Kolkata witnessed a burst of creativity, flavour, and experimentation as McDowell’s & Co. X Series hosted the first edition of its ‘Flavour Studio Takeover’ at AMPM Coffee and Cocktail Bar on November 13 and 14. The two-day event marked the beginning of the brand’s nationwide journey to reimagine cocktail culture, following its standout showcase at India Cocktail Week in Gurugram.
The celebration brought together Kolkata’s top mixologists, creators, and flavour enthusiasts. Day one featured an exclusive advocacy session for the city’s bartending community, with experts discussing new-age bar technologies, modern ingredients, and innovation. The second day saw an electrifying bar takeover led by celebrated mixologists Arnold Hou and Gautham from Dali & Gala, Bengaluru, along with Merrick Rodrigues, crafting playful, bold, and immersive flavour experiences.
In Kolkata, the event highlighted the city’s fast-growing demand for premium and experimental beverage experiences. With younger consumers seeking personalised, playful, and sensorial drinking formats, industry insiders say Kolkata is emerging as an important market for brands pushing creative boundaries. Vikram Damodaram, Chief Innovation Officer at Diageo India, said the X Series celebrates a culture where “curiosity leads the way,” offering formats to sip, freeze, or even chew. As the X Series travels across India, it aims to spark a cultural shift from what’s poured to what’s felt, shared, and experienced.