United Spirits Limited (“Diageo India”) on January 13 announced the appointment of Praveen Someshwar as CEO-Designate. Hina Nagarajan, current Managing Director and CEO of Diageo India, will transition into another position on Diageo’s Global Executive Committee after four very successful years.
Praveen will join the company on 1 March 2025 as CEO-Designate. In accordance with the applicable law and upon receipt of the necessary approvals, Praveen will take over from Hina Nagarajan as Managing Director and CEO of Diageo India and join the Diageo Executive Committee, effective 1 April 2025.
For the last five years, Praveen has been MD and CEO of HT Media, one of India’s largest and best-known media groups, where he leads multiple digital, print and radio outlets including India’s second largest newspaper, Hindustan Times, the leading financial news outlet Mint, and several radio outlets.
Diageo Chief Executive Debra Crew said “Under Hina’s leadership, Diageo India has combined strong top-line growth and margin expansion with impactful strategic initiatives, reshaping and premiumising our portfolio and positioning Diageo India as an innovative leader in the AlcoBev industry. As she moves on to a new role within Diageo, she leaves a significant track record of success and a highly engaged, talented and diverse team.
“Praveen joins us with an outstanding track record of leading consumer businesses, with a passion for both strategy and executional excellence that will serve us well as we plan for the next phase of Diageo India’s exciting growth story. I can’t wait to welcome him on board.”
Mahendra Kumar Sharma, Chairman of the USL board, said “On behalf of the USL Board, we wish to extend our sincere thanks to Hina for her strong stewardship of the business and her partnership with the Board. Together with the team in India, she has led a bold ambition for growth that has driven market share gains across multiple categories, and she leaves the business with a clear strategy and growth momentum. The Board and I also wish to welcome Praveen, who we look forward to working with and offering our full support as he transitions into this important leadership position.”
Hina Nagarajan said “It has been a true privilege to lead Diageo India during a period of strong strategic progress and sustained, profitable double-digit growth for the business, with our market capitalisation growing to more than INR 1 trillion (~US$ 12.5 Bn). I wish all my Diageo India colleagues ongoing success and look forward to supporting them as they continue their work in building this fantastic business under Praveen’s leadership.”
Praveen Someshwar said “I am delighted to be joining Diageo – a business with world-leading brands, talented colleagues, and a long-term commitment to developing its business sustainably in India. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to build on their great work.”
On December 3, the second India-UK 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue was convened in New Delhi. The Indian delegation was led by Piyush Srivastava, Joint Secretary, Europe West, Ministry of External Affairs, and Vishwesh Negi, Joint Secretary, International Cooperation, Ministry of Defence. The UK delegation was led by Ben Mellor, India Director, Indian Ocean Directorate, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Shimon Fhima, Director Strategic Programmes, Ministry of Defence.
Both sides discussed the entire gamut of India-UK comprehensive Strategic Partnership and emphasised the importance of sustained high-level engagement to advance the dynamic partnership between the two countries. The delegations reviewed progress under the India-UK Roadmap 2030 and agreed on the need to revitalise the partnership by identifying new focus areas of collaboration and work towards a refreshed roadmap.
The discussions covered key priorities including strengthening economic and trade ties with focus on early conclusion of mutually beneficial FTA, bolstering defence and security ties including in areas of cyber and counter terrorism, fostering innovation in critical and emerging technologies, deepening cooperation in clean and green energy and technology, health and enhancing cultural, educational and people to people linkages.
It was agreed that the third edition of the dialogue will be held in the UK at a mutually convenient date in 2025. The two sides unveiled the 10-year roadmap in 2021 to expand ties in the key areas of trade and economy, defence and security, climate change and people-to-people connections among others.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India
It may be mentioned here that during the recent G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the latter had stated that the negotiations for the FTA would be relaunched in 2025. The FTA talks had been paused because of elections in both the countries.
Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
The India-UK talks for the proposed FTA began in January 2022. The two sides have held 14 rounds of negotiations on it so far. Both countries aim to strengthen their existing £42 billion (US$52.05 billion – ₹4.48 trillion) annual trade partnership.
Keir Starmer had said, “Boosting economic growth is key to improving living standards for working people. A new trade deal with India will support jobs and prosperity in the UK – and represent a step forward in our mission to deliver growth and opportunity across our country.” Welcoming the statement, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal hoped that the FTA would be a win-win for both.
UK-India trade
As per reports, the trade between India and the UK was USD21.34 billion as of 2023-24 with UK exports to India accounting for a substantial chunk of that at USD16.6 billion. India, in turn, aims to expand its exports to the UK, targetting USD30 billion by 2030. Mineral fuels, machinery, precious stones, pharmaceuticals, apparel, iron and steel, and chemicals form the bulk of India’s exports to the UK, contributing 68.72% of the total export value.
Britain is aiming to touch USD36 billion by 2035. The UK has been wanting an agreement that includes cutting tariffs on exports of British-made cars and Scotch whisky.
