Our Faculty

Abhirup Bhattacharyya

Abhirup Bhattacharyya

ABOUT

Abhirup is a seasoned beverage professional with over 10 years of experience in the Indian spirits industry,
He was also the Brand Ambassador at Stilldistilling Spirits which created India’s first homegrown premium artisanal rum, Maka Zai Rum. With a passion for spirits, he has worked in various roles, from bartending to brand ambassadorship. His expertise lies in crafting unique cocktail experiences and building strong brand identities.

In the past, he has worked at The Oberoi New Delhi and at Sidecar, which ranked #1 in India’s Best Bars 2022 and #18 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023. He has also worked with and been mentored by Yangdup Lama, one of India’s top mixologists.

EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS

  • Certified WSET Level 2 and Level 3 in Wines.
  • Brand Ambassadorship: Spearheaded the launch of India’s first premium rum brand, Maka Zai Rum.
  • Mixology Expertise: Collaborated with renowned mixologists to create innovative cocktail menus.
  • Industry Training: Conducted training sessions for bartenders, distributors, and consumers.
  • Marketing and Sales: Implemented successful marketing campaigns and sales strategies.
  • Business Development: Contributed to the growth and expansion of the brand.

SNAPSHOT

  • Elevating bartender skills: Conducted masterclasses for India’s top bartenders, shaping the future of mixology.
  • Driving brand awareness: Successfully launched and positioned Maka Zai Rum as a premium Indian spirit.
  • Industry influence: Served as a jury member for India’s top 30 bars and been featured in leading publications.
  • Innovative cocktail culture: Created and popularized signature cocktails like What-a-Melon and Cacti Daiquiri.
  • Extensive training: Conducted training sessions for over 2000+ F&B professionals, fostering a deeper understanding of rum.