For the first time in France, players from the global rum ecosystem will meet for three days to
discuss the major challenges and opportunities that shape the future of the sector. Buyers and public institutions from more than 20 producing countries, as well as players from the entire rum value chain, will be expected in Paris. The World of Rum 2024 is a dynamic forum for announcing new initiatives in the Rum Ecosystem and sharing experiences and innovative ideas. This first edition will have no less than 50 exhibitors and 22 countries representations. As a partner of the event, Business France will be supporting a group of 20 companies in its Overseas pavilion. The opportunity to discover exceptional artisanal rums, with more than 25 brands: agricultural rums, arranged rums, amber rums, white rums, old rums and many more. A pioneering event: rum beyond tasting Unlike traditional events focused on tasting, the World of Rum stands out for showcasing the entire Rum Ecosystem: producers, distributors, manufacturers, harvesters, international buyers, influencers, manufacturers of bottles, casks, yeast, etc. A unique opportunity to discover young French distillers, new 100% ecological packaging solutions, the prowess of artificial intelligence in serving the Rum Ecosystem and the virtues of sugar cane for the benefit of the pharmaceutical industry. For Patrick LOGER, event organiser: “Given the worldwide craze for rum, this first international edition in Paris is an opportunity for all the players in the Ecosystem, from all horizons, to explain and understand the strong international growth of the market for this spirit.” France and rum: an artisanal revolution underway At the heart of this taste revolution, France is a pioneer for the rum industry. The creation of new distilleries right in the heart of the metropolis is testimony to this rise, propelling the country to the forefront of the international scene. Young French entrepreneurs are starting to create spirits and embody a revival in French-style artisanal excellence. From Saint Pierre to Miquelon, via Brest, rum has the wind in its sails and is asserting itself as the only spirit to record growing demand for the 26-49 age group. A trend that highlights the flourishing innovation that characterizes the French rum landscape. An exploration of trends and mixology The World of Rum acts as a catalyst for emerging trends in the world of spirits. International speakers and professionals will share their success stories in the Wines and Spirits industry. With in particular Japan and its high-quality whiskeys, Mexico and its tequila and of course France with its champagne. The new French rum players will join the discussion to highlight their innovative production practices and their relationship to sugar cane cultivation. Internationally renowned bartenders will decipher the exciting evolution of mixology, which contributes to the development of rum, particularly in Asian countries. (Excerpt from a release)
0 Comments
Paul John Indian Single Malt announces the launch of the limited Paul John Christmas Edition 2023, the 6th release of the exclusive Paul John Christmas Edition series. Made at the award-winning distillery of John Distilleries in Goa, India, and with just 8,682 bottles released across all
markets this unpeated single malt of 46% ABV is a much awaited Collectors Whisky. Matured in ex-bourbon casks, finished in a Single Vintage Colheita Tawny Port Cask, and with no added colours or flavours, the Paul John Christmas Edition 2023 stands as a testament to the brand's dedication to crafting unforgettable whisky experiences. Aromas of creamy vanilla custard, dark chocolate, and rich dry fruit lead to deep flavours of sweet oak, velvety mocha, warm caramel, vanilla, and a subtle hint of spice on the palate. The finish is exuberantly fruity and delightfully long. ‘Our first Christmas Edition was released in 2018 with a very limited number of bottles, and ever since we have found this annual release to be much awaited across all markets,” remarks Paul P John, Chairman, John Distilleries Pvt Ltd, “This anticipation always inspires us to create even more special and exclusive editions every year, and this year we’re hoping to add more joy to the festive season and have chosen to release the Paul John Christmas Edition 2023 earlier than usual." (Excerpt from a release) Fine wines importer Wine Park hosted multiple masterclasses and grand tastings of prestigious Tuscan wine estate Brancaia across Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru in early October. The landmark Brancaia roadshow was hosted by Wine Park Founder and Head, Vishal Kadakia and Lucia Borri, Export Director and Brand Ambassador for Brancaia. The Brancaia wines showcased included the iconic Brancaia, TRE 2020, Brancaia, Chianti Classico 2021, Brancaia, IL BLU, "Super Tuscan" 2018 and Brancaia, ILATRAIA; Super Tuscan ; 2019. Brancaia is a family owned winery based in Tuscany with a history of 43 years and is one of the region’s leading organic wine makers. Brancaia’s wines have been part of Wine Park’s selection for over 15 years.
Brancaia’s three city roadshow included grand tastings at The St Regis and Grand Hyatt in Mumbai while in Bengaluru, the venues were JW Marriott and fine dining standalone restaurant Lupa. The Delhi venues included The Lalit and Captain’s Cellar at Taj Mahal hotel. Commenting on the Brancaia Roadshow which he co-hosted, Vishal Kadakia said, “Brancaia has been an integral part of Wine Park’s import selection for over 15 years now and it is incredible how the estate’s popularity has grown in India and come to be closely associated with Wine Park. Brancaia’s wines are a fine representation of Tuscan wines and over the years we have showcased not just the great red wines but white and rose wines as well.” Borri believed India contains great potential as an market for imported wines. “The Indian market presents great opportunities and there is still so much space to grow. I just got the feeling that wine is no longer part of a status to reach but something to enjoy and share. Ever since we entered the market in 2008 with Wine Park, we have seen this interest grow and with many more people asking to visit our winery when traveling in Italy. Thanks to Vishal and Ashu for their partnership in all these years and we look forward to many more years ahead,” Borri said. (Excerpt from a release) Spaceman Spirits Lab of Samsara fame have set foot in the Rum game with the launch of Sitara. They have come up with 2 expressions, a white and a spiced. The Maiden Voyage, is a blend of the finest rums distilled on the tropical shores of the Indian Peninsula.
The first release from the Maiden Voyage, is a barrel aged white rum, a blend of column & pot distilled Indian rums that are aged in Virgin American Oak barrels and then charcoal filtered to achieve a clear and delicious rum. The second release, a Botanical Spiced Rum is also a blend of column & pot distilled Indian rums, however, this expression is aged for a longer duration and then blended with seven botanical distillates to create a spiced rum with a distinctively Indian personality. SĪTÄRĀ Barrel Aged Rum (INR 1200) and SĪTÄRĀ Botanical Spiced Rum (INR 1350) are now on shelves across Goa with other select states to follow soon! Building on a collective of sixteen winemakers from seven different nationalities located in Argentina, Brazil, California, Australia, China, and India, Chandon has thrived since its inception in 1959, on the exchange of ideas and savoir-faire. With a vision to become India’s premium homegrown wine brand, Aurva is the co-creation of a harmonious duet between Kaushal Khairnar, India’s whizz-kid head winemaker and the youngest of Chandon's chefs de caves, and Chandon Australia’s winemaking director, Dan Buckle, a master in the art of Shiraz winemaking. Together the two experts have crafted a wine that reflects the best of both worlds – a poetic expression of Shiraz that captures the essence of India's unique climate and terroir while benefiting from the shared wisdom, skill, and experience of a talented master winemaker.
