After eight city rounds, over 1,300 participants, and an intense competition, Monkey Shoulder’s ‘Ultimate Bartender Championship’ recently crowned Denzil Franklin from Sixteen33 (Mumbai) as the winner.

The thrilling finale for the Ultimate Bartender Championship took place at a resort in Jaipur, after pitting 20 exceptional finalists from across India, all vying for the prestigious title.

The contenders showcased their skills in challenges centered around key bartending talents like ingredients, mixing, pouring, nosing, and perfecting the ultimate serve.

Having proven his exceptional skills and creativity, Denzil will now attend Camp Monkey, an exclusive annual gathering of Monkey Shoulder brand ambassadors and fellow championship winners from around the world. This will be organised in Goa in November this year.

Along with exclusive gifts from Monkey Shoulder, this title grants Denzil unparalleled exposure, networking opportunities, and the chance to hone his craft under the mentorship of industry experts.

The jury for the finale included Monkey Shoulder’s Global Brand Ambassador Joe Petch; Gagan Saggi, Founder of Indulge India; and Karan and Avantika, Founders of Fola and Upstairs Club.

Gaurav Sareen, Indian Brand Ambassador for Monkey Shoulder said, “This year’s Ultimate Bartender Championship has truly showcased the best of mixology talent, providing a dynamic platform for remarkable individuals to shine. Congratulations to Denzil on this remarkable achievement. We wish him continued success in his promising career.”

Joe Petch said: “The creativity and passion within the Indian bartending community are truly inspiring. It was an absolute honour to be on the judging panel and witness this remarkable creativity and dedication first hand!”

Kapila Sethi Kad, Head of Marketing for William Grant & Sons, said the Ultimate Bartender Championship has seen phenomenal year-on-year growth in participants, showcasing the rising excellence of India’s bartending community.

“The talent and passion on display throughout the competition were truly awe-inspiring. Denzil’s achievement is a shining example of his expertise and dedication,” she added.