You have been in India many times before. What are your impressions of India’s first Bartender Week?

This is a great initiative! It indicates the industry’s march to maturity. A critical mass must be reached of the bartending and business communities before such an event can be organised. I think that for India this is a take-off point.

What is the bartending scene like around the world?

From a global perspective, the bartending community is a dynamic, ever-evolving space where creativity and collaboration thrive. Professionals across the world continually push the boundaries of innovation in drinks, service and experiences.

Bartenders around the world constantly push the limits of creativity, collaborate on new trends, ingredients and techniques. These shape the future of cocktail culture and elevate drinking experiences worldwide.

Can you give us a perspective of Diageo Bar Academy (DBA) and its objectives?

The DBA was established in India in 2012. Initially, it was to identify and prepare talented bartenders for Diageo’s World Class competition. We have invested considerable time, money and resources here: we have 14 full-time trainers now, conducting classes all year round. By having boots on the ground, we can commit to quality of delivery.

Learning is a continuous process. All courses at DBA are crafted and delivered by global industry experts, ensuring the highest quality of content and up-to-date industry knowledge. We are present in 60 markets worldwide, with 12 other markets in Asia.

Between 2020 and 2030, we plan to train a million industry staff, with 10% of them coming from India alone.

In essence, DBA supports the career growth and wellbeing of bar professionals, offering resources on balancing work with personal health and maintaining a successful career.

Is the DBA curriculum restricted to bartending alone?

Bartenders account for only 25% of our enlistments. Apart from preparing them for the annual Diageo World Class competition, we train them to become educators and brand ambassadors, keeping a progression plan in mind.

The service staff is also a very important component of our student strength. There are diplomas and degrees that we help them prepare for. We also have special courses for women bartenders, offering them safer spaces to educate themselves and offer equal employment opportunities.

What about the business side of bars, restaurants and brewpubs?

I was coming to that! For a business to be successful it must do well, right? We use a top-down approach to such training: business owners, their managers, supervisors and sales staff are involved in specific training modules.

Among the things they learn are staff and material management; making a bar menu; balancing the accounts; customer service and experience; preparing succession/ learning plans for the staff, etc.

What qualifications does DBA offer?

We have our own industry-recognised certifications. We also train our students for various courses and examinations conducted by the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET). In fact, we are in the process of establishing a mechanism to secure scholarships for deserving WSET candidates.

Where do Indian bartenders stand on the world stage?

In India bartenders are very well versed in communication because of the wide use of English. Yes, they do lack the exposure and confidence to play in the international era, but that is where DBA comes into the picture.

That said, one must remember the Diaspora of Indian bartenders and business owners across the world who have been successful. Over the years, for example, Indian bartenders have been among the top 10 in international competitions!

What can you tell us about Diageo World Class?

World Class is a prestigious global competition for bartenders that inspires deep engagement with the world of fine drinking and cocktail culture. It encourages a conscious exploration of refined drinking experiences, shaping the future of the industry.

In addition to showcasing cocktail trends, creations and recipes, World Class provides essential updates from the bar scene across 60 countries to help shape the future of drinking experiences worldwide.

The competition culminates with the global finals. Participants get the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals and share an unforgettable experience.

Events like World Class and India Bartender Week highlight the global nature of the bartending community, offering opportunities for professionals to network, exchange ideas and inspire each other, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose within the industry.

What words of advice could you give Indian bar professionals?

Your world doesn’t end with staying a bartender or service professional for life. Watch your physical, mental and financial health: don’t over-drink, don’t over-caffeinate, don’t over-spend! Spend some time each day for physical exercise and meditation.

Once you have found a good work-life balance, focus on the opportunities. It could be a specialised craft or advocacy for a spirit category; a career in education or even a chance to run your own independent business! It will all depend on your skills and passion.