The Indian winery was inaugurated in 2014. By that time, Shiraz had already established itself as a star in the Indian wine landscape. The winemakers saw the potential of Nashik’s unique soils and climate, which, while unconventional for wine, held the promise of producing colourful, aromatic, and sensual Shiraz based sparkling wines. This success of these inspired Kaushal Khairnar and Dan Buckle when they started working on the creation of a new expression for the brand, an exquisite red wine they would name Aurva -the term “Aurva” translates to ‘of the earth’ in Sanskrit- paying tribute to the land and mythic beauty of the unique terroir of Nashik, Maharashtra: ‘the ancient home of the Warli people and their sacred art and culture.’ Concentrating on one harvest per year the winemakers imposed a selective approach that allows focus on the quality, freshness and integrity of the grapes. Meticulously crafted using 100% locally sourced Shiraz grapes carefully hand harvested by the brand's partner growers in Nashik, India’s wine capital, aged in French oak barrels for ten months, Aurva offers a symphony of rich aromas, velvety smoothness, and flavors of cloves, cherry, blueberry and plum. “Moët Hennessy is globally recognized and in India, we are not only ‘Made in India’ but ‘India Proud’. Aurva is a significant step in exactly that direction. We are confident in expanding our wine portfolio while maintaining a clear focus on the authenticity and quality of our products. With the launch of Aurva, we aim to showcase Nashik's craftsmanship and encourage people to savor and explore another premium homegrown wine from the Moët Hennessy India portfolio. Aurva is a wine we are honoured to introduce to India and the world.” said Ipsita Das, Managing Director, Moët Hennessy India. CHANDON Aurva, priced at INR 4250 is currently available in Mumbai (excerpt from a release) Moldova is set to host the prestigious Congress of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) in 2025, a landmark event for the global wine community. This announcement, coinciding with the Moldova National Wine Day, underlines the significant contributions and commitment of the Republic of Moldova to the global viticulture sector
Established in 1924, the OIV plays a crucial role in harmonizing and standardizing the global wine industry, providing support and assistance through its extensive network of over 1,000 international experts from its 50 member states. As the organization marks its centenary, the year 2024 has been declared the “International Year of Vine and Wine”, celebrated under the overarching theme: “The Vine and Wine of Tomorrow”. On October 4, 2023, Luigi Moio, President of the OIV, expressed joy over the approved request from the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Moldova to organize the 46th OIV Congress in 2025. He stated, “I'm thrilled, as this Congress will be the fifth in the second century of our organization's history and it will take place in Moldova. Congratulations on the occasion of National Wine Day! This significant celebration, observed in various nations, plays a significant role in transferring the cherished tradition of winemaking to future generations.” Hosting the OIV Congress in 2025 in Moldova is not only an extraordinary honor but also an immense responsibility and an opportunity. This occasion allows us to showcase Moldova’s dedication and passion for winemaking. Moldovan Wine has tirelessly promoted quality, sustainability, and innovation over the past ten years. The OIV Congress hosted in the Republic of Moldova will be a symbolic event, showing collaboration and commitment to further strengthening Moldova’s status as a significant and respected player in the global wine landscape. This announcement caps a decade of reform and evolution for the wine industry, celebrated as part of the “10 Years of Moldovan Wine Revolution” campaign, aligning with the National Wine Day festivities held on October 7-8, 2023. (excerpt from a release) Himmaleh Spirits, India’s first traceable distillery focused on artisanal spirits, today announced the launch of its first product, Kumaon & I - a provincial dry Gin that celebrates the unique terroir and rich flavours of Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region.
With a strong focus on farm-to-bottle and sustainable sourcing, Himmaleh Spirits is a family-owned and independent artisanal spirits distillery founded by Ansh Khanna and Samarth Prasad. The company aims to encourage consumers to drink better by shaping not just a legacy of spirits but also a legacy of social and environmental responsibility. Its hyperlocal approach drives it to work only with botanicals from Uttarakhand, fostering sustainable progress for the region. About Kumaon & I – India's First Provincial Gin A careful curation from the house of Himmaleh Spirits, Kumaon & I is an all-natural Himalayan dry Gin made from fresh Himalayan spring water. It embodies a unique selection of 11 regional botanicals that are slowly distilled at source for 9 hours, to extract the maximum flavour and lend a distinct texture to the spirit. Among its standout botanicals are Timur, a berry-like Szechuan pepper that infuses a delightful fusion of fruitiness and spice, and Black Turmeric, cultivated at an altitude of over 10,000 feet, endowing it with an extended growth cycle and a richly concentrated flavour. This is complemented by coriander seeds and two distinct citrus fruits – Galgal, a local citrus variety, and Kinu, which introduces nuanced sweet undertones. Label & Bottle Design The logo and bottle design draw inspiration from the traditions and culture of the Kumaon community. The black circles symbolise the circularity of sustainable farming, while the lines embody the commitment to traceability through local sourcing and the dedication to the ‘farm to bottle’ ethos. The colours (white and red) trace their roots to Aipan, a local hand-painted art form drawn on a smooth surface of wet ochre mud (Geru), which is red. A white paste (Bisvar), made by grounding cooked rice in water, is used by women to draw patterns on this surface. Ansh Khanna, Co-Founder of Himmaleh Spirits, said, “Having witnessed the incredible wealth of natural resources in India, we decided to delve deeper into using a hyperlocal approach to spirit production. We are thrilled to introduce Kumaon & I, India’s first premium provincial Gin crafted from unique Himalayan botanicals like Timur and Black Turmeric, along with local citrus fruits like Galgal. These ingredients create an earthy essence and an unmistakable mouthfeel that encapsulate the flavours of Uttarakhand.” Current Availability: Rs 2,700 (Uttarakhand), Rs 2,896 (Goa), RS 3000 (Gurgaon) (Excerpt from a release) Moldova's Wine Wins Over the World, to celebrate October 7th and 8th as national wine days, 20239/25/2023 Chisinau, Moldova – September 25, 2023 – The Republic of Moldova is once again gearing up for the 22nd edition of National Wine Day, an extraordinary wine celebration event in Eastern Europe. Traditionally held on the first weekend of October each year, this year's festivities are scheduled for October 7th and 8th. Wine of Moldova is preparing to host a remarkable showcase featuring a record-breaking lineup of over 90 wineries, ranging from well-established producers to a burgeoning number of boutique wineries. "Our Wine Wins Over the World" is the chosen theme for this year's Moldova's National Wine Day, echoing the remarkable international recognition that Wine of Moldova has garnered in recent years. It encapsulates a decade of remarkable achievements and revolutionary successes in the global wine arena since the launch of Moldova's wine country brand, "Wine of Moldova. A legend alive."
