After six previous attempts, Sandton’s own Jody Rahme finally clinched the title of South African Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year.

 

• The seventh try was the charm for the 35-year-old, who promised his girlfriend that 2024 would be his last attempt.
• The national finals in Sandton were held from 14 – 16 July 2024 including five challenges, each with their own score requirements.
• Jody’s perseverance paid off as he emerged victorious after three intense days of challenges in Sandton.
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The final 3-day stretch of the national competition was hosted at The Galleria in Sandton. Better late than never, each day unfolded with a series of tasks taking the mixologists to their creative limits. From a national Top 9 to a final few, Jody Rahme finally placed the garnish on a multi-attempt dream, taking home the ultimate title in bartending.

 

Johannesburg provided five of the finalists, including Alex Fahrenheim, Dan Knodl and Burdett Geiling from the canned cocktail company Just Short. They were joined by Jody Rahme of Father Coffee and Devon Andreka of Obscura. Cape Town was represented by Liam Jukes of VUE Shortmarket and Philip Burrows of Tjing Tjing. The Durban finalists, both from Ballito, were independent mixologist Jason Andrews and Jono Harrison of Alchemy.

 

The judges were last year’s World Class national champion, Julian Short, the owner of Sin + Tax in Rosebank; Ryan Duvenage, Diageo’s head trainer in Africa; Lungi Nhlanhla, a private chef from Durban; and a surprise judge for each of the finals’ three days.

 

Jody, who resides in Morningside, Sandton, and works for the Kramerville roastery Father Coffee, will now represent South Africa at the World Class global finals in China this September. Competing against the best bartenders from over 60 countries, Jody’s journey from his first competition in 2017 to national champion is a testament to his dedication and growth in the craft.

I’ve always dreamed of this moment. To finally take the title, be recognized as the best bartender in the country, and now to represent South Africa on a global stage – it’s beyond anything I could have imagined.

// South African Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year, Jody Rahme

 

Jody’s win wasn’t just a personal triumph. Cape Town’s Liam Jukes of VUE Shortmarket secured second place and also received the Bartenders’ Choice Award, while Devon Andreka, general manager of Obscura in Rosebank (Johannesburg), finished third. The competition was fierce, but Jody’s meticulous preparation and innovative approach set him apart.

 

The ‘Liquid Squire’, as he is known on Instagram, has been here before. His first foray into the World Class competition was more of a learning experience. Working at Sin + Tax in Rosebank, he was encouraged to enter with just two weeks to prepare. Seven years later, his approach has evolved significantly.

I’m very structured. I use spreadsheets to conceptualize my drinks, ensuring I cover all the bases for a cocktail competition. Then, it’s all about perfecting the flavors in the kitchen and refining my presentation.

// South African Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year, Jody Rahme

 

One key aspect of Jody’s success is his commitment to making his own ingredients.

I’m particular about knowing what’s going into my drinks. But more than that, I love the process of cooking, learning techniques, and understanding flavour profiles.

// South African Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year, Jody Rahme

 

Jody’s meticulous preparation shone through in the five challenges of the national finals. The first challenge, re-imagining two classic cocktails with Tanqueray No. TEN gin, resonated with his passion for classic bartending.

I love classic cocktails and simple, clean ingredients. This challenge was right up my alley.

// South African Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year, Jody Rahme

 

The second challenge required competitors to reinvent themselves as disco characters, complete with glittering attire and high-energy music, to create an innovative cocktail with single malt whisky.

I’m not naturally theatrical, so this was a challenge for me. But it turned out to be a fun experience.

// South African Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year, Jody Rahme

 

From nine finalists, the field was narrowed to six, and the next task tested their knowledge of Diageo products through a multiple-choice test and a tasting session.

This challenge is one of my favourites. I’ve worked with Diageo products for so long that I’m very familiar with their history and taste profiles.

// South African Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year, Jody Rahme

 

In the mystery box challenge, competitors had to incorporate a randomly selected ingredient into two cocktails based on Don Julio tequila. Jody’s ingredient was basil, and he relished the challenge.

This is all about thinking on your feet, a true test of creative skills.

// South African Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year, Jody Rahme

 

The final task required contestants to create a pop-up bar depicting the future of the bar industry, complete with four cocktails. Jody’s concept was timeless and focused on the essence of hospitality.

My bar was about creating a welcoming space where people can enjoy good drinks in good company. It wasn’t about future trends, but about timeless enjoyment.

// South African Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year, Jody Rahme

 

Jody’s pop-up bar also highlighted responsible drinking with lower alcohol by volume drinks.

Promoting responsible drinking is important. It’s about enjoying the cocktail culture without necessarily drinking to get drunk.

// South African Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year, Jody Rahme

 

Aged longer than a single malt Scotch whisky, invited guests eventually got to celebrate the announcement of the Top 3 and overall winner at an extended finale party. With the national title under his belt, Jody’s next focus is the 45-page brief for the global finals in Shanghai. He plans to start conceptualizing drinks, preparing ingredients, and testing them with family and friends.

The support from the industry and my community has been overwhelming. The camaraderie in bartending is incredible, and everyone just wants to see the national champion do well for South Africa.

// South African Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year, Jody Rahme

 

Jody expressed his gratitude to his girlfriend, attorney Prianka Soni, and his mother, Kerry Gordon, for their unwavering support. Now, the bartending community will rally behind him as he prepares for Shanghai.

Their resilience and support have been incredible. This victory is as much theirs as it is mine.

// South African Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year, Jody Rahme

 

The World Class competition, now in its 15th year, has supported, trained, and inspired over 400’000 bartenders across 60 countries, partnering with Diageo’s premium spirits. The global finals in Shanghai from 9 – 13 September 2024 will showcase the finest bartending talents, and Jody is ready to make South Africa proud.

 

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