iroyasu Kayama is the founder of Asia’s highest rated Japanese bar, Bar Benfiddich. Yangdup Lama, the founder of Sidecar, enjoys a legendary status in the mixology world. Anand Virmani single-handedly sparked the gin revolution in India; more importantly crafted the first all-Indian, Himalayan-born gin, Hapusa. While Kayama san flew down from Tokyo, Virmani schlepped it from Goa, to complete the trio in the capital to offer a private tasting for select thirsty tipplers—no more than a dozen at a time—last month. The two things that tie these three together are their passion for local, indigenous ingredients, and the art of storytelling that complements their crafty creations. This mélange of talent, opportunity and craft has opened a window to reveal what’s bubbling under the layers