Over the past 10 years, Moldovan wines have made significant strides in quality, propelling us to become the most awarded country in Eastern Europe at international competitions. Moldova proudly claims the title of the "World's Best Red Wine," a testament to our dedication and craftsmanship. Moldovan wines have received record recognition at international competitions, amassing over 6,000 medals. On October 7th and 8th, the Great National Assembly Square will undergo a stunning transformation into a vibrant wine city. This gathering will unite winemakers, oenologists, wine connoisseurs, and industry professionals, alongside enthusiastic tourists from all corners of the globe. More than 90 dedicated winemakers will proudly come together under the banner of Moldova's renowned wine brand, "Wine of Moldova”, to showcase their exceptional vinous creations. The event will also feature a prestigious award ceremony recognizing outstanding figures in the wine industry, a diverse program of captivating artistic and cultural performances, the "Wine School" dedicated to educating consumers on responsible wine consumption and nurturing wine culture, as well as tailored tours and exclusive programs at Moldova's wine-rich oenotourism destinations. With National Wine Day typically attracting around 100,000 attendees, including local residents, tourists, and industry experts, this year's celebration promises to be even more remarkable as it marks the 10th anniversary of Wine of Moldova. (excerpt from a release) Mumbai, Maharashtra, India East Side Distillery, Goa-based craft spirit company, announces a prestigious win for its latest venture, Portal Gin. Portal Gin has bagged the prestigious Silver Award at the 2023 Asian Gin Masters held in Hong Kong. This remarkable achievement follows in the footsteps of DOJA Gin, the world's first Indo-Japanese Gin, also crafted by ESD, securing the same accolade at the highly regarded Asian Gin Masters in 2022. Portal is a London Dry Gin, meticulously crafted using an array of botanicals including juniper berries, coriander, lime, orange, angelica root, thyme, liquorice root, black pepper, green cardamom, and ginger root. Each botanical is intricately measured and blended to achieve the perfect symphony of flavours, culminating in a gin that stands unparalleled in terms of both taste and quality. As a result, this gin exudes a harmonious and refreshing profile, possessing a complexity and sophistication that belies its remarkably affordable price point. Reflecting on this win, Victor De Benito, Head Distiller & Global Brand Ambassador, East Side Distillery and Member of the Gin Guild said, "Our journey at East Side Distillery is about more than just creating beverages; it's about creating experiences. Each bottle we produce is a fusion of tradition and innovation, encapsulating the rich tapestry of global influences that inspire our craft. This win reinforces our belief that quality should be accessible to all, and Portal Gin, with its intricate botanical blend, is a testament to that vision.”
( Excerpt from a press release) HAMILTON, Bermuda- -Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held international spirits company in the world, announced today the completion of a transaction that makes the family-owned company the sole owner of ILEGAL Mezcal®, a leading super premium artisanal mezcal. The transaction follows a successful relationship in which Bacardi partnered with ILEGAL since 2015. The super premium plus mezcal category is growing at a fast pace and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 16% over the next five years according to IWSR. Between now and 2027, the agave category – which includes both mezcal and tequila – is expected to be the sixth largest category globally, and it recently overtook American Whiskey to become the second largest category (by value) in the U.S. At 86% of global market share, the United States dominates the super premium mezcal category. (Source: 2022 IWSR). “We believe that ILEGAL has the credentials to own and lead the super premium mezcal category at a global level. ILEGAL perfectly complements our portfolio and bringing it into our business sets the brand up for even greater growth as mezcal captivates more and more consumers,” says Barry Kabalkin, Vice Chairman of Bacardi Limited. “Bacardi and ILEGAL have a shared commitment to communities, quality, and environmental sustainability that we will build upon together as we look to invest for the long term. As a family-owned business for seven generations, we are always building for the future to maintain the legacy that is Bacardi,” says Mahesh Madhavan, Bacardi Limited Chief Executive Officer. ILEGAL, recognized globally for its lifestyle branding, also prides itself on being a responsible and sustainable business. They work with fourth-generation maestros mezcaleros in Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca, Mexico. ILEGAL Mezcal is double distilled in small batches using 100% Espadin agave. ILEGAL Mezcal is 100% natural and uses no artificial colors, yeasts, flavors, or additives. It is certified as artisanal mezcal by the Consejo Regulador del Mezcal (CRM).
John Rexer created ILEGAL in 2006, after years of working with small distillers in Oaxaca to make mezcal for his bar in Guatemala. John’s goal has been to bring the finest artisanal mezcal to a global market. He has worked closely with the distillers in Oaxaca to create sustainable jobs, and to be a positive force in protecting the environment and preserving local culture. John will continue to guide the vision of the brand. “We are excited about the next stage of the journey,” says John Rexer. “Success for ILEGAL goes beyond seeing more of our bottles on shelves; it’s about building our business the right way. We will always be committed to artisanal production, the Oaxacan community, and our core values. Being a part of Bacardi will bring ILEGAL to a larger audience while maintaining our commitment to sustainability and growing the business responsibly.” ILEGAL Mezcal is available in Joven, a full-bodied agave flavor with a light smoke; Reposado, aged six months in medium-charred American oak; and Añejo, aged to taste for 13 months using a combination of new and used American oak, medium char barrels. (Excerpt from a release) Mumbai, India Notable South Australian estate Two Hands Wines and fine wines importer Wine Park hosted a tasting of Australian Shiraz, featuring the estate’s finest styles from vineyards across Barossa Valley, Mclaren Vale and more. Two Hands Wines proprietor Pierre-Henri Morel and Wine Park head Vishal Kadakia co-hosted the tasting with Mumbai’s leading restaurateurs, retailer and media in attendance. Morrel took participants through an elaborate tasting of seven wines featuring the estate’s Picture Series and the highly rewarded Bella’s Garden as well Two Hand’s top wine, Holy Grail. The Two Hands Wines tasting was held on August 28 at Four Seasons Mumbai. Pierre-Henri Morel introduced the Two Hands wines by laying an emphasis on the estate’s philosophy, saying that, “Two Hands has always focused on the highlighting the regional identity of the Shiraz grape in the Barossa Valley and across South Australia. We do this by crushing grapes from specific regions so as to capture the unique regional styles like Barossa and Mclaren Vale. We also believe in nurturing the vines and the soil with an organic approach in the vineyard.” Morrel believes that the wine is foremost made in the vineyard : The vineyard is the champion. That is where the magic happens. The seven wines tasted were:
Two Hands, Angels' Share, Shiraz 2020 Two Hands, Brave Faces, GMS 2020 Two Hands, Gnarly Dudes, Shiraz 2020 Two Hands, Sexy Beast, Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 Two Hands Wines Bella's Garden Shiraz 2021 Two Hands Tenacity Old Vine Shiraz 2022 Two Hands Holy Grail Shiraz, 2021 Wine Park founder and head Vishal Kadakia said on the occasion, “Our journey with Two Hands has been very rewarding, more so because I believe Wine Park has help build the local niche that enjoy premium quality Australian wines. And Two Hands is right up there with the best. I was an admirer of Two Hands wines for a long time, having tasted them back in US several years ago. I was also impressed by how Two Hands featured 13 times in the last 20 years in the Wine Spectator Top 100.” (Excerpt from a release) Although conditions were somewhat turbulent at times, the course of the year to date has fuelled high expectations for this year’s vintage. According to estimates, the harvest volume is expected to be around 2.3 million hectolitres. The course is set for another successful year for Austrian wine. Alongside a good quality of wine, this success can also be explained by the positive export trends and the affinity that Austrians have with their country’s wines. Johannes Schmuckenschlager, President of the Austrian Winegrowers´ Association, expects a promising 2023 vintage. “Following a climatically turbulent and challenging season that was marked by severe storms, we are forecasting a wine harvest of around 2.3 million hectolitres – slightly lower than the volume of the previous year. Nevertheless, we are expecting a very good quality of wine. With this year’s growth cycle having been characterised by alternating spells of rainfall and hot weather, the perfect course has been set,” reported Schmuckenschlager at a press conference in Vienna this week. Chris Yorke, CEO of the Austrian Wine Marketing Board (Austrian Wine) also responded positively to the forecast for the 2023. “With yet another excellent vintage, the course is set to continue the successful growth of Austrian wine – international markets included. Despite the difficult situation over the past few years, our vintners managed to grow export values in 2022. On the domestic market, the release of Sturm [Ed.: partially fermented grape juice from Austria] marks the start of a key sales period for the wine industry. Austrian Wine is supporting this with a focus on revenue-boosting areas, such as wine tourism, the promotion of high-quality Riedenwein (single-vineyard wine) and Reserve wine for the festive season, and the Sekt Austria concept,” Yorke said. Very changeable weather throughout 2023
To date, the weather in 2023 has been positive. The year kicked off with a very dry winter, followed by a mix of warm and cool days in March. April was remarkably cool, yet the second half of the month brought very welcome rainfall. The rather cool weather caused relatively late budding of the vines, at the end of the month. This was very good news, however, given the threat of late frost at this time of year. Fortunately, the cooler temperatures in early May did not cause any late frost damage either – a risk that persists in the vineyard until mid-May. The warmth of the vegetation period that began in the second half of May led to strong growth of the vines. Blossoming began in mid-June in most wine-growing regions. “This late onset, compared to previous years, is viewed positively by the wine industry because a later blossom also means a later start to the ripening period – going more into autumn – when more moderate daytime temperatures and somewhat cooler nights can be expected. This generally leads to more harmonious wines with a well-balanced sugar-acid ratio,” explained Schmuckenschlager. Flowering progressed very well in most regions. Poor flowering conditions were extremely localised, unfortunately resulting in coulure. The first hot spell of the year began at the end of June and lasted until the beginning of August, with temperatures largely staying above 30 °C. “Contrary to winemakers’ fears, drought damage was fortunately kept at bay – in contrast to the previous year – due to the ground having been well-supplied with water during the preceding falls of rain. Just a few young vineyards were adversely affected by the prolonged dry period. Precipitation at the beginning of August managed to refill the drained water reserves and was particularly important considering that the ripening period was about to start,” Schmuckenschlager added. The second heatwave of the year, which similarly saw temperatures in excess of 30 °C, enabled the ripening process to advance very quickly. Further precipitation was recorded at the end of August, which is especially important for the grapes to ripen fully. Schmuckenschlager is hoping for nice, dry weather over the next few weeks to ensure that everything is in place for a very good vintage. (Excerpt from a release) Premium alcohol brands have continued to grow and sell in the face of the global cost of living crisis, reveals a Euromonitor International expert. Spiros Malandrakis, Head of Alcoholic Drinks at leading market research firm Euromonitor International, said that from champagne to ultra-premium English gin and from Tequila to prestige Dark Rum all the way to non-alcoholic spirits and aperitivo-embracing bitters, premiumization remains firmly in the spotlight. “This is premiumisation against all the odds. Aspirational momentum is overcoming the cost of living crisis. In fact, iconic segments that are now intricately associated with aspirational consumption and increasingly higher end offerings are among the top sales performers,” said Spiros.
The purchase of premium wines, spirits and non-alcoholic alternatives by consumers during the steepest inflationary spirals in modern history reflects the diverse range of consumer behaviours and motivations that exist within a population. For many consumers indulging in premium products is seen as a way to enjoy occasional luxuries or as a form of escapism. The consumption of premium wines and spirits can also be viewed as a status symbol or a reflection of personal taste and sophistication. Some consumers are willing to allocate a portion of their income to maintain their desired lifestyle, impress others and demonstrate their social standing or expertise in the field of wines and spirits. Spiros said: “The inexorable march towards ever more premium offerings has been a key theme and driver for the alcohol industry for decades and there is no category that remains impervious to the trend’s relevance and long-term appeal. As one of the steepest inflationary spirals in modern history places extraordinary pressure on drinkers’ discretionary incomes, the premiumization mantra is being put to the test and the results are proof of how solidly embedded it has now become. Contrary to expectations and parallels to previous recessionary cycles, there are no significant signs of sustained or heavy trading down - at least not just yet!” (Excerpt from a release) Heineken (brand value up 10% to USD7.6 billion) has overtaken Corona Extra (brand value up 6% to USD7.4 billion) to become the world’s most valuable beer brand. Despite the inflationary pressures being faced by consumers, beer brands continue to see brand value growth. Further, Heineken also ranked second in terms of brand strength. Every year, leading brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance puts 5,000 of the biggest brands to the test, and publishes over 100 reports, ranking brands across all sectors and countries. The world’s top 50 most valuable and strongest Beer brands are included in the annual Brand Finance Beer 50 2023 ranking. Asahi isn’t bitter, earning world’s strongest beer brand title with a AAA+ rating
Asahi (brand value up 11% to USD2.8 billion) is the world’s strongest beer brand, earning a brand strength index score of 92.6 out of 100, and a corresponding AAA+ rating. As Japan’s most popular beer brand, regional support has been a key driver in developing brand strength. Tsingtao and Zhujiang from China giving the buzz with two fastest brand value growth around global beer market Zhujiang (brand value up 44% to US$680 million) claims the title of beer’s fasted-growing brand, followed by Tsingtao (up 39% to US$2.1 billion). Zhujiang grew this past year, in part, thanks to its improved standing with younger, more price-sensitive consumers. While competitors have opted for price hikes, Zhujiang has maintained stable beer prices, offering a quality, mid-price alternative. Tsingtao’s impressive brand value growth links directly to the brand’s revitalised business model. In 2022, Tsingtao launched over 250 taverns and introduced the brand’s new and immersive customer-centric strategy. Chinese wine? Changyu brand challenges Moët & Chandon for world’s most valuable wine brand7/28/2023 Maintaining the number one spot for the third consecutive year, Moët & Chandon (brand value down 10% to USD1.3 billion) tops the ranking as the world’s most valuable wine brand. Despite a slight decline in brand value, the Champagne champion stays just ahead of the ranking’s second most valuable brand Changyu (brand value up 33% to USD1.2 billion), which climbed two positions in this year’s ranking. Changyu – little known amongst western wine connoisseurs – will be a shock challenger at the top of the wine brand rankings. However, the massive and growing size of the Chinese wine market means that the brand is extremely valuable. Every year, leading brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance puts 5,000 of the biggest brands to the test, and publishes over 100 reports, ranking brands across all sectors and countries. The world’s top 15 most valuable and strongest Champagne & Wine brands are included in the annual Brand Finance Champagne & Wine 15 2023 ranking.Henry Farr, Associate Director at Brand Finance said:
“Within the Wine & Champagnes sector, Wines have performed better in terms of brand value growth. High-end Champagnes have taken a hit. Difficult growing conditions, reduced availability and price hikes have steered some consumers towards lower-end sparkling wines as an alternative. For those less effected by harsher financial situations, this could be due to not wanting to appear vulgar or ostentatious by indulging in luxury products when others are struggling with the rising costs of living.” Changyu is the world’s strongest Wine & Champagne brand, rated AAA- In addition to calculating brand value, Brand Finance also determines the relative strength of brands through a balanced scorecard of metrics evaluating marketing investment, stakeholder equity, and business performance. Compliant with ISO 20671, Brand Finance’s assessment of stakeholder equity incorporates original market research data from over 100,000 respondents in 38 countries and across 31 sectors. Changyu (up 33% to brand value USD1.2 billion) becomes the strongest Wine & Champagnes brand with a BSI score of 83.2 out of 100, earning it a AAA- rating. The China-based brand boasts three consecutive years of brand strength growth. (Excerpt from a press release) Australian wine exports declined by 10 per cent in value to $1.87 billion and 1 per cent in volume to 621 million litres in the year ended June 2023, according to Wine Australia’s latest Export Report released today.The decline in value was largely driven by a reduction in exports to the United States of America (US), as lower-priced packaged exports continued to decline. Exports to the United Kingdom (UK) also continued to decline, following the two years of elevated shipments due to pre-Brexit demand and COVID-19 related market impacts. The latest export results are partially reflective of broader global trends reported by market research firm IWSR, with all wine consumption globally declining 3 per cent in volume in 2022, but premium price segments bucking the trend with continued growth, albeit at slower rates than recent years.Wine Australia Manager, Market Insights, Peter Bailey said that more than half of the decline in Australia’s export value took place in shipments with an average value between $2.50 to $4.99 per litre free on board (FOB), which are generally wines exported in their final packaging and sold in lower priced retail segments. “Wine consumption in mature markets is in decline, driven by decreases in the commercial price segments. This is impacting Australia’s export performance, especially in the US, as Australia is very exposed to the price segments in decline,” Mr. Bailey said. In comparison to value, export volume was stable as a short-term, supply driven increase in unpackaged wine shipments, especially to Canada, was outweighed by declines in volume to many of Australia’s export destinations.“The growth in unpackaged shipments comes as the shipping challenges of the past couple years have eased, allowing Australian exporters to catch up and ease pressure on inventory,” Mr Bailey said. The two diverging trends – the supply driven rise in unpackaged wine exports and the demand driven decline in packaged shipments as consumers in traditional markets turn away from wine in lower price segments – meant that exports with an average value below $5 per litre declined by 11 per cent in value but increased by 1 per cent in volume.
“The increase in unpackaged exports and the decline in packaged exports has resulted in the share of unpackaged exports growing by 8 percentage points to a 69 per cent volume share. This has an impact on the overall average value of exports, as unpackaged exports do not include packaging costs and are therefore inherently lower in value,” Mr Bailey said. Exports above $5 per litre declined by 14 per cent in volume and 9 per cent in value. The markets driving the decline in this segment were Singapore, the US, Canada, and the UK – while growth to Hong Kong was able to offset part of this decline. “According to IWSR, the value of global premium wine sales grew by 2 per cent in 2022, a lower growth rate compared to recent years due to economic and inflationary pressures. Globally, consumers are cutting back on alcohol spending as prices rise for food and other necessities but are choosing to drink less often rather than trade down price segments.” Australian wine was exported to 117 global destinations during the year, up from 112 in 2022. Sixty-six of these destinations recorded growth in the value of exports during the year, while 51 declined. Exports to Europe and North America both declined during the year. Europe declined by 15 per cent to $556 million, driven mostly by the UK, but 12 of the top 13 destinations in the region also declined in value. North America declined by 14 per cent to $525 million. Exports to Asia declined by 4 per cent to $637 million. There were mixed results across the Asian region, including a decline in exports to Singapore and an increase in exports to Hong Kong, two key trading hubs in the region, reflecting unpredictable market conditions at present. Key emerging markets such as Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam grew in value during the period. The top five markets by value were:
Luc Belaire has created the World's Largest Bottle of Bubbly*, dubbed "ZEUS," after the supreme ruler of the Greek gods. At 45 liters (the equivalent of 60 standard bottles of Belaire), Belaire ZEUS is the largest bottle of bubbly currently available. Its colossal form stands at more than one meter (3.5 feet) in height and weighs 72.5kg (160 pounds when full, requiring the strength of three people to carry and pour!
Luca Belaire, the brand Luc Belaire is a premium brand produced in France with the 5th and 6th generation father-and-son winemakers overseeing production of each bottle of Belaire at their Maison in Montagny-les-Beaune, established in 1898. The line includes Belaire Gold, made in Burgundy from a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, alongside Belaire's top-selling cuvée Belaire Rare Rosé, crafted from a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah grapes, Belaire Luxe, an elegant 'blanc de blancs' made exclusively from Chardonnay, and Belaire Luxe Rosé, made from a classic blend of rosé varietals with a unique dosage. Finally, Belaire's Fantôme (French for "phantom") range houses each of its cuvées in a luminescent bottle which lights up at the touch of the button. The latest addition to the portfolio is Belaire Bleu, a limited-edition bottling with a spectacular sapphire color, inspired by the beautiful blue waters of France's Côte d'Azur. The Make of the bottle: Belaire ZEUS is a masterpiece of metalworking skill and creativity. The bottle was seven years in the making, crafted by aerospace engineers using a procedure never undertaken before: a process of spin forming, machining, internal coating, powder coating and pressure testing. Its steel form both insulates and protects the wine from extreme temperature and ensures Belaire ZEUS is nearly unbreakable! Only Two bottles Extremely limited in production, only two bottles of Belaire ZEUS have been produced. One is filled with Belaire's signature Rare Rosé, a unique French sparkling wine which has become America's No.1 Rosé. The second contains Luc Belaire Luxe, our smash hit demi sec; both are vinted at our winery in the heart of Burgundy. Each bottle of Belaire ZEUS contains an extraordinary three billion bubbles! Belaire, Celebrities & Celebrations Belaire's iconic bottles have, until now, been produced up to an impressive 15-liter size, known as a Nebuchadnezzar. The brand's large format bottles have become the go-to for celebrities, influencers, recording artists and athletes across the globe to celebrate career milestones, album launches and championship wins. With its towering form, ZEUS presents an extraordinary photo-op for fans - as such, both bottles will be undertaking a global tour! The tour will start in the U.S., where celebrities, creators and select fans will be invited to lift Belaire ZEUS via a bespoke pulley system, with a prize awarded to anyone strong enough to lift the massive bottle! You can expect to see Belaire ZEUS featured at events, sporting matches and in music videos. The tour's first stop will be at the Luc Belaire office in Manhattan, New York, where friends and fans will have the opportunity to be photographed next to this titanic wine bottle. The International Wine Challenge, a global wine competition, has announced the results of its 2023 competition. Thousands of wines from over 50 countries were entered into the competition and blind tasted by an international panel of experts last month, with awards going to over 6,000 wines from across the world. Winemaking heavyweights such as France, Australia and Spain topped the table but there were plenty of surprises too, with Netherlands claiming its first Silver medal and countries such as Egypt and Denmark getting their first taste of medal success.
