Bengaluru, 24th June 2023 – The sixth season of the Monkey Shoulder Ultimate Bartender Championship reached its thrilling finale at Botanix Nature Resort, Gurgaon on June 15th, 2023. The grand finale brought together the 20 finalist bartenders from across the country after a series of city rounds, competing against each other in various challenges to claim the coveted title. With a range of upskilling activities, expert judges, and international entertainment, the event proved to be a resounding success. With over 1100+ registrations, the fierce competition amongst 800+ bartenders from all corners of the country, Dharambir Chhetri from Copitas, Bengaluru emerged as the triumphant winner, claiming the highly sought-after title of the Ultimate Bartender. His exceptional skills, creativity & presence of mind under pressure set him apart from the other finalists. He will now get a chance to attend Camp Monkey, an annual gathering of Monkey Shoulder Brand Ambassadors and fellow Ultimate Bartending Championship winners of other countries in Thailand in November 2023. Additionally, the winner title will give him a platform to get unparalleled exposure and networking opportunities.
The Ultimate Bartender Championship was graced by an esteemed panel of judges. The jury members included industry luminaries such as Joe Petch – Global Brand Ambassador Monkey Shoulder, Brendon Khoo – Brand Ambassador of Monkey Shoulder SEA and Christyne Lee, Head Bartender at Tess Bar & Kitchen in Singapore. Their extensive knowledge and discerning palates ensured that only the most deserving bartender emerged victorious.
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Gaurav Sareen, Brand Ambassador, Monkey Shoulder India said, “I feel honored to have had the privilege of hosting the exciting edition of the Ultimate Bartender Championship (UBC), and I must say, the turnout this time surpassed all expectations. It not only celebrated the talent of these bartenders but also created a collaborative and supportive environment to build skills that pay bills. Witnessing the passion and enthusiasm of these talented bartenders was truly inspiring. All finalists have made me really proud, and while everyone is a champion who made it to the top 20, I would like to congratulate Dharambir Chhetri from Copitas, Bengaluru for bagging the title of Ultimate Bartender 2023″
Speaking on the occasion, Joe Petch, Global Brand Ambassador and Judge said “The Ultimate Bartender Championship continues to impress me year after year. The level of talent and innovation in the Indian bartending community is truly exceptional. It was an honor to be a part of the judging panel and witness the passion and creativity firsthand.”
During the three-day extravaganza, participants and guests were treated to a plethora of engaging activities. The adrenaline-pumping adventures included paintball, t-shirt painting, spray painting, and skill sessions on ice, coffee, palate tasting & social media. These activities not only entertained the audience but also provided opportunities for bartenders to showcase their creativity and expertise beyond the bar counter. On the final day, all attendees had the chance to explore a local distillery, enriching their knowledge of the craft.
“We are thrilled with the success of this year’s Ultimate Bartender Championship. It was incredible to witness the talent and passion displayed by the bartenders throughout the competition. Displaying the ethos of the brand, UBC reflects Monkey Shoulder’s commitment to making challenges playful and turning the ordinary into extraordinary. Our mission is to inspire and empower bartenders, as well as cocktail enthusiasts, to push their creative boundaries and reimagine the art of bartending.” said Kapila Sethi Kad as Head of Marketing, William Grant & Sons.
Commenting on the success of the event, Sachin Mehta, Country Director, William Grant & Sons said “By promoting and recognizing exceptional talent, Ultimate Bartender Championship 2023 aimed to inspire the next generation of bartenders, cultivating a culture of excellence, professionalism, and innovation. Bartenders have the potential to advocate for responsible drinking, sustainability, community engagement, while working towards the advancement of their profession. They are integral contributors to the spirits and hospitality industry, and we truly value their prowess, passion and dedication.”
An unforgettable after-party followed the finale round of the Ultimate Bartender Championship. International artist DJ Santero took the stage, providing an electrifying atmosphere for the guests to celebrate the successful conclusion of the event.