According to Volza’s India Import data, India imported 7,922 shipments of Scotch whisky during March 2023 to February 2024. These imports were supplied by 169 foreign exporters to 159 Indian buyers, marking a growth rate of 3% compared to the preceding twelve months. Within this period, in Feb 2024 alone, India imported 489 Scotch whisky shipments. This marks a year-on-year growth of -16% compared to Feb 2023, and a -9% sequential increase from Jan 2024. India imports most of its Scotch whisky from the United Kingdom, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.
India leads in Scotch Whisky imports
Globally, the top three importers of Scotch whisky are India, United States and Peru. India leads the world in Scotch whisky imports with 77,806 shipments, followed by United States with 13,417 shipments, and Peru taking the third spot with 2,489 shipments.
It is important to understand how the FTA would impact both the countries. Firstly, it would lead to tariff reductions on Scotch whisky and other products coming from the UK, while India is seeking better access to its goods and professionals. The UK has been negotiating for reduced import duty on Scotch whisky from 150% to 75% immediately when signing the FTA and thereafter to 30% over a period of three years. While Indian whisky makers are open to a reduction, they are opposed to the scale proposed by the UK negotiators.
SWA bats for reduced tariffs
The Scotch Whisky Association has stated that Scotch whisky is the world’s number one internationally traded spirit with exports worth over £5.6bn in 2023. 43 bottles of Scotch Whisky are shipped every second to around 168 global markets, totalling the equivalent of 1.35bn bottles (70cl @40% ABV).
As in 2022, Asia-Pacific continued to dominate as Scotch whisky’s largest regional market by value in 2023, supported record value exports to China, a market up 165% on 2019, and value uplifts Singapore (19%) and Taiwan (8%). Premiumisation of Scotch whisky remains a driver in these key markets: single malt Scotch whisky continued to rise in popularity among a growing cohort of consumers, with double digit growth in China and Singapore on 2022.
The Association cited 2023 exports to India which fell in volume and value compared to 2022, the fall coming against a backdrop of ongoing UK-India FTA talks and the Scotch whisky industry’s calls for a trade agreement which lowers the 150% tariff on Scotch imports into India, which would lead to significant export growth to the market.
Mark Kent, The Association Chief Executive, The Scotch Whisky Association
India is Scotch whisky’s second largest export market by volume, with the equivalent of more than 219 million bottles exported there in 2022. The volume of Scotch whisky exports to India have grown by more than 200% in the past decade alone, and whisky is hugely popular in India. In fact, India is the largest whisky market in the world. But while many Indian consumers are keen to add a bottle of Scotch to their shelves, bars and collections, Scotch whisky has just a 2% share of the Indian whisky market. There is huge potential for that to grow.
The Association Chief Executive, Mark Kent said, “The negotiations offer new hope for reducing the longstanding 150% tariff on Scotch Whisky in India. The UK/India trade talks are a golden opportunity to reach an ambitious tariff reduction in an early harvest deal that could grow Scotch whisky exports to India by £1 billion over five years. Tackling the tariff and State level regulatory issues would open the market up to smaller producers who are effectively locked out by the substantial barriers to trade. Improved market access for Scotch would enable an increasing number of Indian consumers to enjoy our premium product. It would also be good for our industry and Indian government tax revenues – a win-win for all.”
Barriers to export success
The Association added that Scotch Whisky is popular among Indian consumers, but a 150% tariff on imports of Scotch Whisky into India mean that it’s significantly more expensive to buy Scotch over Indian whiskies. As a result, India sees many ‘fake’ Scotch whiskies on the market, produced cheaply and traded on the reputation of Scotch whisky as a premium product. This unfair competition, alongside the 150% tariff and combined with the complexity of exporting whiskies into India, mean that many Scotch whisky producers are unable to enter this important market. Breaking down these barriers to trade in India would open up huge opportunities for Scotch whisky exports.
Potential for USD1.3 billion over next five years
The Association added that a UK-India trade deal has the potential to increase Scotch whisky exports to the country by £1bn over the next five years. “Reducing the 150% tariff on Scotch Whisky would make it more affordable in India, while still remaining a high-end, premium product. If the tariff were liberalised, Scotch whisky’s market share could treble to 6%, giving greater access to Scotch whisky products for Indian consumers, but still allowing Indian whiskies and other spirits to retain the dominant share of the market.”
Good for Scotland and the UK
Many more Scotch whisky companies – including smaller and independent producers – would gain access to the Indian market to sell their whiskies. If the tariff were reduced and exports were to rise, India would overtake France as Scotch Whisky’s second largest market by value worldwide, second only to the United States.
Boosting access to the Indian market would secure jobs and investment in the Scotch whisky industry across Scotland into the future. The industry’s contribution to the economy would rise by more than £300 million to nearly £6bn. Higher exports mean higher production – there would be a significant impact into the supply chain in Scotland and across the UK, also growing jobs and investment.
Good for India
The Association mentioned that “bringing down the 150% tariff on Scotch whisky would increase Indian government tax revenue at federal and state level by £3.4 billion annually through an increase in sales. Scotch whisky would be able to compete fairly alongside Indian whiskies, which will continue to dominate the Indian whisky market.
