The Insider

I take you through the evening of experimental and creative cocktail – literally and its winning concoction!

 Cocktail Championship?

Sonam Kalra, ace singer,  told me,  at the do, listening to music enhances the taste of the drink. Can’t challenge that! But first what are we talking about? World’s Most Experimental Bartender! Yes, here The Insider, was floating from one team kiosk to another. A global competition that celebrates creativity, experimentation and collaboration. It  brings  together creative minds who concoct innovative cocktails.   Here’s the fun part- the shortlisted bartenders were paired with collaborators from creative fields. Think music, art, design, magic and hospitality to co-create their unique serve.

The Winner Takes it all!

From among 6 collaborating participants from across India, bartender Rohan Matmary and musician Sonam Kalra’s pair won! They scored on creativity and were India winners of Glenfiddich’s World’s Most Experimental Bartender.

Rohan Matmary, gushed, “Working with Sonam Kalra has been a unique experience. Our cocktail ‘Zaara’ is a perfect representation of our innovative collaboration. I am looking forward to the next leg of the competition in Scotland . We will be competing with bartenders from different countries and  experiences.”

All About the Cocktail

The winning cocktail created by Rohan and Sonam was titled, ‘Zaara’.  It’s an Urdu word meaning ‘particle’. Zaara’s message?  Regardless of its proportion in the recipe, each ingredient is equally important and contributes towards  right balance. It is all these disparate elements coming together create a perfect equilibrium.  Zaara starts with the award winning Glenfiddich 12-year-old, infused with cranberry, tiny tangerines, egg white and sage infusion, hibiscus, and rhubarb. These notes  resonated well with the fruity and floral notes of the Glenfiddich 12-year-old single malt whisky.

Rohan mixed these seemingly disparate elements together. And Sonam harmoniously blended beautiful melodies with poetry. Through the blending of these elements, Zaara was created. Music sure helps!

What Next?

Now, the wining duo will now go on to compete against other market winners  in Scotland. Also, They will have the opportunity to bring their concept to life. The winner will be awarded with the title of ‘The World’s Most Experimental Bartender’ . Glenfiddich will, then, work with the winning duo throughout 2018 to showcase their creativity globally!

So, what lies at the heart of a perfect cocktail? Passion, practice, perseverance and a dash of panache! Music too and different elements blending harmoniously! Much like life, wouldn’t you say? What’s your favourite cocktail?