#United States #New York #Diageo #Tales of the Cocktail #WORLD CLASS

The Future of Bartending: A New Era with Diageo and Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

The culinary world continues to evolve, and within it, bartending has emerged as an art form that demands recognition. With a decade of celebrating excellence,
Diageo has taken a groundbreaking step by joining forces with the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation to revolutionize bartending in America. This collaboration aims to enhance the craft and elevate the skills of bartenders throughout the country, ensuring a future rooted in education, community, and excellence.

The 2026 World Class U.S. program kicked off on November 12, marking a significant shift for this esteemed competition. The partnership combines the strengths of both organizations, establishing a year-round initiative that provides resources for bartenders at all experience levels. This new structure is not just about competition; it is about continuous education, mentorship, and professional development tailored to empower each participant.

Taylor Barron, the Director of Partnerships at the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about this partnership. He stated, "Tales has always prioritized educating and supporting the bar community. By working together with Diageo, we can amplify our efforts, offering bartenders increased opportunities for growth and recognition on both national and global stages."

Through this new partnership, the World Class program intends to innovate its approach to education, mentorship, and community engagement. This approach includes introducing advanced mentorship opportunities that connect emerging talents with experienced industry leaders. Furthermore, applicants can expect expanded roles as judges, mentors, or trainees, all designed to build a supportive network among bartenders across the nation.

Diageo’s Director of Marketing for On-Premise, Erin Creighton, spoke about their commitment, stating, "We are proud to support the trade and are thrilled to sponsor the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation's World Class U.S. competition. Our mission is to uplift the hospitality community by connecting talent and providing top-notch training opportunities."

Applications for participants opened on November 12, inviting bartenders from various backgrounds to compete for the prestigious title of the 2026 U.S. Bartender of the Year. This esteemed title includes the chance to represent the United States at the World Class Global Finals set to take place in Dubai in the summer of 2026.

Each of the Top 15 finalists from this competition will enjoy exclusive access to the annual Tales of the Cocktail event, which traditionally takes place in the vibrant city of New Orleans. This week-long VIP experience includes immersive tastings, expert-led education, and invaluable networking opportunities with some of the most influential figures in cocktail culture today.

Key dates for the competition have been outlined as follows:

• - November 12, 2025: Applications open
• - January 12, 2026: Deadline for application submission at 11:59 PM PST
• - Early March 2026: Announcement of the Top 100 participants
• - Mid March 2026: Announcement of the Top 15 National Finalists
• - Spring 2026: National Finals to select the U.S. Bartender of the Year
• - Summer 2026: World Class Cocktail Festival and Global Finals in Dubai

For details on application guidelines and more program updates, interested participants can visit the official website at www.worldclassus.com. Additionally, they can stay informed by following the program's social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook.

As the culinary landscape advances, initiatives like the partnership between Diageo and the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation mark a significant step towards recognizing and nurturing talent within the bartending community. It paves the way for a brighter future in hospitality, where stories are shared, skills are honed, and excellence is celebrated.