Diageo Reserve’s World Class (India) finale, held recently in Gurugram, adjudged Santanu Chanda (Head Mixologist and Group Beverage Manager at PVR Home, Delhi) as the winner of the 15th edition of the competition this year.
With this Santanu, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Hotel Management, Goa, adds the title to his previous achievements: Stoli Elite Art of Martini (UAE 2017), Grosvenor House Bartender of the Year (2016), Pro Chef Bartender of the Year (UAE 2019), Johnnie Highball (UAE 2020), Glenfiddich’s World’s Most Experimental Bartender (2018), and Goa Flair Challenge (2014).
The WSET Level 2 (Spirits) graduate said after the results were declared: “This title is a testament to the entire Indian bartending community that inspires me. The collective drive to improve and innovate elevates this industry to new heights. Cheers to the spirit of collaboration!”
He expressed his heartfelt thanks to Diageo Reserve’s World Class for creating a space that celebrates the bartending community and fosters an ecosystem of growth and excellence.
Jacob Martin, World Class Bartender of the Year 2023 said, “It’s fantastic to see the World Class legacy continue to inspire such talent in India. The creativity and passion on display this year were truly world-class!”
Top talent
India’s top bartenders assembled under one roof for the electrifying World Class India finale, which redefined the art of mixology, shaking up the scene with some serious talent. The crème de la crème – the top 16 bartenders from across the country – battled it out for the coveted 2024 title.
The judges this year included Karina Sanchez (Don Julio Global Brand Ambassador), Chef Manu Chandra, Minakshi Singh (Co-Founder of Sidecar Delhi), Akanksha Lamba (Co-Founder of The Postcard Hotels), Arijit Bose (Co-Founder of Jerry’s cocktails, etc.), Aashie Bhatnagar (Winner of World Class India finals 2023), Jacob Martin and others.
The finalists at this year’s competition were Ganesh Boyinipally (Aidu, Hyderabad), Raj Kumar (Sundays, Chennai), Anshul Tiwari (The Bagh, The Forest Resort, Amritsar), Kumar Mongalam (Koyo Koyo, Hyatt Centric, Chandigarh), Gracy Chourey (Copitas, Four Seasons Hotel, Bengaluru), Alemchizung Jamir (Cosie, Pune), Deepak Pelne (Murphies, Pune), Siddhesh Palande (Perch Wine & Coffee Bar, Mumbai), Hemanshu Badola (Molecule Air Bar, Noida), Aayushi Singh (Muro, Bengaluru), Abhishek Mukherjee (Little Bit Sober, Kolkata), Saish Bagkar (Isabella’s Tapas Bar, Goa), Arnold Hou (Room One, Goa), Rajneesh Barthwal (Loya, Taj Palace, Delhi) and Nischal Suman (O Pedro, Mumbai).
Opportunities, challenges
The competition allows participants to get creative with Diageo Reserve’s flavourful spirits such as Tanqueray gin, Singleton and Talisker single malt, Johnnie Walker blended Scotch whiskies, Don Julio Tequila, and Ketel One vodka.
According to Vikram Ku, Head of Diageo Reserve’s World Class India, it is the world’s largest and most esteemed bartending competition, igniting the passion for superior drinking experiences across the globe.
This season saw an unprecedented 370 participants from across India. “Every year we witness more bartenders participating and competing for top honours,” Vikram said. “The contest is a very keenly contested, high-energy affair.”
Apart from submitting samples for judging, the participants engaged in a series of local and national challenges embedded in cultural and culinary trends. “We focus on the taste and appearance of the drinks; the techniques, presentation and storytelling behind them; and the luxury appeal,” Vikram added.
Beyond that lies each competitor’s personality and the ability to meet the challenges of creativity and sustainability. “This platform also gives respect to the diligent work and intelligent attitude of those serving behind the bar,” he added.
The company’s e-learning portal for bartenders, the Diageo Bar Academy, is a year-round education platform, where participants learn trade-focussed skills from brand ambassadors from across the world.
Typically, each year registrations for Diageo Reserve’s World Class (India) competitions open in January, followed by regional contests in March, short-listing of finalists by April, and the finale in June, Vikram says.
Consumer experience
What’s trending in the world of cocktails? Vikram points to the rise of low- and no-alcohol drinks, and the increasing awareness of sugar-free and organic options among consumers. “Sustainability of ingredients, preparation and service is becoming more pronounced among consumers,” he notes.
Among whiskey drinkers, Highballs are catching everyone’s fancy; and Tequila has graduated from shots and Margaritas to Palomas and Picantes, he adds.
What about the bartending side? Apart from understanding taste and aromas (nose, palate and finish), bartenders are increasingly expected to help consumers select their drinks, depending on their likes, moods and time of the day or year.
“These days it’s all about the liquid and the consumer experience that a bartender can render to his/her customer. The challenge lies in service and creating an exceptional consumer experience,” Vikram concludes.
The annual World Class competition has supported, trained and inspired over 4,00,000 bartenders, across 60 countries, for more than 15 years, while partnering them with the world’s finest spirits, the Diageo Reserve collection.
With headquarters in Bengaluru, Diageo India (United Spirits Ltd.) has one of the largest manufacturing footprints in the beverage alcohol industry with 36 facilities across the country.
