NELSON MANDELA BAY BARMAN’S MIXOLOGY TALENT AMONG THE WORLD’S BEST

Representing Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) and the Eastern Cape, Mr AJ Snetler will compete in The Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year competition National finals on Tuesday, 14th - 16th July 2015 in Johannesburg.

There will be 7 national finalists competing for a spot to go to the International finals that will take place in Cape Town in September.  This prestigious event will see competitors from 57 countries converging to showcase their artistic craft and skills that will lead to one of them winning the title of “Diageo World Class Bartender 2015”.

Mr AJ Snetler shares, “It has been tough getting this far as the judges really challenge us, but I think my passion and people skills have been my strong point. I have learnt on the job and my natural sense of curiosity and my love for cooking has been highly influential as well.”

In order to be a national finalist they have already competed on various levels doing a variety of tasks which include written exams and blind tasting tests to challenge the mixology skills of a contestant. During these challenges judges keep an eye out for speed and efficiency amongst craftsmanship.

The Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year is known as the largest and most prestigious event in the industry. It is able to showcase that this is a highly skilled profession worldwide with bar tenders constantly elevating the industries standards and trends with innovative techniques and artistic skills.

Ms Mandlakazi Skefile, CEO of Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism, shares “The Bay has great talent in mixologist AJ, who is able to provide magical experiences to locals and visitors alike when frequenting Stanley Street and tasting one of his inventive cocktails. We wish him best of luck and know he will do the city proud.”

This  25 year old with a passion for the industry will apply his creative style to his challenges, often also influenced by music adding a bit of a Rock and Roll style. Achieving such milestones in the industry at such a young age is exceptional and Nelson Mandela Bay will support Mr Snetler as he puts the destination on the map through competing on the worldwide stage of mixology.