8 Indian wines including 4 sparkling wines emerged winners with Sula Brut Sparkling NV and Source Sauvignon Blanc 2022 bagging bronze medals. 6 wines comprising Sula Dindori Reserve Viognier 2022, Rasa Syrah 2021, J'Noon Red 2021, Noi Sparkling NV, Chandon Brut and Rose NV sparklings won the came out as "commended" winners. Peter McCombie MW, IWC Co-Chair explained, “An International Wine Challenge medal gives consumers the confidence to be adventurous and try wines from countries that they may not have previously associated with top quality wine. It takes the risk out of buying wine from up-and-coming wine-producing nations such as India, Demark and the Netherlands, which have all been recognised with medals in this year’s challenge.” Emerging markets in Southeast Asia showed strong growth for Australian wine exports but were unable to offset declining value to traditional markets, where tough conditions continued in the year to the end of March 2023, according to Wine Australia’s latest Export Report released today.
Australian wine exports overall declined by 7 per cent in value to $1.90 billion and 1 per cent in volume to 620 million litres (69 million 9-litre case equivalents) in the year to 31 March 2023. This is 18 per cent below the 10-year average value of $2.30 billion and 16 per cent below the 10-year average volume of 736 million litres. Wine Australia Manager, Market Insights Peter Bailey said the year-on-year decline in value was largely driven by a decrease in exports to the United Kingdom (UK). “The UK is still experiencing the decline that we’ve previously reported, which is the result of elevated shipments over the past two years due to pre-Brexit demand and COVID-19 induced changes in consumer preferences,” Mr Bailey said. “In comparison to value, total shipment volume was relatively stable – with the large decline to the UK being outweighed by volume growth to the United States (US) and Canada, particularly in unpackaged wine, as global shipping conditions continue to improve. “A positive in the report is that Australia’s diversification into emerging markets is starting to bear fruit, which is beneficial for longer-term stability and growth. Southeast Asia grew strongly at both the commercial and premium ends of the price spectrum, and to key emerging markets including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Philippines. “Australian exporters shipped wine to more individual destinations around the world. But it is also pleasing to see that the regional share of export value has remained even; with around a one-third share of Australia’s export value going each to Asia, North America and Europe." The export results are representative of the incredibly tough conditions for Australian wine globally. The below long-term average performance comes at a time when economic hardship and increased competition from other beverages are impacting traditional markets for Australian wine. “In traditional markets for Australian wine, the decline in the demand for wine is being felt the most in lower price segments while premium wine is still finding growth, as consumers purchase wine less frequently but are choosing to spend more on each wine product they purchase,” Mr Bailey said. “This change disproportionally affects Australia, as a large share of exports to traditional markets such as the UK and US are currently in lower priced products, and this therefore impacts export performance. It’s a tough export environment for Australian wine.” Australian wine exports in all price segments below $10 per litre FOB declined in value in the year ended March 2023. The biggest loss was in exports valued between $2.50 to $4.99 per litre FOB, which were mostly glass bottle exports shipped to the US, UK, and New Zealand. Exports above $10 per litre FOB were stable during the year, staying at $621 million in value and 24 million litres in volume. In the year to the end of March 2023, Australia shipped wine to 118 destinations – up from 112 in the same period in 2022. The strongest region for growth in Australian wine exports was to Southeast Asia, up 9 per cent to $301 million. Offsetting this growth was a decline in exports to North America, down 5 per cent to $557 million, and to Europe, down 17 per cent to $568 million. European markets are experiencing tough operating conditions resulting from economic challenges and conflict in the region. Northeast Asia also declined, down 5 per cent to $318 million. The top five export destinations by value were:
![]() Adrián Michalčík, Diageo World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2022, will be embarking on a 10 day tour of Asia to showcase new and delicious ways to enjoy Single Malt Scotch Whisky in collaboration with The Singleton. The tour, which kicks off on Wednesday 15th March, will begin in Seoul before continuing onto Manila, Ho Chi Minh and Taipei with a final stop in Tokyo. The region will be the first to showcase Adrián’s journey with The Singleton, following an exclusive preview at Adrián’s bar, Pier 42 at the Amerikalinjen Hotel, in Oslo at the end of last month. In each market, Adrián, alongside The Singleton Global Brand Ambassador Ervin Trykowski, will be hosting a series of events, providing local industry with an opportunity to work with the World’s Best Bartender through seminars, cocktail cartography, and guest shifts. Prior to the guest shift, Adrián will be visiting local suppliers, exploring regional ingredients and fresh produce that will be used to inspire a unique cocktail menu to be served that evening, made in collaboration with Adrián, The Singleton, and the bar team. Alongside the trade events there will also be exclusive ticketed events for consumers, where guests will be invited to enjoy a host of cocktails made exclusively with The Singleton alongside special pairing dishes designed in collaboration with Adrián and inspired by the cultural terroir, pushing the boundaries where mixology and gastronomy collide. Among Adrián’s successes at the World Class Global Finals this year, he was named the winner of The Singleton challenge for his cocktail, Equality, inspired by The Singleton’s incredible flavour that disrupts expectations about Scotch Whisky, how and who it should be enjoyed by. The Singleton is proud to be supporting Adrián’s journey to make beautiful Single Malt Scotch cocktails enjoyed by the many, not the few. Adrián Michalčík, Diageo World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2022, says: “I am honoured to partner with The Singleton on this journey to explore the unexpected ways that Single Malt Scotch Whisky can be enjoyed, and to have the opportunity to share these experiences together with the amazing mixology community across Asia. I cannot wait to also explore the outstanding offerings of these great cocktail cities and meet with the bartenders that make it happen.” The Singleton Global Brand Ambassador Ervin Trykowski said: “The vibrancy of scotch cocktails in Asia is a testament to the region's innovative spirit and enthusiasm for experimenting with new tastes, making it the perfect place for us to bring this unique concept. We’re looking forward to inspiring cocktail lovers in each city to discover a new way to enjoy The Singleton with the Best Bartender in the World.” In addition to his role as Diageo World Class Global Bartender of the Year in 2022 Adrián is Director of Mixology at the award-winning Pier 42 at the Amerikalinjen Hotel in Oslo, Norway. Adrián has a passion for whisky and in particular whisky aperitif cocktails. He also has a keen interest in the relationship between gastronomy and mixology and combines these passions to carefully balance flavours to create simple yet sophisticated drinks delivered with warm hospitality. World Class x The Singleton Asia Tour Agenda 15th-16th March - Seoul 17th - 19th March - Manila 19th - 21st March - Ho Chi Minh 21st - 22nd March - Taipei 22nd March - 24th March - Tokyo (Excerpt from a release) ![]() This March, sip on Sabatini as you welcome the summer! Leading Importer of Wines and Spirits Anggel’s Share takes the team behind the award winning family-owned Tuscan brand Sabatini Gin on a 3-city tour of India. Immerse yourself in the Spirit of Tuscany as Sabatini’s very