​Beverage News from India & the World

Bandarful, the artisanal cold-brew coffee liqueur from Himmaleh Spirits, has been awarded a Gold Medal and declared the World’s Best Liqueur at the 2025 USA Spirits Ratings. The prestigious competition, judged in San Francisco by leading U.S. industry leaders & trade buyers, evaluates spirits on quality, value, and packaging — with gold medals reserved for entries scoring between 90 and 95 points.
The 2025 edition was one of the most competitive to date, attracting hundreds of entries from various countries, including some of the world’s most established liqueur brands. Bandarful’s triumph places it among a select group of spirits recognised not just for exceptional taste, but for commercial appeal in one of the world’s largest and most discerning spirits markets.
Crafted using single estate 100% Arabica coffee beans from the plantations of Chikmagalur in Karnataka — one of India’s most celebrated coffee-growing regions — and pure Himalayan Spring water, and pure Himalayan Spring water, Bandarful is cold-brewed to create a smooth, velvety texture with nuanced coffee and cocoa notes. The name and playful branding take inspiration from the spirited Himalayan langur, celebrating the sense of adventure at the heart of the brand’s story.
“Bandarful was born from a simple belief that India could craft a coffee liqueur to stand alongside the world’s finest,” said Ansh Khanna, Co-Founder of Himmaleh Spirits. “Every sip carries the altitude of the Himalayas, the richness of coffee, and the spirit of a country unafraid to reimagine global classics.”
The win marks a milestone for India’s place in global coffee and liqueur culture. Long dominated by European and American names, the category now makes space for India’s unique terroir, artisanal methods, and layered storytelling. The single-estate beans — nurtured in mineral-rich soil and cool, high-altitude conditions — lend a flavour profile that is unmistakably Indian yet universally appealing.
“Earning the title of World’s Best Liqueur is as much a celebration of our farmers, craftspeople and team as it is of the brand,” said Samarth Prasad, Co-Founder of Himmaleh Spirits. “From the coffee slopes of Chikmagalur to the peaks of the Himalayas, this is proof that when crafted with heart and heritage, India’s best belongs everywhere.”
​(excerpt from a release)

Sydney witnessed a landmark moment for Indian wines as the Indian Wine Buyer–Seller Meet (IWBSM) unfolded at the iconic Manjit’s Wharf. Organised by the Wine Growers Association of India (WineGAI) and supported by the Consulate General of India in Sydney (CGI Sydney) and Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, India (APEDA), the event served as a dynamic platform to introduce the diversity and innovation of Indian wines to the Australian market. The evening featured a high-energy masterclass, exclusive tastings, and meaningful networking with over 50 key stakeholders from the Australian wine industry — including importers, sommeliers, retailers, hospitality professionals, and media representatives. From sparkling and red wines to meads and fruit-based expressions, guests explored a vibrant range of styles representing India’s evolving wine narrative.
The showcase highlighted a diverse representation of Indian wine excellence, with participating producers including Alurra, Good Drop Wine Cellars, Grover Zampa, Moonshine Meadery, Reveilo Wines, Sam Agri Wines, Sula Vineyards, and Talisva Fruit Wines — reaffirming their collective commitment to India’s global wine story. Each winery brought a unique expression of terroir, winemaking ethos, and storytelling — sparking engaging discussions around food pairing, export potential, and brand positioning in Australia.

Ashwin Rodrigues, Winemaker and Secretary of WineGAI, presented a detailed masterclass offering insights into the Indian wine landscape and opportunities for bilateral collaboration. His presentation showcased a curated selection of Indian wines, highlighting key varietals, winemaking styles, and regional terroirs, accompanied by a guided tasting paired with food.
Dr. Tarun Bajaj, Director of APEDA, delivered an insightful address and presentation highlighting initiatives to boost Indian wine exports and the role of APEDA in supporting India’s emerging wine industry on the global stage. This was followed by an address by Dr. S. Janakiraman, Consul General of India in Sydney, who commended the growing collaboration between the Indian and Australian wine industries and reinforced the significance of cultural and trade diplomacy through wine.
Ashwin Rodrigues emphasised: “This meet is not just about wine; it’s about building long-term bridges between India and Australia. Both countries have never been closer, and with Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) as a backdrop our “wine diplomacy” is ushering in a new era of cooperation and opportunity.” 
​(Excerpt from a release) ​