Bengaluru: Following an intense nationwide search for top bartending talent, Bar Maestro—the flagship platform by ABD Maestro in association with Tulleeho Beverage Academy—culminated today with its Grand Finale at IFBE, Mumbai. The event celebrated a diverse field of 16 finalists before crowning Yumit Kumar of The First Floor, Delhi as India’s very first Grand Gold Maestro.
The competition challenged bartenders to craft an original cocktail inspired by the five elements of nature—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space—using one of the featured spirits: WOODBURNS Contemporary Indian Whisky, Rangeela Contemporary Indian Vodka, or ZOYA Special Batch Gin. Finalists transformed these abstract themes into distinct liquid narratives, showcasing vibrant regional ingredients, advanced techniques (including smoke and aromatic elements), and a strong focus on presentation and storytelling.
Emerging triumphant, Yumit Kumar’s winning creation skillfully integrated all five elements into a single, spirit-forward cocktail, demonstrating remarkable technical balance and creative vision. Additionally, Delbert D’Costa of Mofo, Goa, and Sandesh Thalang of Sidecar, Delhi, earned the title of Gold Maestro. The competition also honored Houz Cafe, Delhi for achieving the highest national sales throughout the Bar Maestro campaign.
An esteemed jury panel—comprising veteran mixologist Shatbhi Basu, culinary innovator Gresham Fernandes, and Tulleeho Founder & CEO Vikram Achanta—assessed the final creations based on technique, innovation, storytelling, and taste.
Yumit Kumar reflected on his win, stating: “Winning Bar Maestro feels incredibly special, having competed against some of India’s finest bartenders. I chose simplicity and a return to my roots, trusting my instinct and style. It’s deeply meaningful to see that personal approach resonate at this level—I hope it encourages fellow bartenders to embrace minimalism and authenticity in their craft.”
“Bartenders are often the most creative people in a room, yet they rarely receive the spotlight they deserve,” remarked Bikram Basu, Vice Chairman of ABD Maestro. “Through Bar Maestro, we aimed to create a true centre stage for the community—celebrating each story told through liquid artistry. The sheer quality and diversity in participation, from award-winning bars to rising talent, have made our first edition truly inspiring.”
Vikram Achanta of Tulleeho added: “Tulleeho has long worked alongside the bar community to nurture education and training. Bar Maestro is an extension of that mission—pushing young talent to research, experiment, and elevate their artistry. The interpretations of the five elements showed remarkable maturation in Indian mixology, both technically and from a storytelling perspective. I’m proud to witness—and be part of—this evolution.”
The inaugural competition attracted over 350 entries across seven cities, which were narrowed to 160 for city-level judging before 16 finalists advanced to the Grand Finale. Bar Maestro serves as a testament to India’s rapidly evolving cocktail culture, offering talented mixologists a prominent national platform to showcase their creativity, technique, and distinctive voices.
