 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)
0 Comments
 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) On World Creativity Day, Bombay Sapphire Gin Launches “Saw this, Made this” cocktail campaign4/22/2024  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)  Delhi's Sidecar walked away with top honors once again at the 4th edition of 30BestBarsIndia, the country’s most prestigious bar ranking and awards platform, at a ceremony held at Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage last night. Besides being ranked India’s #1 Bar for the second year in a row, it also walked away with the Best Independent Bar Award and the Best Cocktail Menu Award - for Arq, a menu inspired by quintessential Indian ingredients. Pune’s Cobbler & Crew (#2) took home 4 awards this year – Highest New Entry, Best Bar Team, Best Bartender (Aashi Bhatnagar), and Best Work in Sustainability (along with Pune’s Soy Como Soy). Notably, Pune also captured the People’s Choice Awards – with Elephant & Co. Kalyani Nagar (#47) deemed People’s Choice Best Bar and TOIT awarded People’s Choice Best Microbrewery or Taproom. Bangalore bars stepped into the spotlight as well, with ZLB 23 – The Leela Palace (#6) bagging Best Bar Design. It was also awarded the Best Hotel Bar alongside Copitas – Four Seasons Hotel (#4). The city’s favourite watering hole, TOIT (#29), was the winner of the Best Microbrewery or Taproom Award. PCO New Delhi was this year’s Highest Climber – jumping eight spots to #12. The Best Restaurant Bar went to Gurgaon’s Comorin (#11). The Best Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Menu was awarded to Chennai’s Pandan Club, for its innovative storytelling and presentation of Zero ABV drinks. Additionally, AD Singh, Founder & MD, Olive Group of Restaurants was honoured with the Industry Icon Award while Polo Lounge, Hyatt Regency Delhi took home the Timeless Bar Award. Vikram Achanta, Co-Founder, 30BestBarsIndia says, “The anticipation for the awards increases year-on-year, and this year, we saw noticeable jumps in the list. Eleven new bars made their way into the top 30 list, showcasing the pace at which Indian bars are innovating. As standards continue to increase in the industry and global eyes watch India’s beverage landscape evolve, bars need to continue pushing boundaries across cocktail programs, adopting new techniques, and enhancing bar talent to stay relevant.” Radhakrishna Nair, Co-Founder, 30BestBarsIndia added, “Many rankings this year were closely fought affairs, especially among the top bars in the country, with very few votes separating them. Every year, we re-evaluate our award categories to stay relevant with what’s taking place in the bar landscape, both nationally and internationally. It is in keeping with this strategy that we introduced the Best Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Menu award this year to recognize bars that are making strides with zero-ABV drinks.” Appended is the Top 30 List:
Chilean Concha y Toro; latin America's largest wine producer hosts a masterclass in mumbai1/10/2024  Sommelier Fazil Mohammad Renowned wine expert and Brand Ambassador of Viña Concha y Toro S.A., Mr. Fazil Mohammad, recently concluded a successful visit to India where he steered conversations around wine and conducted an exclusive Wine Masterclass in association with Aspri Spirits, Concha Y Toro's exclusive importers in India. The visit aimed to elevate India's vibrant wine scene by showcasing Concha Y Toro's legacy and expertise through a series of exclusive engagements, culminating in a captivating wine masterclass. Concha y Toro is one of the most admired wine producers and exporters with a sales presence in 130 countries and 13 distribution offices. The brand is Latin America’s largest wine producer with over 12,000 hectares of vineyards planted in Chile, Argentina, and the USA. During his visit, Mr. Fazil engaged with wine enthusiasts, industry professionals, and media representatives, sharing insights and history about the brand. The Wine Masterclass, led by Mr. Fazil, provided a unique opportunity for attendees to delve into the world of Vina Concha Y Toro wines and gain a deeper understanding of their heritage and craftsmanship. He also informed the audience about Concha y Toro being a part of the global community of Certified B Corporations and its inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the last eight years. "We are thrilled to have hosted Mr. Fazil from Vina Concha Y Toro. The masterclass conducted by him underscores our commitment to introduce global pioneers like Vina Concha Y Toro to our discerning consumers. With over 140 years of history, Vina Concha Y Toro has achieved remarkable recognition globally by being named