own Co-Founder Enrico Sabatini and Mattia Lotti – Sabatini’s Global brand Ambassador take you through a gin-filled week filled with refreshing guest shifts and masterclasses across the country to be-GIN summer on the right note from Tuesday, 14th March to Saturday, 18th March 2023 across Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore. Leading the tour across India is the Italian Co-Founder Enrico Sabatini who will be meeting with guests and introducing them to the first gin that combines classic London Dry Gin distilling techniques with Tuscan botanicals and herbs into a stunningly designed bottle resembling the Tuscan landscape. Come experience exclusive cocktails created by the global brand ambassador Mattia Lotti specially for the tour made using Sabatini Gin like Sabatini Mule which blends the gin with Lime Juice and Ginger beer topped off with a garnish of sage leaf; Tuscany Negroni which mixes the gin with sweet vermouth, dry vermouth and red bitter liqueur and Beetini’s Knees which mixes Sabatini Gin with Lemon Juice and a honey mix. Gin Lovers, A must try is the Last Word is Sabatini an intriguing creation of Sabatini Gin with Green Chartreuse Maraschino Liqueur and Lemon Bitters beautifully decorated with a Lemon Zest and Maraschino Cherry among other creations you can expect! SCHEDULE FOR THE GIN TOUR : Wednesday, 15th March 2023 | 8 PM onwards: Guest Shift by Mattia Lotti at Koko, Mumbai Thursday, 16th March 2023 | 8 PM onwards: Guest Shift by Mattia Lotti at The Library Bar at The Leela, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi Friday, 17th March 2023 | 8 PM onwards: Guest Shift by Mattia Lotti at Ophelia, The Ashok, Chanakyapuri Saturday, 18th March 2023| 7.30 PM onwards: Guest Shift by Mattia Lotti at Daysie – All Day Casual Bar, Bangalore Coming from the recent success of winning the Silver medal in the World Gin Award 2023 in the London Dry Gin category, Sabatini Gin can best be described as a London Dry Gin with a Tuscan soul. Since 2015, the Sabatini Family has been devoted to developing a unique product that is capable of bringing the best of Made in Italy to the world. In a labor of love for their land, the family’s work transmits the story of the natural beauty of the Tuscan hillside, complete with its scents and incomparable views. Four members of the Sabatini family are responsible for creating the Sabatini Gin - Ugo, his two sons Enrico and Niccolò, and Ugo’s cousin, Filippo. The Sabatini Gin is a fruit of a perfect union of flavors and aromas, suggestions and history, that of the Sabatini’s who conceived and created it with passion, in love with their land, proud of their origins. There are nine strictly Tuscan botanicals present in Sabatini Gin: obviously juniper, but also coriander, iris, wild fennel, lavender, olive leaves, wild thyme in the Tuscan version called savory, lemon verbena and sage, most of which come from wild plants collected in the gardens of the villa.
“We at Anggel’s Share are thrilled to associate with Sabatini Gin. Our shared commitment to offering gin lovers high-quality handcrafted spirits has made this partnership a natural fit. We’re excited to enhance everyone’s gin experience with Sabatini Gin, and we believe that our collaboration will not only bring a new flavor experience to gin aficionados but also showcase the importance of artisanal craftsmanship in the world of spirits. We look forward to continuing a long and fruitful partnership with Sabatini Gin and can’t wait to introduce gin lovers to the Italian crafts spirits scene” says Vaishali Shah, Partner at Anggel’s Share. Come sip on Sabatini with us as we welcome the summer together – Tuscan-style! (excerpt from a release) The National Barista Championship 2023 (The 21st Edition), hosted by the Coffee Board of India, Speciality Coffee Association of India, and United Coffee Association of India, is being organised from February 14th to 19th at Orion mall, Bangalore. With over 60 stalls offering more than 100 different types of coffee, the audience will be experiencing the largest collection of coffee ever under one banner. This year NBC is powered by Kaapi Solutions as the platinum sponsors along with Nescafe and SCAI (speciality coffee association of India) as the Gold sponsors) as the Gold sponsors for the event.
This year will have around 60 Barista battling it out for the Title of Champion. Making it the biggest tournament in Asia. NBC is a prestigious annual event in the coffee industry where baristas from various regions of India come together to showcase their brewing skills and compete for the title of the National Barista Champion. All the best cafe brands such as Blue Tokai, Thirdwave, Lavazza along with many other speciality coffee brands all over India will participate in this unique event. This year's National Barista Championship is set to be the most competitive yet, as baristas push the boundaries of what is possible with coffee. A very strong committee has been set up where the volunteers under the guidance of Mr Purnesh DM (President of the Speciality coffee association of India), Mr Vikram Khurana (President United coffee association of India) and Mr Srikanth Rao (Vice President United coffee association of India) who shares the same passion for coffee and have worked tirelessly to put this event together. The event provides a unique opportunity for attendees to network with industry leaders, learn about the latest trends and techniques in coffee preparation, and sample some of the finest coffee blends from around the world. "We are thrilled to host the National Barista Championship in Bangalore," said Dr K G Jagadeesha, IAS, Secretary of the Coffee Board. "This city has a rich history and culture of coffee-making, and it's an honor to bring the best baristas from top cafe brands, and specialty coffee brands from all over India to compete here. Last year's event, held at Orion Mall in Rajajinagar, was a huge success with over 10,000 visitors, a multitude of coffee, 40+ stalls, and lively music. We look forward to welcoming both the competitors and the public to this exciting event." The competition, which will be held over 6 days - 14th to the 19th of Feb. This includes the preliminaries which will happen on the 14th -15th and the 16th post which 18th will be the semi-finals and it concludes on the 19th with the finals. The second day will feature the final round, where the baristas will be judged on their latte art and signature drinks. The winner of this highly regarded competition will then go on to represent India at the World Barista Championship 2023 to held in Athens, Greece. New Delhi, January 18, 2023: South Delhi bar, Sidecar, reclaimed its position as the country's best bar in the 2022 ranking of 30BestBarsIndia, released last night at an awards show at the Le Meridien Gurgaon. Sidecar, which won the top spot in the inaugural 2019 ranking, was pushed to the no. 2 position last year by Bar Tesouro from Goa. The top 10 positions in the ranking have seen some significant movement and new entrants. Bangalore bar Copitas at the Four Seasons moves up to no. 2, followed by new entrants Home (New Delhi), Lair (New Delhi), The Bombay Canteen (Mumbai), and Comorin (Gurgaon). Four new entrants, Americano (Mumbai), Slink & Bardot (Mumbai), Hideaway (Goa), and The Living Room by Masque (Mumbai), round up the Top 10. Sidecar also took home the winner's trophy in two other categories, Best Independent Bar and Best Bar Menu. Copitas won the Best Hotel Bar Award, while Comorin Gurgaon was declared the Best Restaurant Bar, and Brewdog, Gurgaon, won the Best Microbrewery/Taproom Award. Santanu Chanda of Home, New Delhi, won the coveted Best Bartender award, while Home also won the Best Bar Team Award. The Bombay Canteen was declared the Best Designed Bar. The newly introduced award for Best Work in Sustainability was won jointly by two Pune bars, Malaka Spice and Cobbler & Crew. Noted restaurateur Riyaaz Amlani was honoured with the Industry Icon award, while Mumbai's three-decade-old Toto's Garage took home the Timeless Bar Award. Other big winners of the evening include Pune bars Elephant & Co. (People's Choice Award for Best Bar) and TOIT Pune (People's Choice Award for the Best Microbrewery/Taproom).
