Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) has partnered with Scotch whisky brand Monkey Shoulder to present the 2026 Ultimate Bartender Championship (UBC), with the first heat kicking off in Chicago on February 24. UBC challenges bartenders across five disciplines: general spirits knowledge, professional service, speed, precision, and sensory expertise. Qualified competitors will then participate in live rounds during Tales on Tour stops, completing the remaining challenges in 20-minute time slots. The Tales on Tour program extends the foundation’s educational and community mission to cities across the country year-round. The UBC format reflects a broader trend among spirits brands investing in bartender engagement programs that combine competition with professional development opportunities.

Source: Forbes February 23, 2026 18:09 UTC