Already crowned champion of France in 2023, Benoît Bouillard from Dijon qualified for the national final of the “The Bartenders Society 2026” competition. Next June 1st in Bordeaux, the bartender will try to secure his place for the world stage.
Dijon know-how is once again exported to the national scene. Benoît Bouillard, a well-known figure among regulars at the Monsieur Moutarde establishment in Dijon, has just been selected among the ten best bartenders in France to participate in the final of The Bartenders Society.
A regular at summits
This is not a first for this flavor enthusiast. With a solid reputation in the world of mixology, Benoît Bouillard has an impressive track record:
- Winner of the France final in 2023.
- Finalist of the 2025 edition.
Its selection for the 2026 edition confirms its consistency and its place among the elite of the profession.
A finale under the sign of spices
For this new edition, the competition takes place in Bordeaux, birthplace of the Marie Brizard house. The event will take place in a spectacular setting, aboard a ship moored on the Garonne.
The technical challenge imposed this year? The art of using spices. The finalists will have to design a unique cocktail where cinnamon, ginger or even cardamom will have to enhance the recipe. Texture, aromatic profile and originality will be the key words to decide between the candidates.
On the way to the international final
The challenge of this day of June 1 is twofold. Beyond national prestige, the winner will represent France during the international final, which will bring together representatives from 17 countries from 5 continents.
The key for the future champion:
- A qualification for the world title.
- A study trip to Martinique, to discover the Saint James distillery.
- The role of ambassador of the competition for the coming year.
A new major challenge for the Dijon bartender, who could well, once again, bring a prestigious trophy to the heart of Dijon.
