NAO Spirits, the disruptors of the Indian craft gin industry and creators of Greater Than and Hapusa, are back with yet another round of Bar Wars. After 2 successful editions, this year’s Bar Wars’ regionals are set to take place across 8 cities (Bengaluru, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune) in August 2023. The grand finale will be held in Goa in September 2023.

Many bartending competitions exist, but none test the servers – the real unsung heroes of the bar industry. These competitions also tend to be held behind closed doors, judged by industry experts. We’re turning this on its head by involving unbiased guests to make this a fair and transparent process. We hope to be able to shine a light on the true champions of the bar industry – the bartenders, the servers, and finally, also the guests.

The first round of screening has been completed through 60-second video entries submitted by a total of 292 bars across the country on Instagram. The top 80 bartender-server duos have emerged from various regions based on their pitch, presentation, and recipes. Each city qualifier will feature 10 teams in a 60-minute challenge, wherein bar teams will pitch their bar's cocktails, and demonstrate their speed, knowledge, and service techniques to the guests.

The ultimate goal for each bar team is to sell the highest number of cocktails and provide the most memorable experience in the given time. The winners of each city's qualifier will advance to the national finals in Goa, where one victorious team shall emerge to receive a grand prize of INR 1 lakh, a trip to the Singapore Bar Convent, and an international bar takeover representing their bar.

Last year, consumers were invited to act as the jury for the contest. This year, a limited number of ticketed spots will be open only for consumers to join the jury. The tickets, priced at INR 1500 can be purchased on Insider up to one week before each event. By purchasing a ticket, guests shall receive three tokens for drinks, and become a crucial part of each competing bar team's success.

The ticket portal for each city closes one week before the event!

Mumbai, 6th August, Sunday: WeWork, BKC

Pune, 9th August, Wednesday: High Spirits

Goa, 13th August, Sunday: Tkyo

Bengaluru, 16th August, Sunday: GYLT

Hyderabad, 20th August, Wednesday: Red Rhino

New Delhi, 23rd August, Wednesday: Monkey Bar

Jaipur, 27th August, Sunday: Hotel Diggi Palace

Kolkata, 3rd September, Sunday: Effingut Brewpub

Goa (Finale), 10th September, Sunday: TBD

Follow the full story on @greaterthangin on Instagram.