5 days ago
Yumit Kumar Wins India’s First Grand Gold Maestro Bartending Title
India held its first national Bar Maestro bartending competition in Mumbai.
More than 350 bartenders entered the competition.
Sixteen finalists reached the final round.
They had to make cocktails inspired by five elements of nature.
These elements were Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space.
The bartenders used Indian ingredients and creative techniques to make their drinks.
Yumit Kumar from Delhi made the winning cocktail.
Delbert D’Costa and Sandesh Thalang also received Gold Maestro honours.
Delhi-based Yumit Kumar of The First Floor won the inaugural Grand Gold Maestro title in Mumbai.
The competition drew more than 350 bartenders, with 16 finalists advancing to the grand finale.
Finalists created original cocktails inspired by Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space.
Entries used three contemporary Indian spirits alongside regional botanicals, local spices and advanced techniques.
Delbert D’Costa and Sandesh Thalang earned Gold Maestro honours, while Houz Cafe recorded the highest tour sales.
- Who
- More than 350 Indian bartenders competed, with Yumit Kumar winning the title; Delbert D’Costa and Sandesh Thalang were also honoured.
- What
- The inaugural Bar Maestro competition selected a Grand Gold Maestro and recognised other bartending and commercial achievements.
- Where
- The grand finale took place at IFBE in Mumbai, after preliminary rounds in seven cities.
- When
- The grand finale was held on Thursday; the article does not provide a calendar date.
- Why
- ABD Maestro and Tulleeho organised the competition to celebrate bartending talent and give regional professionals a national platform.
Key facts
- Winner
- Yumit Kumar of The First Floor, Delhi
- Competition
- Inaugural Bar Maestro
- Entries
- More than 350 bartenders from across India
- Finalists
- 16 bartenders competed in the grand finale
- Cocktail brief
- Create an original cocktail inspired by Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space
- Gold Maestro honours
- Delbert D’Costa of Goa and Sandesh Thalang of Delhi
- Highest tour sales
- Houz Cafe in Delhi
Quotes
Yumit Kumar
Delhi-based bartender from The First Floor and Grand Gold Maestro winner
“I've spent some time behind bars and a lot in front of them to know that bartenders are often the most creative people in the room, yet quite often the least celebrated. Each liquid they pour in a cocktail tells a story, and Bar Maestro was to build a centre stage for the community to showcase their craft and creativity. What made the first edition exciting was the extent and quality of participation, with bartenders representing some of the country’s best bars to emerging talent from across the”
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“It feels incredibly special, having competed with some of the finest bartenders in the country. After exploring so many techniques throughout my bartending journey, I chose to return to my roots of simplicity. Seeing something so personal resonate at this level makes the win even more meaningful. I hope it inspires more bartenders to embrace minimalism, trust their instincts and stay true to their own style.”
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