NEW ORLEANS, LA (December 18, 2025) – Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is proud to announce Will Thompson, representing Sunny’s Miami as the winner of Pour of Couture presented by Johnnie Walker, the inaugural continental U.S. bartender competition inspired by the worlds of haute couture and Scotch whisky blending.
Launched earlier this year, Pour of Couture draws creative inspiration from Johnnie Walker Vault’s collaboration with Olivier Rousteing, The Couture Blend—a limited-edition luxury Scotch crafted by Johnnie Walker Master Blender Dr. Emma Walker. Designed to mirror the craftsmanship, precision, and sensorial depth of couture fashion, the competition invited U.S. bartenders to create cocktails that elevated flavor, form, and immersive presentation.
Participants competed across two categories: the Johnnie Walker Vault The Couture Blend Showcase Serve, a couture-inspired serve highlighting Johnnie Walker Vault The Couture Blend, engaging all senses through multi-sensory presentation, and the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Couture Cocktail, a layered, culturally inspired cocktail featuring Johnnie Walker Blue Label and at least one bespoke element.
After a robust submission period, selected bartenders presented their creations in person between October 25 and November 19, 2025. Three finalists – Samuel Garcia of Tre Dita in Chicago, Shane Sullivan of The Meadowlark in Chicago, and Will Thomson of Sunny’s in Miami – advanced to the live finale in Miami on December 4, where their serves were evaluated by a panel of industry luminaries for creativity, craftsmanship, storytelling, and execution.
Will Thompson impressed judges with his Johnnie Walker Blue Label Couture Inspired Cocktail, King Tide and the Bobby Wedderburn, his Johnnie Walker Vault, The Couture Blend Showcase Serve.
The presentation showcased exceptional flavor composition, couture-level artistry, and a distinctive point of view that embodied the spirit of the competition.
This inaugural year of Pour of Couture marks a dynamic new chapter in celebrating the intersection of hospitality, craftsmanship, and creative expression. Tales of the Cocktail Foundation and Johnnie Walker extend their gratitude to every bartender who participated, brought bold ideas to life, and showcased the extraordinary talent thriving within the cocktail community. As the competition looks toward future editions, Pour of Couture stands as a testament to the artistry and innovation that continue to shape the global drinks landscape.
For more information on Tales of The Cocktail and Pour of Couture, visit https://talesofthecocktail.org/get-involved/pour-of-couture/.
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About Tales of the Cocktail Foundation:
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the global hospitality industry through education, advocacy, and community support. As the world’s leading spirits education platform, the Foundation provides year-round programs and initiatives that foster professional growth and drive meaningful change. Each July, the industry gathers in New Orleans, the beating heart of cocktail culture and hospitality, for a one-of-a-kind conference that blends education, networking, and celebration like no other. Guided by its core pillars—Educate, Advance, and Support—the Foundation’s impact extends far beyond the U.S. reaching professionals and communities around the world. Tales of the Cocktail will take place in New Orleans July 19-24, 2026. #totc2026
About Johnnie Walker:
Johnnie Walker is the world’s number one Scotch Whisky brand* (IWSR 2024), enjoyed by people in over 160 countries. Since the time of its founder, John Walker, those who craft its whiskies have pursued flavor and quality above all else.
Today’s range of award-winning whiskies includes Johnnie Walker Red Label, Black Label, Double Black, Green Label, Johnnie Walker High Rye Blended Scotch Whisky, Gold Label Reserve, Aged 18 Years and Blue Label. Together they account for nearly 19 million cases sold annually (IWSR, 2019), making Johnnie Walker the most popular Scotch Whisky brand in the world.
About Diageo:
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.
Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in nearly 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO).
For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.
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