists against each other, in a series of challenges to select this year’s champion.

Two preliminary sessions and lots of training and preparations over a period of two months culminated in an extraordinary evening for a final showdown of shaking and stirring. The bartenders demonstrated exceptional skills and creativity, in front of a world renowned judging panel that consisted of Charles Joly, the 2014 Global World Class winner, Justin Smyth, the Diageo Global Ambassador for Ketel One  Vodka and Global World Class Ambassador, and Colin Hutton, A&E’s Trade Marketing Manager.

“I am truly impressed by the contestants’ creations today,” said Joly. “They master skills that are really worthy of the title. They demonstrated exceptional innovation and knowledge of Diageo’s Reserve collection’s taste profiles and flavors.”

The six finalists were selected in the first two rounds held earlier this year, and were joined by a seventh “Wild Card” winner. They all went through a series of challenges to identify Diageo’s Reserve Brands through a tasting and nosing tests then move to a Market Challenge which calls them to select components from the market and create a memorable drink, along with a twist on a classic, as elimination agents to select the 3 runners -Refaat Ghostin from Central Station,Alan Haddad from Junkyard and Johnnie Mansour from Junkyard- who moved on to the final 2 rounds.

The next challenge required contestants to create a signature cocktail that brought to life the spirit’s expression, and demonstrated technique, presentation skills, taste and balance, and careful selection of the cocktail name.

Getting to the final round, the 3 finalists entered the Speed Challenge, where they were asked to prepare 5 cocktails in 3 minutes and were rated on technique, presentation, cleanliness, cocktail taste and balance, and speed.

“The finale is always very challenging and exciting,” said Refaat Ghostin. The challenges pushed us to outdo ourselves and create cocktails that match the expectations and the competition standards.”

Refaat Ghostin from Central Station was crowned Lebanon’s 2015 World Class champion and will represent Lebanon in the Global World Class competition, taking place in Cape Town, South Africa later on this year.

The event was followed by a celebration at Trainstation, attended by participants, winners, judges, the media, bloggers, and influencers. At the end of this lovely evening, Uber taxi offered a safe ride home to the attendees.