Manuel Duque, a bartender from Manizales, won World Class Colombia 2026. He will represent Colombia at the global final in Edinburgh, Scotland.
The ninth edition of the competition brought together 119 participants and ended with eight finalists. Duque, from Alquimia Speakeasy, overcame technical and creative challenges inspired by football, hospitality and table experiences.
The tests included the Coffee Roaster Challenge with Don Julio cocktails, the Speed Round Challenge and the Banquet Challenge featuring drinks from Don Julio, Buchanan’s 18 and Tanqueray. The gastronomic proposal was handled by Oda and the setting by Helena Caballero.
Eric Strauss, Diageo marketing director, noted that World Class reflects the evolution of mixology as a cultural expression. The jury included previous winners and international experts such as Eric Van Beek.
As champion, Duque will travel to Edinburgh this year to compete with the world’s top bartenders in a city known for its whisky tradition.