among the “Top 100 Premium Wine and Spirits Brands of the World” at the exclusive 2023 Luxury Lifestyle Awards. The winery was also included among the “Top 100 Wineries of 2023” by the distinguished Wine & Spirits Publication, and we are thrilled to bring this forward to our Indian consumers," remarked Mr. Jackie Matai, Co-Founder of Aspri Spirits. Commenting on his first visit to India, Brand Ambassador of Concha y Toro, Fazil Mohammad, expressed enthusiasm about the company's entry into the Indian market, stating, "We are thrilled to be working with Aspri Spirits to bring the best of Chilean winemaking to India with the likes of Casillero del Diablo and Frontera. Both brands have a rich heritage and a commitment to quality that aligns perfectly with the discerning taste of Indian consumers. We believe that the premium quality of Casillero del Diablo and the vibrant charm of Frontera will resonate well with the Indian palate." (excerpt from a release) The Vault Festival 2024, Asia’s Premier Craft Spirits Festival is Back at Jio World Garden, Mumbai1/9/2024  The Vault Festival, Asia’s premier craft spirits festival is back with its highly anticipated third edition to take place at the Jio World Garden on February 17 and 18, 2024. The event is an unparalleled experience for those with a curious inclination to the world of craft spirits. Limited early bird tickets are live and start from INR 999 till INR 2999 for the platinum passes, all inclusive of taxes.
Akin to the previous two editions, the festival presents four unique experiential pillars with an added edge of Certification Trails, for visitors to hone their skills in spirits, mixology, and hosting from the best minds in the game. Pre-book certifications will be available at INR 599 (All Incl.) for a limited time. With the core vision of creating a conversation-forward platform for connoisseurs, new-age experimentalists, and driven enthusiasts of the spirit community, it invites visitors to come forward and transform their understanding of spirits and mixology. The 2024 edition will have specific pavilions dedicated to Tequila, Rum, Whisky, Gin, Saké, and more with over 50 boutique international labels and Indian craft creations. Speaking on the occasion, Keshav Prakash, Founder of The Vault and Curator of The Vault Festival, said, “We are thrilled to bring back The Vault Festival for its third edition, promising an unparalleled experience as Asia’s premier craft spirits event for aficionados and enthusiasts alike. This year, we've curated a lineup that celebrates the ‘slow-drink’ movement of craft spirits and provides an immersive behind-the-scenes journey into their production. To give our audience a truly holistic experience, we’re all set to launch our Certification Trails for our visitors to take away authentic learnings from the festival. By providing an open forum between luxury craft spirit makers and the burgeoning spirit community, we want to bring forth the culture of spirit appreciation, rather than promoting casual consumption.” The festival is designed keeping in mind four distinct experience pillars to provide an immersive deep dive into the world of craft spirits: - Taste – A space to experience global boutique spirits and Indian craft distillations directly from their makers. Nose-sip-savour, with other fine spirits enthusiasts and connoisseurs. - Discover – Think multi-sensory experiential venues, where one can explore what goes behind the scenes in crafting a spirit, with small, artisanal bites to pair. - Listen – Engage with stories, conversations, and masterclasses with the who’s who of the Food & Beverage space. - Indulge – A spread of cutting-edge cuisines and new-age bar inventions by gourmet chefs and leading mixologists celebrating exquisite food and drink pairings. A journey through tastings and immersive masterclasses, the festival is a cultural phenomenon spread over one weekend of exclusive learning with spirit-focused arenas, bold cocktails, exquisite food pairings and dialogues with the best minds of the Food & Beverage industry. Visit - https://thevaultfest.com/. for more details. (Excerpt from the release)  South Seas Distilleries and Breweries Private Limited, a legacy Alcobev company launched ‘Crazy Cock’ – their first retail whisky brand with 2 expressions the Double Oak and Dhua. An ode to the mythical rooster sporting a monocle, the name symbolizes a new era for home grown whiskies, celebrating the Indian subcontinent, and distilling its best flavors for whisky enthusiasts across the globe. South Seas Distilleries founded in 1984 by Mr Viraf Chinoy, is located in Dahanu on the northern coast of Maharashtra and has become synonymous with crafting exceptional luxury whiskies and spirits. The company's journey