Three of the world’s most incredible bars created one-of-a-kind cocktails. There were more than 40 whiskies and 30 gins to taste – and more than 35 spirits manufacturers, connoisseurs and experts telling their stories.
That is how the world’s first home bar festival, organised by The Vault, impressed its 2,500 visitors and guests over 2 days (25-26 February) in Mumbai.
The Vault Biennale in its 2023 edition took on a unique and distinctive transformation, presented by its Founders, Keshav and Anjan Prakash. The Vault team handpicked over 100+ handcrafted spirits for the curious and the connoisseurs to taste; and the master distillers behind these spirits flew in from all over the world to engage in meaningful conversations with fine spirits enthusiasts.
There were unique experiences created especially for the event, along with home-grown artisans for guests to discover. The festival had a plethora of spaces specially designed to heighten the sensory experience of a fine spirits explorer.
Divided into Taste, Discover, Listen and Indulge, the festival engaged connoisseurs in various experiences so that they can add a whole new repertoire to their at-home hosting, by bringing in their preferences and personality to it.
A dedicated space at the festival saw guests listen to F&B experts; offering tips and insights on all things related to the home bar, and discussing emerging trends in the world of fine spirits.
Craft indulgence
The world’s No.1 bar, Paradiso Bar from Barcelona (Spain), along with two other world-class bars, Lost & Found Drinkery from Nicosia (Cyprus) and Le Club from Matsuyama (Japan), indulged guests with a fine evening focused on showing world-class mixology.
The festival showcased many unique multi-sensory spaces and behind-the-scenes experiences of the distillers’ craft. There was a limited-edition, festival release of a single malt distilled and bottled by Amrut Distilleries; coffee beans aged in the Godawan single malt whisky casks by Subko; ice creams and sorbets infused with fine spirits by Sucres Des Terres; and chocolates paired with whiskies and rum at the Whisky and Rum Salon by Ether Atelier Chocolat.
These unique and unparalleled experiences focused on fine spirits was a prominent theme throughout the festival. In addition, there was a designated Santander Bank Pavilion wherein more than 10 UK-based boutique brands were brought down for the first time to India.
Commenting on the success of the festival, Keshav Prakash said: “The success of the festival is attributed to the participating brands from across the world and the highly curated audience. Many months in the making, the festival is a gathering of like-minded people who celebrate important moments of life, and this includes conversations around fine spirits.”
The event witnessed a community of fine spirit aficionados on both days, with enthusiasts, connoisseurs and industry stalwarts who flocked to extend support and kick-start the most anticipated spirits festival in Asia. For more information, write to info@vaulthomebarfest.com.
