Juan David Zapata

WORLD CLASS COUNTRY WINNER 2018

Place of work: Old Tom Gin Bar

Colombian-born bartender Juan was first exposed to the world of mixology at Diageo’s Learning for Life programme and quickly fell in love with the craft. Over his eight-year career, he’s worked in numerous bars and restaurants and twice reached the final stages of the World Class Columbia competition before finally claiming the top spot in 2018. With the help of two friends, he also recently set up Colombia’s first ever gin bar in Medellin, named Old Tom – The Gin Palace.