The Ultimate Bartender Championship” kicked off

After six successful seasons, Monkey Shoulder, the free-spirited blended malt owned by William Grant & Sons, kicked off the first leg of the 'Ultimate Bartender Championship' (UBC) in Delhi at the Dragonfly Experience, Aerocity.

Following over 1500 registrations and counting from across the country, the first city round of the highly anticipated contest witnessed over 100 talented bartenders from the city mixing, moving and shaking things up to claim the title.

Hosted and judged by Monkey Shoulder India’s Brand Ambassador and Chief Monkey Officer, Gaurav Sareen, the event saw a gush of energy from a zealous group of bartenders paving their way through five exciting mixology challenges. The top finalists from Delhi, Amit Kumar from Lair, New Delhi, Abhishek Arya from Lair Gurugram and Supradeep from Inja, New Delhi, emerged with flying colors and will now compete with other city round finalists at the finale.

This year’s UBC theme - Bartender Rumble, is inspired by WWE's Royal Rumble, where only one bartender will reign supreme as the champion.

Speaking on the first round of the 2024 season, Gaurav Sareen, Brand Ambassador Monkey Shoulder India said, "India’s bartending scene is booming with skills, and there has been a noteworthy surge in cocktail culture. Bartending is becoming an emerging profession not just for international but also for local talent. With the Ultimate Bartender Championship, we aim to acknowledge and reward the skills of these champions. The seventh edition of the championship is starting today in Delhi, followed by seven additional city rounds. Every year, we see participation growing tremendously. We are ready to witness the ultimate clash of bartending titans!”

Kapila Sethi Kad, Head of Marketing, William Grants and Sons India, said, "Every edition of the Monkey Shoulder Ultimate Bartender Championship has showcased the growing quality of talent in the bartending community of India. Unlike any other conventional bartending championship in the country, it brings together the best in the business, celebrates their skills, and empowers them to learn from the best.”