​Beverage News from India & the World

Paul John Single Malt, a pioneer in creating fine Indian single malt whiskies and Single Malt Amateur Club (SMAC), India’s foremost single malt whisky appreciation club, jointly announce the launch of “Ego,” the second prestigious release from the brand’s Alter-Ego cask series. Available exclusively to SMAC members and limited to just 120 bottles, this offering underscores Paul John's commitment to excellence and innovation, delivering a whisky experience that is both rare and unforgettable.
This release marks the 142nd single cask release by Paul John Whisky, having done several single cask releases for members of single malt clubs like SMAC and other private whisky collectors. These custom collaborations have resulted in Paul John Whisky being the only Indian single malt focused on building the Single Cask Category within all single malt brands in India.
Sourced from a single cask, this limited-edition release embodies the essence of Indian craftsmanship. The whisky adopts the flavour of the cask it is aged in, revealing a symphony of flavours, with creamy fruits, citrus, and sweetness blending perfectly. The vibrant mix of an orchid garden, wet wood, and melons - is so enchanting it might just inspire a signature fragrance. On the palate, the experience deepens with gentle umami notes building in intensity, balanced by mineral salts, herbal bitters, and toffee sweets. Crafted from locally harvested six-row barley and matured in the tropical climate of Goa, this whisky offers a rich, complex profile, showcasing the expertise of Paul John’s Master Distiller. Priced at INR 8500, it is available only in Goa, India.
Paul P. John, Chairman of John Distilleries Pvt Ltd, shared his thoughts on the collaboration, saying, “We are delighted to partner with SMAC for this extraordinary release, following the successful debut of ‘Alter’ in October 2022. Our newest release ‘Ego’ showcases our passion for unique, high-quality whiskies that play on the duality of the Alter-Ego series. Our Single Cask program highlights personalisation and collaboration, allowing true whisky lovers to be part of something special. This release, shaped by us and our enthusiasts, is a testament to our collective achievement.
Whisky Fact File by SMAC
●      Name: Ego (of the Alter Ego Series)
●      Distillery: John Distilleries
●      Date of Distillation: September 2017
●      Type of Malt: Unpeated Ex-Bourbon
●      Cask Type: Ex-Bourbon
●      ABV: 50%
●      Colour: Gold
This latest collaboration is the epitome of what the Paul John Single Cask program represents—an unparalleled opportunity for whisky enthusiasts to own a truly unique and personalised piece of whisky history. The program invites participants to Paul John’s distillery in Goa, where they can handpick their cask and oversee its journey from maturation to bottling. This experience offers not just exclusivity but also investment potential, as the value of such bespoke whiskies continues to rise.
Hemanth Rao, Founder of SMAC, shared his thoughts on the release, saying, “Alter-Ego has been one of our most challenging releases to date in terms of exclusive single cask whiskies. This project required immense planning and a deep understanding of our members' preferences. Given the challenges of limited availability and distribution restrictions, this has been a tough endeavour. However, the outcome is immensely satisfying, as when you place the whiskies together as a set, they truly showcase the growth and sophistication of both India and our club. From the concept and design of the label and box to the careful selection of the whiskies, every detail has been meticulously evaluated.”
(excerpt from a release)

