Diageo Korea, the local unit of the U.K.-based drinks group, said it will hold the regional final of its international bartending competition in Seoul on June 21.

Since January, about 200 Koreans have been vying for a ticket to the annual World Class 2011 slated for July 11-14 in New Delhi, India, the host said. The final will bring together 10 qualifiers from four heats.

The local contestants will be asked to present a cocktail using Diageo’s Johnnie Walker Gold and Singleton whiskies, Tanqueray No.Ten gin, Zacapa rum or Ketel One vodka, and a bottle serve with Windsor XR whisky. Then they will move onto a speed challenge, in which they have to make five cocktails given by judges in a limited time.

“We hope the third anniversary contest will provide a chance to boost Korea’s bars and cocktail culture, and a dream and aspiration for bartenders here,” said Kim Jong-woo, president of Diageo Korea.

(heeshin@heraldcorp.com)