USBG PRESENTS WORLD CLASS SPONSORED BY DIAGEO CROWNED NIC WALLACE AS THE 2025 U.S. BARTENDER OF THE YEAR

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Nic Wallace from Darien, GA has been crowned as the 2025 U.S. Bartender of the Year at the thirteenth season of USBG World Class Sponsored by Diageo (DEO). The competition, held in Atlanta, featured the nation's Top 30 bartenders competing in a three-day, five-part challenge. Wallace, with over 20 years of experience, impressed judges with his creative showmanship and attention to detail. He will represent the U.S. at the Global Finals in Toronto from September 27th to October 2nd, competing against finalists from approximately 60 countries. The competition included challenges such as crafting signature Bulleit cocktails, creating Don Julio tequila drinks, and completing speed rounds. Wallace's winning cocktails, "Soul Of The South" and "All Glowed Up," showcased his expertise and creativity.

The nation's Top 30 bartenders participated in a series of challenges to send one champion to the Global Finals in Toronto

NEW YORK, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The thirteenth season of the United States Bartenders' Guild (USBG) Presents World Class Sponsored By Diageo has named Nic Wallace as the 2025 U.S. Bartender of the Year. Hosted in Atlanta, GA, Nic Wallce of Darien, GA was crowned as the winner after a three-day, five-part challenge competition showcasing the best in class cocktail craftsmanship. The acclaimed competition brought the country's Top 30 Competitors to test their bartending skills, agility and creativity.  Nic Wallace impressed judges with his attention to detail and creative showmanship to earn the honor of representing the U.S. at the Global Finals in Toronto, Canada from September 27th to October 2nd.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/diageo/9336551-en-diageo-usbg-world-class-bartender-of-the-year-atlanta-2025

Nic Wallace brings over 20 years of experience in bartending and hospitality, honing both his craft and mixology skills along the way. For more than a decade, he's been a dedicated competitor in the acclaimed World Class competition and has become a key figure in its community.

"This was my chance to represent Georgia—Atlanta, specifically—as the only competitor from the state. I had to show up and bring the South home a championship," Nic Wallace said. "I want to show people that no matter how much you want something, no matter how long it takes—you can get it."

This year, the Top 30 National Finalists participated in three challenges during the first two days. Competitors were challenged with crafting a signature Bulleit cocktail with a Southern dish, created two tequila cocktails with Don Julio 70 Cristalino, and raced to make six DIAGEO Reserve cocktails in an eight-minute Speed Round, judged on balance, efficiency, skill, and hospitality. From there, the Top 10 National Finalists were revealed after the second day where competitors then competed in two additional challenges for the title of the 2025 World Class U.S. Bartender Of The Year. Nic Wallace ultimately came out on top and was named champion after creating the Soul Of The South and All Glowed Up cocktails that impressed the judges.

"In my first year as USBG Executive Director, it has been incredible to witness the talent and dedication of this year's U.S. Finals competitors," said Bo Shuff. "As we wrap up the thirteenth season and look ahead, we're excited to continue evolving the World Class U.S. program, ensuring it supports and uplifts bartenders in their craft and the broader hospitality community."

Cassandra Ericson, Manager of On-Premise Channel Marketing at Diageo North America, shared, "The creativity and skill shown by the bartenders this year have been incredible. At Diageo, we are committed to supporting their development through resources like DiageoBarAcademy.com, and it's fulfilling to see how the program and competition continues to inspire and elevate the bartending community."

Nic Wallace will compete alongside top national finalists from approximately 60 countries for a chance to claim the prestigious title of World Class Global Bartender of the Year. The competition challenges and inspires the next generation of bartenders, rewarding those who push the boundaries of creativity, storytelling, and technique. Beyond the competition, World Class serves as a vital platform, offering training, mentorship, and industry insights to support a global network of over 400,000 bartenders.

For those interested in competing for the title of U.S. Bartender of the Year, prospective applicants are encouraged to apply for the 2026 USBG Presents World Class Sponsored By Diageo program. Follow @WorldClassUS on Instagram or visit worldclass.usbg.org to learn more and be alerted when applications open this summer.

Wondering what it takes to be crowned the U.S. Bartender of the Year? Here are Nic's recipes that helped him earn his title as U.S. Bartender Of The Year and to inspire your next cocktail creation:

Soul of The South

• Ingredients:
  • 1.25oz Bulleit Bourbon
  • 6 Dashes Talisker 10 Year Old
  • 0.25oz Apple Brandy
  • 0.75oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 0.75oz Apple Cider Syrup
  • Garnish: Thin Apple Fan
    
    
• Preparation:
• • Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake thoroughly and strain over fresh ice a short mug. Garnish with thin apple fan.

All Glowed Up

• Ingredients:
• 1.25oz Tequila Don Julio 70 Cristalino
• 0.75oz Mulled Wine Cordial
• 0.25oz Apricot Liqueur
• 0.5oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 0.25oz Coconut Syrup
• Garnish: Dehydrated Apple Slices
  
  
• Preparation:
• • Add ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake briefly and strain into mug filled with crushed ice. Garnish with dehydrated apple slices.

Cocktails created for the duration of this year's competition can be found on Instagram using the handle @WorldClassUS. When showcasing your own mixology or sampling award-winning recipes from this year's competitors, USBG and DIAGEO remind you to do so responsibly.

For additional information about the program and for details on the upcoming global competition, follow hashtags #worldclassus and #worldclass2025 on Instagram, and check us out online at https://worldclass.usbg.org and https://www.usbg.org/.

About USBG
Founded in 1948, the United States Bartenders' Guild® is the national, member-led not-for-profit association of bartenders and other hospitality professionals that unites and elevates the bar industry through education, community, and advocacy. Through its network, the USBG connects members with peer-to-peer learning, expert instruction, service projects, and skills-based competition, all while fostering a fun and healthy environment and reinforcing the importance of the 'third place' in neighborhoods across the country.

About DIAGEO
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world.

For more information about Diageo, their people, brands, and performance, visit www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Follow us on Instagram for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.

 

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SOURCE DIAGEO

FAQ

Who won the 2025 U.S. Bartender of the Year competition sponsored by Diageo (DEO)?

Nic Wallace from Darien, GA won the 2025 U.S. Bartender of the Year title at the USBG World Class competition sponsored by Diageo.

What challenges did competitors face in the 2025 USBG World Class competition?

Competitors faced three initial challenges including crafting a Bulleit cocktail with Southern dishes, creating Don Julio tequila cocktails, and a speed round making six Diageo Reserve cocktails in eight minutes. The top 10 finalists then competed in two additional challenges.

When and where will the 2025 World Class Global Finals be held?

The World Class Global Finals will be held in Toronto, Canada from September 27th to October 2nd, 2025, featuring finalists from approximately 60 countries.

What were Nic Wallace's winning cocktail recipes at the 2025 USBG competition?

Wallace's winning cocktails were 'Soul of The South' featuring Bulleit Bourbon and 'All Glowed Up' made with Don Julio 70 Cristalino tequila.