June 9, 2015 · Team HG
Lennart Deddens and Rogier de Haan, from Mofongo’s Distillery in Groningen, reached the podium last week during the Dutch final of Diageo World Class. World Class is considered the most prestigious cocktail competition in the world. At Chicago Social Club in Amsterdam, they unfortunately had to relinquish the title to Tess Posthumus of 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 would face off in a speed and balance round. The gentlemen had to prepare six classic cocktails within eight minutes. Both succeeded admirably, and there was even enough time for them to make a cocktail for themselves.
Deddens and Posthumus subsequently came out on top, and they had to perform their own signature drink during a seven-minute presentation for the jury and audience. A large delegation of friends and family watched as the Amsterdam bartender ultimately walked away with the win.
By that time, the eight finalists had already had a long day. Without an audience, they were tested on their knowledge and taste, among other things, and also had to perform the speed and balance round and their presentation.
Deddens had already reached the last four last year and hoped to win the final this year. After all, a spot at the world final in Cape Town was in store for the winner. For De Haan, it was his first participation in the competition.
