The World Class Kenya Bartending Competition Finals are upon us. We had the opportunity to sit down with one of the top 20 finalists as he gears up for the semi-finals scheduled for early July. His name is Winston Ochieng. From fashion to cocktail craftsmanship, his journey truly embodies artistry and dedication at its finest.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Mmmh…always a tough question to answer. But if I were to describe myself, I’d say, I’m a lover of life, an artist, a people person, passionate about everything, and especially about what I do.
What inspired you to pursue a career in bartending?
To be honest, I never saw myself ever bartending in my life. But it’s somewhere between being around my uncle, who is an incredible coffee expert, doing events, and my love for art that eventually got me here. After COVID, I had to reinvent myself from being an award-winning fashion designer to a new form of expression. Because what else does an artist live for if not to express themselves? Mixology just fit so well.
What aspect of mixology do you find most rewarding?
Nothing can beat the smiles and laughter I see around the bar and knowing I am responsible for it. Guilty as charged, lol.
How do you stay inspired and keep your passion for bartending alive?
One thing I always share with my colleagues is that learning never stops and a teacher can only show you the basics. It is then left upon you to do the rest. Networking with each other always helps with learning new things. For the passion bit, it’s for the love of art.
Can you describe a typical day for you as a bartender preparing for the day?
Wake up, make a cocktail. OK, I’m kidding, haha. A typical bartender day involves ensuring I have all my supplies for the day, cleaning all surfaces and bar tools, hitting the mise en place with some music, testing any specials for the day to ensure everything is in check, and waiting for the esteemed patrons ready to marry all night.
Can you tell us a bit about the World Class Bartenders Competition and how you came to know about and participate in this year’s edition?
I’ve always known about World Class being part of the industry. This year, I felt like I was ready for the challenge. The main thing that led me to get in was just to show a different perspective to the world on what it meant to be a bartender. This would later, I hope, uplift other bartenders’ spirits on what limits one can reach when you put your heart to it.
What does the competition represent for you?
Community. Growth. Culture. Strength.
Can you walk us through the process of developing one of your signature cocktails?
Every cocktail for me always stems from an experience I’ve had in life, just to have that authentic feel. Sustainability is something that’s dear to me as well… that’s why in most of my recipes I mostly focus on local ingredients. Visual appeal is a critical part of all of it, that’s when I reach out to my artistic side. After we taste and ensure we have achieved what we set out to.
How has participating in the World Class Bartenders Competition influenced your career as a mixologist so far?
One major thing I’ve come to learn is that this is more than just being behind the bar and more about building a community of enthusiasts. This is not a competition, it’s a network program.
What skills and experience have you gained from the competition that have been most valuable to you?
Public speaking and networking. I’ve definitely gained more confidence in self-expression.
How has Diageo supported bartenders in Kenya, especially in preparation for this competition?
The Bartender Community Day has definitely provided a platform for bartenders to express their challenges and also become a platform for all of us to network as a community. I believe this will help grow the industry in the long run.
How has Diageo’s support impacted your journey and preparation for the competition?
With the knowledge we get from the Bartender Community Day and workshops, I’ve been able to see the level of expectations the global world demands and how to get to that level.
How can the industry and competitions like this one become more inclusive and supportive?
We obviously come from the richest continent with natural ingredients but the most unfortunate in terms of exposure. The industry and competitions like these could be inclusive and supportive by actually coming up with systems that elevate and expose local bartenders.
What do you see as the future of the World Class Bartenders Competition and mixology in Kenya?
By having more of these competitions and community-building days, I believe more bartenders will work on being the best they can be and build ties that last, in turn growing the industry as a whole.
What advice would you give aspiring mixologists?
Ask yourself what this means to you. Those who seek shall find. IFYKYK.
We eagerly await the competition finals that will crown the top bartender in the country and hopefully the world.
