World Class names India champion
Diageo India has selected Karan Dhanelia to represent the nation at this year’s World Class global final.
Indore-based Dhanelia won the competition for bartenders from India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, held at Le Meridien in Gurgaon, on 27 and 28 March.
The 12th edition of the competition saw the ‘highest-ever’ female representation in the top eight, as well as a wider spread of tier two and metro cities across India.
Dhanelia, who is head mixologist at Atelier V in the west-central city of Indore, created ‘standout’ drinks including an onion soda with spirulina syrup. The judges said he stood out for his originality, charisma, composure and creativity with flavours.
He said: “Winning World Class [India] is a huge moment for me. It’s something I have worked very hard for, and to be able to represent India on a global stage is incredibly special. I’m also glad that I can put Indore on the cocktail map of India.
“More than anything, the journey has pushed me to think differently about my craft, from the way I approach flavours to how I tell a story through a drink. The mentorship through the platform has been invaluable, and I’m excited for what comes next.”
During the regional final, 21 bartenders competed in a series of ‘concept-led’ challenges, including translating music into flavour with The Singleton 12 and creating art-inspired serves with Don Julio 1942.
The competition culminated in a speed challenge.
This year’s judges included David Rios, Tim Philips, Konstantinos Mourloukos and Jenna Ba, alongside Yangdup Lama and Minakshi Singh.
Anchal Kaushal, vice-president of customer marketing at Diageo India, said: “To see this year’s winner emerge from a city like Indore is so incredibly exciting and just goes to show the depth that World Class as a platform has reached. The composure that Karan displayed throughout the competition was commendable, and I’m sure he will represent our country very well at the World Class global finals.”
Dhanelia was followed by Siddhesh Palande of Mumbai’s Bombay Canteen in second place, and Gracy Chourey of Bangalore’s Soka in third.
Dhanelia will go on to compete in the global final this autumn in Dubai, UAE.
Alongside the competition, Diageo India hosted the World Class Cocktail Festival for consumers. Built around the philosophy of ‘Sip, Savour and Celebrate’, the format featured three zones offering brand-led storytelling, guided tastings and a high-energy, music-led atmosphere.
Earlier this month, the top 15 US finalists for World Class were revealed.
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