The India leg of the 2018 season of ‘Ultimate Bartender Championship’, began in Mumbai, and was followed by competitions being held in Pune, Goa, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Delhi, Gurgaon, and Chandigarh. The participants were tested on their unique techniques, insights, speed and skills behind the bar. This year, the competition had as many as 550 contestants from various parts of the country competing for a spot in the world-renowned The Athens Bar Show. The championship was announced by Monkey Shoulder, a scotch for the new generation of whisky aficionados.

Vedant Mehra was the lucky one to win this year’s Championship and had this to say: “ I am over the moon to win this biggest competition possible! For me, it is a very big achievement to be the best amongst the best of India! The ultimate bartender championship by is an amazing initiative by Monkey Shoulder for taking exposing us to international standards of bartending and taking us to global platforms such as the Athens Bar Show (sic)”

Mehra wins an all-expenses-paid trip to the Athens Bar Show, a coveted place in the world’s most prestigious Industry event. The national winner also rides home a customized 500 CC Motorcycle.

“We are committed to empowering our friends in the bartender community to deliver memorable consumer experiences. A high energy industry event, it promises to lift all bartending parameters that make it an epic competition. We are delighted to see the tremendous success of the India season 2018. This competition truly resonates Monkey shoulder values of versatility and free-spiritedness which has made it a preferred drink with bartenders around the world,” said James Pennefather, MD of William Grant & Sons India.