After two days of mixology competition, the United States Bartender’s Guild (USBG) World Class named Chris Cardone the 2017 U.S. Bartender of the Year.

The competition, sponsored by Diageo and now in its sixth year, attracts some of the country’s best bartenders. This was the fourth year that Cardone had participated in the program. For his determination and skills he emerged victorious over fourteen other national finalists during the competition in San Diego, CA, hosted from June 13 to 14.

This month’s finals were the culmination of thousands of applicants competing in regionals across the country.

The finalists demonstrated their knowledge, skill and creativity by crafting cocktails featuring a selection of the Diageo Reserve brands including Bulleit Bourbon, CIROC Vodka, Johnnie Walker Blended Scotch Whisky, Ketel One Vodka, Tanqueray No. Ten, Tequila Don Julio and Zacapa Rum.

The finals are judged by a selection bar-industry leaders including the 2016 Global winner Jennifer Le Nechet, 2014 Global winner Charles Joly, past U.S. winners Tyson Buhler, Ricky Gomez, bartenders and educators including Tony Abou-Ganim, Julie Reiner and more. 

As the U.S. winner, Cardone will represent his country during the global finals held this August in Mexico City.

“I’m so honored to be named the US Best Bartender of the Year. My experience in the program has helped to strengthen my abilities, knowledge and connection to the bartending community in such an impactful way and I know it will help to directly benefit the future of my career in this industry,” says Cardone. “I’m thrilled to represent my country at the Global Finals in Mexico City and I am thankful that I will have the support of my colleagues and my country behind me.”

For more information, @WorldClassUS on Twitter and Instagram, use the hashtag #WorldClass and visit www.facebook.com/WorldClassUS.