​Beverage News from India & the World

The world’s largest selling whisky McDowell – now in its first-ever luxury avatar. From the heart of the Western Ghats, nestled among the misty peaks and valleys of the Sahyadris, emerges an extraordinary spirit: the McDowell’s & Co. Distillers Batch Indian Single Malt. 
 Celebrating McDowell’s illustrious 125-year heritage, this limited-edition single malt is an exquisite whisky available to a select few. Crafted through a signature triple-cask distillation process, the liquid exudes notes of sweet wood and luscious fruit - a mark of excellence for your dram collection. Standing as a tribute to Indian artistry, provenance, and rarity, encapsulated within 6000 bottles. 
It is first matured in Ex-Bourbon and Virgin Oak Casks and then in Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz casks unique to the Sahyadri terrain, which add an exceptional vintage character to the whisky, making it unlike any other. On the nose, the whisky boasts aromas of vanilla and rich fresh fruit, complemented by gentle afternotes of citrus and spice. On the palate, it offers a velvety richness and complex layers of sweet wood and fresh fruity flavours, resulting in a mellow-sweet and lingering finish.
Speaking about the launch, Vikram Damodaran, Chief Innovation Officer, Diageo India, says, “With McDowell’s & Co, we are placing consumers at the forefront by curating unparalleled drinking experiences with world-class spirits that embody luxury and craftsmanship. With seven distilleries strategically located across the country, access to unique local ingredients and raw materials, and a team of over a hundred skilled craftspeople, we are pushing the needle of innovation to revolutionize the way Indian consumers drink and socialize. Our McDowell’s & Co Distiller’s Batch Indian Single Malt is the first of many new liquids to come from our premium portfolio and is a tribute to our rich legacy. With provenance, luxury, and rarity at its core, this spirit represents the pinnacle of whisky craftsmanship – backed by 70 years of expertise and crafted for discerning consumers who value the best that India has to offer.”
Founded 125 years ago, McDowell’s and Co stands as India’s original alco-bev pioneer - synonymous with excellence, high quality, and fine spirits. In 1959, the company established its first distillery in Cherthala, Kerala. This marked the genesis of the McDowell's No.1 brand, which soon launched its brandy and later expanding to introduce whisky and rums, thereby becoming the first to offer a diverse portfolio of spirits from a single house of brands. In 1968, the brand launched McDowell's No.1 Whisky, marking the inception of the world’s largest selling whisky, born out of India.
It is currently available in Haryana only. 
( Excerpt from a release) 

D’YAVOL, a global luxury collective, unveils D’YAVOL VORTEX, a premium blended Scotch whisky. VORTEX delivers a full and complex palate, striking a perfect balance between rich malt flavours, sherried sweetness, and subtle peat. Crafted by marrying carefully selected single malt and single  grain whiskies from across Scotland, VORTEX stands out with its layered character, leading consumers on a journey of sensory discovery.
Following the successful launch of D'YAVOL Single Estate Vodka and D'YAVOL INCEPTION, a 100% blended malt Scotch whisky, in 2023, D'YAVOL VORTEX represents a strategic move to explore diverse expressions within the premium Scotch whisky category. Partnering with beverage industry leaders AB InBev India strengthens D'YAVOL's position in the market and bolsters its ambition to become a leading premium spirits collection.
Commenting on the launch, Vineet Sharma, Vice President – Marketing and Trade Marketing,
AB InBev India, says, “We are thrilled to introduce VORTEX, a remarkable blended Scotch whisky that further strengthens D’YAVOL’s position as a leading purveyor of exceptional spirits. This launch
reinforces D’YAVOL’s dedication to offering a diverse portfolio of premium spirits, allowing consumers to discover their perfect choice. “
VORTEX offers a tantalising sensory experience with its rich aroma characterised by malty sweetness and fruity undertones intertwined with subtle peat. On the palate, indulgent notes of orchard fruit, creamy vanilla, and fudge dance harmoniously with a touch of soft smoke. The finish is exquisitely smooth, leaving behind lingering notes of peat and spiced fruit. Best savoured neat, this exceptional blend is presented in a 750ml bottle with an ABV of 43.5%, available at an MRP of ₹5,350 in Maharashtra and ₹4,500 in Goa
(excerpt from a release)
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Bombay Sapphire's Stir Creativity  aims to revive and enable creative self-expression amongst the audience as the world around us is overflowing with inspiration. With a strong belief in the creative potential that  exists within everyone, waiting to be sparked by the most unexpected things, The “Saw this Made This” campaign aims for us to get inspired by the landmarks, natural art or beauty around us and riff on it to create an extraordinary new art. It also aims at bartenders to get inspired from the cities we live in and craft a Bombay Sapphire special cocktail. 

The endeavor offers gin enthusiasts a combination of India’s rich tapestry and art of mixology. Each cocktail in this city-inspired menu is a tribute to the vibrant locales that define the essence of India. For instance, the beauty of the intricate details of Taj Mahal’s majestic minarets in Agra, the vibrant queen’s necklace of Mumbai, the delicate pink trumped trees of Bengaluru's Cubbon Park and the laid-back charm of the tall palm trees in Goa's Parra Road. Infusing the essence of each of these beloved destinations into each sip, the cocktails transport drinkers on a captivating journey through the heart and soul of India's vibrant landscapes.
 “What I’ve found surprising is that so many things that could be quite ordinary until someone shows what it could be turned into. For us at Bombay Sapphire, we’ve seen how bartenders have crafted their cocktails because they saw something in these cities that they’ve fallen in love with. The campaign is something that a lot of bartenders have taken to heart. We’ve heard so many stories from bartenders about how they’ve had a new love for their craft, and discover this renewed, creative energy and inspiration,” says Mahesh Kanchan, Marketing Director at Bacardi India
( Excerpt from a release)