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[title]In 2017, out of 55 mixologists from across the world, Kaitlyn Stewart was declared the winner of the Diageo World Class Global Final. She was the second woman to win the title and the first Canadian to join the competition. The bartender of Royal Dinette bar in Vancouver later traveled the world as a Diageo Reserve Brand Ambassador. Recently, Kaitlyn was inducted into the World Class Hall of Fame.
How did your journey as a bartender begin?
I started bartending to help pay for university. I quickly realized that I love creating cocktails, and learning about the deep history of spirits and all the bartenders that came before me.
What is the cocktail scene in Vancouver like?
Vancouver has a very diverse cocktail scene. Bartenders tend to use a lot of local, seasonal ingredients in their cocktail creations. It forces bartenders to think outside the box.
What do you think is the most important quality of a good bartender?
A good sense of balance. Being able to tend to the needs of your guests looking ahead to what’s next and making everyone feel welcome—all while making cocktails.
Tell us about the drinks you will be serving at your shift for World Class Cocktail Week.
I tend to look to the past when I’m creating cocktails; take a classic serve and twist it into modern times. The cocktails that I will be serving will be fun and unique, but replicable by bartenders around the world.
Kaitlyn Stewart will be slinging signature cocktails at The Speakeasy on 7 June from 20:00-24:00.