Among the major cities, Mumbai made the most significant strides in new bar openings and the strength of beverage programs, with 8 bars making it to the Top 30 and four Pune bars taking away awards in individual categories. Cities such as Kolkata and Jaipur also emerged as markets to watch due to the growth of quality cocktail bars and a discerning audience. 30BestBarsIndia's 2022 ranking is based on a jury poll of more than 250 members across the country. The bars were judged on various parameters, including service, design, ambience, bar menu, bartending team, etc. This year, bars also had the option to self-nominate themselves, and 500 nominations were received from 15 cities. The Top 30 bars in India for 2022 are listed below in order of rank*: #1 - Sidecar (New Delhi), 2 - Copitas - Four Seasons Hotel (Bangalore), #3 - HOME (New Delhi), #4 - Lair (New Delhi), #5 - The Bombay Canteen (Mumbai), #6 - Comorin (Gurgaon), #7 - Americano (Mumbai), #8 - Slink & Bardot (Mumbai), #9 - Hideaway (Goa), #10 - The Living Room by Masque (Mumbai), #11 - Miguel’s (Goa), #12 - Hoots’ (New Delhi), #13 - Masque (Mumbai), #14 - Cocktails & Dreams (Gurgaon), #15 - The Grid (Kolkata), #16 - Raahi Neo Kitchen and Bar (Bangalore), #17 - Bastian - Worli (Mumbai), #18 - Byg Brewski Brewing Company - Hennur (Bangalore), #19 - Windmills Craftworks (Bangalore), #20 - PCO (New Delhi), #21 - Sanctuary Bar & Kitchen (Hyderabad), #22 - Elephant & Co. (Pune), #23 - AER Lounge - Four Seasons Hotel (Mumbai), #24* - The Library Bar - The Leela Palace (New Delhi), #24* - Whisky Samba (Gurgaon), #25 - Bar Palladio - Narain Niwas Palace Hotel (Jaipur), #26 - Sorano (Kolkata), #27 - Ekaa (Mumbai), #28 - Joseph’s Bar (Goa), #29 - Olterra (Kolkata), #30 -Room Two (Hyderabad). *Rank #24 is shared by two bars and hence the number of bars total to 31. Speaking on the occasion, Vikram Achanta, Co-Founder of 30BestBarsIndia, said, “Keeping current factors in mind for every edition, last year we focused on the COVID responsiveness of bars and this year we introduced a new category to promote sustainability in the bar industry. Establishing categories ahead of what the industry is building towards will continue to help raise the standards in the country. This year, the introduction of thematic menus and the usage of more Indian ingredients in beverage programs is inspirational and aspirational. The emerging vibrant bar culture coming out of cities like Pune, Jaipur and Kolkata is also encouraging to see.” “We are providing a platform for bars across the country to elevate the standards of India’s bar programs. The ranking has become a coveted industry standard, and having five bars from last year’s Top 30 list in Asia’s Top 50 bars is a great testament to our efforts. It’s exciting to see bar teams constantly re-invent and push boundaries – whether it’s by paying more attention to their menus or innovating with ingredients to create hyper localized cocktails,” added Radhakrishnan Nair, Co-Founder of 30BestBarsIndia. (excerpt from a release) A new Gin brand from Goa flavoured with juniper berries, cardamom, coriander, oranges, pepper, and cucumber is now on shelves. SOCI is from the House of Good Barrel Distillery Pvt Ltd., a craft liquor platform in collaboration with Living Liquidz and is founded by Mokksh Sani & Lalit Kalani. Talking about the originality behind the name ‘SOCI,’ Lalit Kalani elaborated, “SOCI is all about shedding inhibitions and hence the Garden of SOCI and the serpent symbolise this. We are going for the animalistic vibe and drinks that make you feel alive. The jungle seems to come to life, creatures awakening from their mid-day slumbers, birds beginning to chirp incessantly, all making a move toward the watering hole for a much-needed drink. Shoulders rub, conversations unfold, and most importantly, curious discoveries make their way into the light - the true faces behind the masks are revealed. With that said, SOCI is inspired by the spirit of society, one that seeks and thrives on secrets and curiosity.”
Shedding a light on the inspiration behind creating SOCI Gin, Mokksh Sani said, “Gin, as a category, has been enjoying a steady increase in consumption over the past few years, and young Indian consumers are swaying towards gin because of its versatility. Consumers nowadays are open to experimenting and are constantly looking out for something new and are drawn towards artisanal & craft beverages. With SOCI, we want to offer younger drinkers a great quality liquid that is trendy, non-complicated, and easy to drink. A gin that helps drinkers be themselves - let go of their inhibitions and reveal their true identity to the world.” (excerpt from a release) ![]() OSTUNI, BR, Italy Altamura Distilleries, a producer of premium spirits made from the unique wheat of Altamura, Italy will introduce its spirits into the Indian market beginning in January 2023 through a partnership with SS Impex, a New Delhi-based spirits importer and distributor. "We believe the quality and unique smoothness of Altamura vodka will be very well received throughout the Indian market," said Sharat Agarwal, partner at S.S. Impex, "While our initial distribution will be in the northern Indian states, we intend on quickly expanding to the rest of the nation." "We view India as one of the most important markets in the world for our brand," stated Frank Grillo, managing director of Altamura Distilleries. "India is the third largest spirits market in the world, with rapidly emerging mixology scene and a strong affinity for Italy and Italian products." "The Indian market is moving swiftly to appreciate premium liquors and consumers here are seeking a more diverse mixology experience," said Gopal Joshi, Altamura's Market Director for India, "Vodka sales are at the forefront of these trends with sales increasing nearly 30% especially in the premium segment. This is exactly where our vodka is positioned." "We will be bringing Mixology Master Classes led by some of the most renowned Italian bartenders to India," Grillo commented. "And we look forward to jointly sponsoring some of India's best mixologists to visit Italy and conduct guest shifts at some of the most famed Italian venues." The Altamura Vodka will be available in the Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhand regions beginning in January 2023. In addition, Altamura and SS Impex plan to introduce Altamura's London Dry Gin into the Indian marketplace in early 2023. Based in Ostuni BR, Italy, Altamura Distilleries is what can happen when three Americans decide to act on their lifelong dream of moving to Italy. Our love of warm weather, beaches, and life led us to Puglia, a special region in the south of Italy. Our love of food led us to discover Pane di Altamura, a traditional bread from the Puglia region. And our love of all things distilled led us to realize that an amazing loaf of bread is just an amazing bottle of vodka, gin, or whiskey waiting to happen. We believe that our origin is in Puglia and we are there to live our dream. For more information visit https://www.altamuradistilleries.com/en/ (excerpt from a release) |
![]() Categories
All
Archives
July 2024
|
The Happy High is a Mumbai based beverage consulting co founded in 2014 with a vision to raise the bars of the wine and dine scene in the country. Read more.
|
16, Goldcrest Business Park, LBS Marg, Ghatkopar West, Mumbai 400086.
+91 99307 71739 [email protected] |