Christopher Enns, a mixologist at the Lobby Lounge at the Fairmont Pacific Rim (1038 Canada Place), has earned the title of Bartender of the Year at the Diageo World Class Canada competition, one of the most respected bartending throwdowns in the industry.

Following a competitive application process and set of regional challenges, Enns was one of 10 bartenders selected from across the country to compete in the World Class Canada national finals in Montreal on May 7 and 8. He beat out his peers in a series of challenges that tested the participants’ skills, creativity, and passion behind the wood.

Enns will go on to represent Canada at the Diageo World Class global finals, which take place in Berlin from October 4 to 8.

“Winning the World Class Canada Bartender of the Year title is a surreal experience and an unbelievable honour,” said Enns in a media statement. “I had an amazing time competing against some of the country's most talented bartenders and I can't wait to take the challenge a step further against bartenders worldwide in Berlin who share the same passion for crafting cocktails.”

The World Class Canada competition was judged by a group of past winners that included Vancouver’s Kaitlyn Stewart, Lauren Mote, and Lobby Lounge creative beverage director Grant Sceney. Last year, Stewart, who is bar manager at Royal Dinette (905 Dunsmuir Street), went on to win international Bartender of the Year at the global finals.