LONDON, UK – The alcoholic drinks market in 2023 saw a total volume decline globally for only the third time in 15 years, data analytics firm Euromonitor International can reveal.
Alcoholic drinks witnessed a marginal total decline of 0.2%. From inventory adjustment, pantry unloading in the US to geopolitical upheaval impacting consumer sentiment worldwide, from the detrimental effects of inflationary pressures in most western markets to a structural slowdown in China, alcoholic drinks’ resilience was put to the test.
Spiros Malandrakis, Head of Alcoholic Drinks Research at Euromonitor International, said: “The industry entered negative territory, a rare occurrence, highlighting the severity of the perfect storm facing it.”
Non-alcoholic categories booming, niche categories present opportunities
In Euromonitor’s World Market for Alcoholic Drinks 2024 report, Malandrakis said ‘other ready-to-drinks (RTDs)’ – primarily representing Hard Seltzers – and cognac posted total volume declines of 16.6% and 9.5% respectively leading the worst category performers and highlighting the wide-ranging shifts and challenges across key segments.
“As the no/lo alcohol aisles and bar shelves get increasingly more crowded, opportunities in this segment will shift towards functionality, moving beyond brand extensions to embrace unique compositions that push the limits of experimentation, resonating strongly with younger Millennial and Gen Z demographics.
“Conversely, spirit-based RTDs posted 8% total volume growth, all nascent non-alcoholic categories booming and other sparkling wine capitalising on trading down from champagne, rise as some of the best performers while proving that pockets of growth are still there for the taking,” said Malandrakis.
Roaring momentum post pandemic has mostly been lost
Malandrakis said that both off and on-trade performance had decelerated significantly losing most of the roaring momentum driving the post-pandemic bounce back and witnessing a 0.7% volume decline and 1% volume growth respectively.
“As the post-pandemic effervescence driving the industry fades, 2023 becomes reminiscent of a well-balanced Negroni. Decidedly bitter notes - as macroeconomic and geopolitical volatility take their toll - find equilibrium against the herbaceous hints of green shoots of cautious optimism.
“While numerous short-term downside risks remain and most categories and markets are still under pressure, alcoholic drinks appear to be turning yet another corner and proving resilient in the face of a state of permacrisis. There are challenges ahead,” said Malandrakis.
​(Excerpt from a release)

Wine Park founder and head Vishal Kadakia launched orange wines from Radikon, an Italian winery  that is a leading producer of this style. Kadakia launched three wines including two orange wines and one red which will initially be available in Maharashtra. The wines were launched in the presence of Sebastien Papin, Export Director, Asia Pacific of Champagne Billecart-Salmon over a tasting of Billecart Salmon’s Champagnes and a networking afternoon for the wine trade and media at the Koi Bar, St. Regis Mumbai.
Radikon, a family estate based in the northern Italian region of Friuli. Orange wines, interestingly are produced from white wine grapes that stay in contact with the skin for an extended period and are fermented using natural yeast and a minimal to nil use of sulphur. Orange wines, historically, were produced centuries ago in Georgia and in the past decade, have been produced in vineyards across Italy and France.  Radikon is regarded as one of the world’s pioneering orange wine makers, based in Italy’s northern region of Friuli. The wines selected from the estate’s range, available in India now include the Radikon, SLATNIK Bianco 2022, a sumptuous Chardonnay blend that crackles with cherries, baked orange peel, and roses. There’s also the Radikon, SIVI Bianco 2022, a Pinot Grigio style, barrel aged and tasting of pear and citrus, finishing clean and  Radikon, RS 22 Rosso 2022, a full bodied barrel aged Merlot blend.
​Kadakia said, “I had been looking forward to introducing orange wines to the Indian market for a long time since he first tasted these styles in Singapore and later in Paris where natural orange wines have become quite popular in recent years. “I was fascinated by the colour and palate of orange wines and the story behind how these wines are made. The fact that white wines can be produced in a style similar to red wines and bring out a unique flavour character in them. I loved these natural orange wines and believed these were ripe for launching in India.” The three new wines are presently available in retail and on premise in Maharashtra and will subsequently be launched in Karnataka. 
Speaking on the Champagnes, Sebastien Papin said, “Our house recently changed its recipe in keeping with changing trends. We noticed that Champagne drinkers prefer a less sweet, more concentrated and fruity style so we decided to reduce the dosage (added sweet liquid) for our standard Brut Champagne from 8.5 grams per litre to 4.5 grams per litre. To compensate for this change, we have increased the number of years we age our Champagne from 33 to 50 months which is a significant increase. 
​(Excerpt from a release)