Diageo and Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Open 2027 World Class Search

Now entering its second year of collaboration, the partnership aims to move beyond a simple contest by integrating education, advocacy, and community networking. Organizers have simplified the initial entry process to lower barriers to entry. Instead of multiple creative components, applicants need only submit a single signature cocktail recipe and a series of short essays to be considered for the next stage.

Charlotte Voisey, Executive Director of the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, noted that the program prioritizes investing in bartenders as future industry leaders rather than just competitors. Successful applicants will advance through several rounds of challenges, with the top 15 finalists eventually competing in a live event. These finalists will also receive access to the Tales Scholar Program, which includes VIP passes to the 2027 Tales of the Cocktail conference in New Orleans.

Mark Deveney, Senior Vice President of Customer Marketing at Diageo, emphasized that the goal is to expand access to high-level professional opportunities for bartenders across the country. Following the initial application deadline in November, the field will be narrowed to the top 100 participants in December, with the final US winner expected to represent the country at the 2027 World Class Global Finals in the fall.