Archive · 16 Aug 2025
Monkey Shoulder's UBC: Building Community and Winning
Pankaj Balachandran, former brand ambassador of Monkey Shoulder, discusses the Ultimate Bartender Championship (UBC).
The UBC is a bartending competition that travels around the world.
The competition allows bartenders to showcase their skills.
The competition is also a way for bartenders to connect.
Balachandran highlights the community aspect of the bartending world, mentoring, and training.
This year's competition includes a global final in Japan.
The competition is designed to mimic the fast-paced environment of a real bar.
Hyderabad and Kolkata have seen standout performances.
The competition offers opportunities for Indian bartenders to gain international exposure.
Pankaj Balachandran reflects on his journey with Monkey Shoulder and the Ultimate Bartender Championship (UBC).
The UBC format remains consistent but now includes a regional finale where the India champion will compete globally in Japan.
Balachandran emphasizes the importance of community, mentoring, and training for the next generation of bartenders.
Hyderabad and Kolkata bartenders have performed exceptionally well in recent competitions, surpassing expectations.
The UBC aims to create a high-pressure, realistic environment that mirrors the demands of a real bar.
- Who
- Pankaj Balachandran, former brand ambassador of Monkey Shoulder.
- What
- Interview with Pankaj Balachandran about the Ultimate Bartender Championship (UBC).
- When
- August 20th, 2024
- Where
- Hyderabad, India
- Why
- To discuss the UBC, community building, and opportunities for Indian bartenders.
Community Building
Winning
Importance
Community Building
Emphasizes that community and training is an important aspect of the bartending world.
Winning
Emphasizes the need to balance community building, alongside winning the competitions.
- Event
- Ultimate Bartender Championship (UBC)
- Host
- Pankaj Balachandran
- Brand
- Monkey Shoulder
- First UBC Launch
- 2016
- Key Focus
- Community and Training
- Global Finals Location
- Japan