Monkey Shoulder’s UBC Delhi round concludes

Monkey Shoulder, the bold blended malt by William Grant & Sons, kicked off the 8th edition of its flagship Ultimate Bartender Championship (UBC) with a high-octane start in Delhi on July 30. The first city round unfolded at Playboy, The Grand, Vasant Kunj, where over 120 bartenders showcased their flair, skill, and speed.

The event followed the energetic Bartender Rumble format, challenging participants across five key mixology tests, from pouring and nosing to crafting the perfect serve. Ankit (Home), Ravi (Khi Khi), and Rahul (The Dressing Room) emerged as Delhi’s top three finalists and will now advance to the national finale.

Renowned industry veteran Pankaj Balachandran returned as the special guest host for this season. “Monkey Shoulder has truly evolved UBC into a celebration of craft,” he said.

Kapila Sethi Kad, Head of Marketing, William Grant & Sons India, added, “The 8th edition marks a milestone, with the national winner heading to Tokyo to represent India at the regional finale. Delhi has set an exciting tone.”

The UBC 2025 will now travel to Kolkata, Goa, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Gurugram before the grand finale in September.