is a remarkable story of entrepreneurial vision across 4 generations of a Parsi family, enabled from pioneering distilleries set up since 1929, through the trials and tribulations of prohibition, to a rebirth in 1975, and the setting up of South Seas in 1984 - a fitting illustrious successor to extend one of the oldest distillery legacies in India. Known for setting up the countries biggest copper pot stills and maturation house, South Seas who has been producing the malt for others finally launches its own. Crazy Cock stands out as an exceptional single malt whisky crafted from 6-row Indian barley, carefully selected from the pristine plains of North India. The barley undergoes malting and distillation using the traditional method in copper pots. The whisky is matured in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, for a full-bodied, complex flavor. Specially smoked batches add a rich, peaty dimension reserved for Crazy Cock Dhua.  "In the dynamic landscape of global spirits, Indian whiskies are currently enjoying a spotlight. Our esteemed clientele includes some of the world's leading alcohol beverage giants, a testament to our longstanding partnerships. Shifting from corporate engagements to catering to individual connoisseurs of luxury, our distillery has been honing the art of distillation for over three generations. This initiative is a celebration of our enduring craftsmanship, as we joyfully continue our legacy by crafting a new array of exceptional whiskies under the banner of Crazy Cock.” Said Mr. H.V. Chinoy
The MRP in Mumbai for the Double Oak expression is 8900/- and Dhua is 12500/- per 750 ml bottle.  WineGB is celebrating what they believe will be Great Britain’s largest-ever grape harvest. In the industry’s post-harvest report – ‘2023 Harvest Report – the big one’ - this 'miracle’ harvest is set to produce an estimated 20-22m bottle production. Other key statistics:
Yield data was gathered from WineGB’s members (132 vineyard owners) and represents the most comprehensive early study available. Producers and growers of all sizes, and across the wine growing regions in England and Wales, took part. The report was authored by UK viticulture consultant Stephen Skelton MW. More Facts: The highest yields were achieved in the drier and warmer regions, East Anglia, the South East, and Wessex (Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Isle of Wight). Investment in the last five years has led to a substantial increase in vine plantings. Vineyard hectarage now in full production is some 3,230ha, compared to 2,138ha in 2018 – a growth of 151%. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier and Bacchus, which account for more than 75% of the UK planted area (Wine Standards March 2023), performed exceptionally well, with the average of all vineyards almost reaching 10 tonnes per hectare, and the top quartile exceeding all estimates with an average across the four varieties reaching 15.9 tonnes/-ha (6.43 tonnes/-acre). 2023 will be remembered as a near perfect year, with very little spring frost (affecting only 6% of respondent vineyards compared to 29% in 2022), text-book flowering weather in June and despite the generally wet and often dull summer (July and August), some exceptionally warm spells in September and October. Picking started with the earlier ripening varieties on 2 September, with the major varieties in the larger regions (and where the crops were heaviest) getting underway at the beginning of October and continuing for the first three weeks of the month. Vineyards reported heavy crop and bunch weights. Whilst ripeness levels were lower than average, as were acids, winemakers are optimistic about the quality of the fruit and resulting wine. Stephen Skelton MW said: “2023 will be a vintage to remember. The excellent yields are attributed to not only the near perfect weather for grapes at key times of the growing season, but also comes on the back of more hectares than ever before coming into production, having seen nearly 75% growth in plantings in the last five years alone.” Nicola Bates, CEO WineGB said: “There was a silver lining to our miserable summer, and that is a fantastic season for wine. UK consumers are drinking more and more home produce and at the same time exports are going up especially in the Nordics and Japan. We look forward to having more wine to present to our growing consumer base. So to be on trend ensure that you are serving English and Welsh wines for Christmas and New Year. There has never been a better time to buy British.” (Excerpt from a release)  Anggel's Share, a prominent importer specializing in exquisite wines and spirits launches Tequila Rose the revolutionary and globally top-selling strawberry cream liqueur in Mumbai.
