Pune : Monkey Shoulder, the premium blended malt Scotch whisky, concluded the Pune round of the 9th edition of the Ultimate Bartender Championship at Acai, bringing Pune’s bartending talent together for a high-energy test of technique, quick thinking and creativity. Starting this year, the Ultimate Bartender Championship has evolved into the World Ultimate Bartender Championship, reflecting its growth into a global platform for the bartending community.
The Pune leg saw an on-ground participation of 100+ bartenders, who put their skills to the test across a series of challenges designed to assess the fundamentals that matter behind the bar. From pouring and nosing to industry knowledge, service and crafting the perfect serve, the competition challenged Pune’s bartenders to pair confident execution with the creativity they bring to every serve.
Hosted by Vidit Mantri, Brand Ambassador, Monkey Shoulder India, the Pune round culminated with Shrirang & Sumedh as the emerging as the city finalists.
The trio will now advance to the India finale in October, where they will compete alongside finalists from the other city rounds.
Speaking about the India edition, Vidit Mantri, Brand Ambassador, Monkey Shoulder India, said: “For us, the Ultimate Bartender Championship is a chance to look beyond the finished cocktail and recognise the skills that make a great bartender. In Pune, the focus was on how talent responds when technique, speed and judgement are put to the test together. We want this platform to encourage bartenders to experiment, learn from one another and keep sharpening their craft as they work towards the India finale.”
Speaking about the World Ultimate Bartender Championship Global Final, Joe Petch, Monkey Shoulder Global Brand Ambassador, said: “A great bartender needs more than one standout serve; they need the ability to deliver again and again. That is what connects city rounds like Pune with the World Ultimate Bartender Championship Global Final. It is a journey that rewards practice, adaptability and individual style, and we look forward to seeing India’s representatives bring those qualities to the world stage.”
The Ultimate Bartender Championship is being held across New Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, Mumbai, Goa, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Jaipur, with Guwahati, Chennai and Jaipur joining the championship as new cities in 2026. Finalists from across the country will come together for the India finale in October, with the national winner earning the opportunity to represent India at the World Ultimate Bartender Championship Global Final in November.
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