Maya Pistola Agavepura is India's and Asia's first premium aged 100% Agave spirit. Think of it as India's answer to Mexican mezcal - similar but not quite the same. This unique spirit is crafted from the Wild Agave Americana, a plant that thrives in India's Deccan plateau. Maya Pistola Agavepura offers seven distinct expressions with different aging and flavour profiles. Whether it's the youthful Joven, the rested Reposado, or the mature Añejo, these spirits showcase the versatility of agave. They are also produced additive-free and sustainably.

Now, Maya Pistola Agavepura is turning up the heat with the second edition of its cocktail competition, Pistola Duels II. This year, the brand is inviting talented bartenders from India, Singapore, and Thailand to unleash their creativity and showcase the exceptional qualities of Maya Pistola spirits through innovative cocktails.

The grand prize is an all-inclusive trip to Paris to attend the prestigious 2024 Top 500 Bars Ceremony. The winner will also have the opportunity to showcase their skills with a guest shift at Pistola Bar. 

The competition format is designed to test the bartenders' skills at every level. It begins with eye-catching social media photo entries, followed by video showcases of their cocktail creations. The excitement culminates in live "duels," where bartenders go head-to-head. The grand finale will take place in Mumbai, where finalists will face the ultimate challenges: a Mystery Box challenge and a rigorous agave spirits quiz. 

In Singapore, the competition has already reached a fever pitch. Four bars and their talented bartenders have been selected to showcase their Maya Pistola-inspired cocktails from September 13th to 26th. This is an exciting opportunity for cocktail enthusiasts to experience these unique creations firsthand.

"We are thrilled to host the second edition of Pistola Duels, a competition that celebrates the artistry and innovation of cocktail creation. Through this event, we aim to spotlight the exceptional quality and versatility of our Agavepura, a 100% agave spirit crafted in India. Each expression reflects the unique flavors and terroir of our region, and we are excited to see how the bartending community from India, Singapore, and Thailand will showcase its potential via their creations."

– Rakshay Dhariwal, Director & Founder of Maya Pistola Agavepura

If you'd like to experience these cocktails entered in Pistola Duels for yourself, you can visit the following bars from now to 26th September and show your support for the participating bartenders: 

Cocktail 1: Forget Me Not by Smoke & Mirror's Wee Siong

Bar to Visit: Smoke & Mirrors, 1 St. Andrew's Road, #06-01 National Gallery Singapore, Singapore 178957

Cocktail 2: Popo De Ai (Grandmother's Love) by Potato Head's Branel Low

Bar to Visit: Potato Head, 36 Keong Saik Rd., Singapore 089143

Cocktail 3: El Scarpone by Potato Head's Mihai Toncea

Bar to Visit: Potato Head, 36 Keong Saik Rd., Singapore 089143

Cocktail 4: Free as a Bird by Anti:Dote's Marlon Aseoche

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team