Lennart Deddens and Rogier de Haan, from Mofongo's Distillery in Groningen, reached the podium during the Dutch final of Diageo World Class last week. World Class is considered the most prestigious cocktail competition in the world. In Chicago Social Club in Amsterdam they unfortunately had to leave the title to Tess Posthumus from Door 74 in Amsterdam.
During the evening program the four best bartenders were announced from the eight finalists. Fate determined that Deddens and De Haan had to compete against each other in a speed and balance round. Within eight minutes, the gentlemen had to prepare six classic cocktails. Both succeeded in this and there was even enough time to make a cocktail for themselves.
Deddens and Posthumus then came out on top and they had to perform their own signature drink during a seven-minute presentation in front of the jury and audience. A large delegation of friends and family saw that the Amsterdam bartender eventually took the win.
The eight finalists had already had a long day by then. Without an audience, they were tested on their knowledge and taste, among other things, and they also had to do the speed and balance round and their presentation.
Deddens also managed to reach the last four last year and hoped to win the final this year. After all, a place at the world finals in Cape Town lay ahead for the winner. For De Haan it was his first participation in the competition.
