Hemu'sHighball

Sahil Gaur

Competing for Future Icon 2026

Two years ago, My icon Mr. Rahul Goswami visited Lair after returning from London. As we discussed cocktail structure and flavour building, he asked me, what's a Black Forest? I replied it's a cake. He then asked how do you explain its flavours, I couldn't answer, He then replied its simple- CHERRY and CHOCOLATE. That lesson in Flavour breakdown to its pure essence stayed with me. Fast forward to last month as I prepared for Future Icons. While planning a completely different drink, my team gathered to order a birthday cake for one of my bartender Deepak, I asked them what should I order, then Hemant, my other Bartender suggested Black Forest, Rahul sir's words instantly resurfaced. That spark transformed my approach. I realized becoming a Future Icon means truly listening to the icons who came before you, then channeling their wisdom into your own craft. I then set out to translate that classic profile into a modern, sophisticated Highball using Dewar's 12, renowned for it's rich notes of honey ,fruit , and double-aged balance. Named in honour of the moment that brought everything full circle, HEMU'S HIGHBALL was born- a drink inspired by mentorship, team spirit, and simplicity.