In 1996 Tequila Rose emerged as the first-of-its-kind drink to challenge convention by pairing cream with something other than Irish whiskey. Tequila Rose is an exciting alcohol liqueur that is a unique blend of strawberry-flavoured real dairy cream mixed with a splash of Mexican tequila. Strawberry cream provides sweetness, softness and roundness with a hint of Tequila that gives the spirit liqueur great body, depth and structure. Price - Rs 4800 for 700ml (Mumbai)  Indian alco-bev start-up, Incredible Spirits Private Limited (“ISPL”), has launched India’s first premium spirits-based Ready-to-Drink (RTD) shots, under the brand name SWIGGER. The premium crafted product, blended with natural and organic flavours, has been unveiled in two Gin and two Vodka variants, to begin with.
The Gin-based RTD shots have been distilled with Elderflower & Berries and Pink Grapefruit & Lime while the Vodka-based offerings have been distilled with Mandarin and Lime, Lychee and Cinnamon. The flavourful SWIGGER shots have been introduced in 60 ml double shot glasses with a pull rip cap closure, ensuring a safe and unadulterated, convenient experience for consumers. Speaking on the launch, Mr Arun Raina, Co-founder, Incredible Spirits Private Limited, said, “We are excited to launch the country’s first spirits-based Ready-to-Drink premium shots brand. The RTD shots category is a completely new segment in India and, therefore, presents an enormous opportunity.” Recently, leading Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) manufacturer Tilaknagar Industries, the country’s largest manufacturer of premium brandy, invested Rs 1 crore for a 19.50 per cent equity stake in Incredible Spirits Private Limited. With the tagline ‘Inspire fun’, the premium RTD shots brand SWIGGER has been introduced in the beach capital of India, Goa, in the first phase of its launch. This will be followed by more markets across the country. This launch will be followed by the introduction of more premium shot variants with Cognac, Bourbon Whiskey, Dark Rum & Tequila. According to the IWSR May 2022 report, the RTD market in India is a 3 million cases category in 2021, and is expected to grow at more than 9 per cent annually over the next 5 years, reaching 4.5 million cases in 2026. (Excerpt from a release)  India’s largest and most influential wine competition India Wine Awards 2023 presented by Sonal Holland Wine Academy in association with ProWine Mumbai announced 219 winning wines across Best in Show, Gold and Silver categories at a glittering India Wine Awards Winners Night held on Friday, 24th November 2023 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai For its fifth edition, India Wine Awards hosted the country’s largest-ever blind-tasting competition of domestic and international wines available in India, receiving a record-breaking 460 nominations. Sake was inducted as a new category as well to expand the scope of the awards and acknowledge the increasing popularity of the beverage among Indian consumers. The nominated labels were judged by a panel of 20 jury members featuring experts from the country led by Sonal C Holland MW -Founder and Chairperson of India Wine Awards. The India Wine Awards 2023 Winners’ Night brought together 600 eminent members including luminaries of the wine and spirits industry, hospitality leaders, global trade councils and winemakers from across the world. The guests came together to celebrate the best in-market wines in India and to applaud the spirit of resilience and innovation that has helped the Indian wine industry grow at a steady and assured pace year after year. As part of the fifth edition of India Wine Awards - Personality awards, the night celebrated Rajeev Samant -Founder and CEO of Sula Vineyards for his contribution as a visionary excellence entrepreneur whose pioneering work has helped lay the very foundation of the wine industry in India awarding him with the Indian Wine Industry Leader and Champion Award which was felicitated by Sonal C Holland MW and Wolfram N. Diener, President & CEO of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH. Speaking on the fifth successful edition of the awards, Sonal C Holland MW, Founder and Chairperson of India