VBev, a leading importer and distributor of premium spirits in India, is proud to announce the successful culmination of the Elit Masters 2023 – Bartender Challenge in Mumbai, on 15th September, 2023. This annual event, in partnership with the Stoli Group, brought together the finest bartending talents from across the country, setting new standards for innovation and mixology.

VBev’s Elit Masters 2023 was a celebration of mixology brilliance, with participants pushing the boundaries of cocktail creation. Over 60 participants from North-East, South, and West zone battled fiercely in the Semi-Finals from September 12th to September 14th; creating exceptional Elit Vodka cocktails to secure spots in the Grand Finale. Of the 60 participants; 10 contenders were selected and among all the exceptional mixologists who participated, Dhananjai Subramaniam emerged as the champion, captivating the judges and spectators with his unique approach to mixology along with Akash Singh securing the position of first Runner-up and Manoj Singh Rawat as the Second Runner-up.

Mr. Sumedh Singh Mandla, CEO of VBev, expressed his enthusiasm about the event, saying, “It was an incredibly busy but fulfilling week with the Elit Masters 2023 Campaign! Hosting four events in four days across three cities is no small feat, and it’s wonderful that it came out as a world-class experience. It is especially gratifying that we encountered some exceptional talent and enthusiasm from the bartending community.”

The competition provided a platform for bartending virtuosos to showcase their creativity and exceptional skills by curating a unique Martini Freeze using ELIT Vodka. The event featured a series of challenges that tested the contestants’ knowledge, technique, and ability to think on their feet. As the winner of Elit Masters 2023, Mr. Subramaniam will represent India at the Global Final in Athens, where he will compete against the world’s best bartenders.

Mr. Graeme Harlow, Managing Director, IAPAC & GTR – SPI, Stoli Group shared his thoughts on the competition, stating, “It was great to attend an event that demonstrated incredible talent and passion within the mixology community. All the participants performed incredibly well, showcasing their dedication and expertise in mixology. We are proud to provide a platform for these talented individuals to showcase their skills and creativity. This competition not only celebrates the art of mixology but also highlights Stoli’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the spirits industry.” His words underscored the exceptional talent on display at the Elit Masters 2023 – Bartender Challenge, highlighting the commitment and skill of the bartending community in pushing the boundaries of cocktail creation.

Dhananjai Subramaniam, the proud winner, said “This competition has been an incredible journey, and I am deeply honored to have gotten this opportunity to showcase my skills and leverage this platform to sharpen the art of mixology. It’s a testament to the endless possibilities of mixology and I’d like to thank VBev, the Stoli Group, and all the participants for making this an unforgettable experience.”

Further, Mr. Mandla commented on the success of the competition, saying, “Building a direct connection with over 150 Mixologists across India is indeed a significant achievement. Such events not only provide valuable networking opportunities but also help in enhancing the brand’s franchise and reputation within the industry. We look forward to hosting more events of this calibre in the future.”

ELIT vodka has been awarded ‘2022 Best Unflavored Vodka’ by the Beverage Testing Institute® (Chicago, USA). ELIT won 12 platinum awards and an unbeaten 97-point rating for 12 years, which makes it one of the world’s highest-rated spirits. ELIT vodka is freeze filtered at -18oC with proprietary, cutting-edge technology, that makes it exceptionally pure and smooth, perfect for martinis, neat, or on the rocks.

VBev, the driving force behind Elit Masters 2023, is committed to promoting mixology excellence and fostering innovation in the beverage industry. The Elit Masters 2023 Bartender Challenge was a resounding success, showcasing the talent and creativity of bartenders from across the nation. VBev and the Stoli Group look forward to continuing their partnership to further elevate the world of mixology and celebrate the exceptional skills of bartenders.