Wine Awards, said, “With every passing year, we are growing bigger, better and even bolder and that only reflects where the Indian wine industry firmly stands today. This year, we are raising a Toast To Excellence in recognition of the top quality of wines nominated in the competition and those available in the country, at large. This is testament to the phenomenal evolution of India as the most coveted, fast-emerging wine markets in the world. With the ongoing success of our wine market, the narrative of ‘Incredible India’ is surely changing on the world stage to ‘Credible India’ that poses itself as a robust and reliable markets, with India Wine Awards offering an unparalleled opportunity for winning brands to reinforce their image and positioning in the minds of the curious and enthusiastic Indian consumer.” Each wine was judged on a 100-point score sheet in a blind tasting format by the esteemed panel of 20 jury members who were encouraged to put on their consumer hats to ensure that the winners reflected the taste and preferences of Indian customers. 79 wines won in the Gold category, securing more than 90 points, while 110 wines won in the Silver category, securing 85-89 points. The 30 Best in Show winners were the highest-scoring wines in the competition. This year, the Best in Show award had multiple categories, with five high-scoring wines nominated in each category. The wine with the highest score among these nominees was then named as Best In Show for the said category. The jury had a hard time selecting a single winner for some categories, leading to a two-way or a three-way tie. Building on previous editions, , this year the India Wine Awards launched a new segment IndiaWineAwards’ 50 Best Places To Drink 2023 - a digital list of the best restaurants and bars in the country that create excellent drinking experiences for consumers. The list was curated on the basis of public and jury members' votes. This annual list not only pays homage to India’s finest drinking spots but also recognises the hard work, professionalism and congeniality of all the employees who make these establishments memorable. Mumbai-based Americano emerged as a favourite ranking no.1, followed by The Bombay Canteen (Mumbai), Hideaway (Goa), Masque (Mumbai), Comorin (Gurugram), Slink & Bardot (Mumbai), Sidecar (New Delhi), Sula Tasting Room (Nashik), Copitas (Bengaluru) and Slow Tide (Goa) making the Top 10 Best Places to Drink across the country. (Excerpt from a release) Baagh is not your traditional gin. Unlike most gins which are juniper forward, Baagh boasts a citrus-forward profile that combines the zesty tang of Nagpur orange and the crispness of lime, complemented by subtle hints of spice. But Baagh also goes beyond being a great tasting gin. A portion of profits from Baagh, will be dedicated to agrobiodiversity and re-wilding initiatives in Assam, in partnership with The Balipara Foundation. The distillery also sources ingredients from local farmers, ensuring that the land and its people benefit from the production process. All of which is captured in its tongue in cheek line, ‘No Planet No Party’. CEO and Founder Jatin Dev Bobb along with his founding partners Mohamed Rizwan and Manu Chandra established Chhota Hazri Spirits in a post-Covid world. The name takes inspiration from the traditional refreshment consumed by troops stationed in Northern India during the 19 th century, as well as the morning rituals followed in certain army regiments and boarding schools to this day. This gin is incredibly smooth and enjoyable to drink even when sipped on its own. Crafted with the Indian palate in mind, it’s delightful notes of fresh citrus and impeccable smoothness are truly enhanced when paired with tonic and soda, complemented by a refreshing citrus slice. Baagh is available in select retail outlets, restaurants, and bars in Mumbai at a recommended retail price of Rs 1995. Join us in raising a glass to the planet while enjoying a great-tasting gin. (excerpt from a release)   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)  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)  |
 
Categories
All
Archives
February 2025
|
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] |
RSS Feed