Because a lot of the whisky exported to India is sent in bulk (some for bottling as Scotch whisky, most for use in Indian whisky) bringing down the tariffs would also support domestic producers, reducing their costs and boosting employment in the Indian industry.” However, the Indian whisky manufacturers are opposed to the scale of reduction and are ok with tariffs reduced progressively to 50% over the next 10 years. The negotiations are going to be tough and it remains to be seen who will stand to benefit.
Cheers to 2025! Tipplers across the country have given the liquor trade a good enough reason to be cheerful. Liquor sales have hit the roof, just in the two days as revelers rang in the new year. The southern states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Kerala have shown robust sales. According to estimates, Telangana has broken all records with liquor sales of over ₹800 crores on December 30 and 31, eight times the usual daily sales of around ₹100 crores.
The Telangana State Beverages Corporation Ltd (TSBCL) sources have told some media that last year the sales were around ₹700 crores on December 30 and 31 and this year the increase was phenomenal. Telangana registered liquor sales of about ₹402 crores on December 30 and ₹401 crores on New Year’s Eve night as revelers flocked to bars and restaurants; liquor stores and enjoyed at home drinking. There were hundreds of parties that rocked the city of Hyderabad which had the most sales, followed by surrounding districts of Ranga Reddy and Medchal.
Telangana has overtaken its previous record of liquor sales in the month of December. This year the government raked in a revenue of ₹3,523.16 crores, compared to ₹2,764 crores in December 2023. With Sankranti round the corner, excise officials expect the momentum to continue, though not on the same scale as year-end celebrations. The Telangana government has set a target of ₹45,000 crores from excise for 2024-25.
As per media reports, Uttar Pradesh came next in sales, having done a business of nearly ₹600 crores, breaking its previous record.
Karnataka rakes in nearly ₹1,000 crores in end December
Karnataka, more so Bengaluru which is known for its pub and cocktail culture, witnessed its highest single-day liquor sales of ₹409 crores on December 28 as residents and bars stocked spirits. The Karnataka State Beverages Corporation Limited (KSBCL) reportedly sold liquor worth ₹308 crore during New Year celebrations in the state against the target of ₹250 crores. At least 4.83 lakh boxes of Indian-made liquor (IML) were sold generating revenue of ₹250.25 crore. Around 2.92 lakh boxes of beer bottles were sold for ₹ 57.75 crore. In total 7,76,042 lakh boxes of liquor were sold.
December has been an exceptional month as during Christmas too there were good sales. On December 27, ₹408.58 crore liquor sale was registered. Around 6.22 lakhs of IML boxes and 4.04 lakh beer boxes were sold, generating business of ₹327.50 crore and ₹80.58 crore.
Andhra Pradesh sales hit a new high
Tipplers in Andhra Pradesh gulped down liquor worth nearly ₹300 crores on New Year’s Eve, double the amount of liquor sales during the previous year (₹147 crores). To encourage sale of liquor, the Andhra Pradesh government allowed the retail vends to be open until midnight, while bars were permitted to dispense liquor till 1 am.
The port city of Visakhapatnam registered sale of liquor worth ₹11 crore on December 31 alone with around ₹ 8.89 crores sales happening through 145 liquor outlets in Visakhapatnam district; ₹ 1.55 crores from 119 bars; ₹17 lakh sales from 12 star hotels; ₹8 lakh sales from six clubs and ₹ 7.5 lakh from four tourism hotels, according to the Superintendent of Excise, R. Prasad. Visakhapatnam average daily sales is ₹ 5 crores.
Delhi touches ₹400 crore sales
Delhi also saw liquor sales worth ₹400 crore, with hotels, bars and party events consuming the most alcohol, while Noida had sales touching ₹16 crores on December 31 and January 1, 2025, boosted by the extended hours of vending.
Kerala sees more sales during X’mas
In Kerala, it was Christmas season which saw Keralites guzzle more beer and liquor than during New Year’s Eve. On December 24-25, beer and liquor sales in Kerala was about ₹152 crores (₹94.72 on December 24 and ₹54.64 crores on Christmas day) while on New Year’s Eve it was ₹108 crores, nevertheless ₹13 crores more than the previous year.
The Kerala State Beverages Corporation (KSBC), the sole wholesaler of alcoholic drinks in the state, released these figures. It said that the sale of liquor and beer was about ₹19,088.68 crores in 2023-24, up from ₹18,510.98 crores in 2022-23. The profile of liquor consumers in Kerala reveals that around 32.9 lakh people out of the 3.34 crore population in the state consume liquor, which includes 29.8 lakh men and 3.1 lakh women. Around five lakh people consume liquor on a daily basis. Of this, as many as 83,851 people, including 1,043 women, are addicted to alcohol.
Volcan de mi Tierra, the ultra-premium tequila brand by Louis Vuitton-Moët-Hennessy is launching its portfolio in India. Volcan de mi Tierra brings the finest tequila offerings – Blanco, Reposado, Cristalino and the extraordinary Volcan X.A, to Indian consumers.
Rooted in over 300 years of heritage and passion, Volcan de mi Tierra draws on the time-honoured traditions of the Gallardo family, whose roots in the tequila-making process trace back to 1774 at the famed Hacienda La Gavilana in Jalisco, Mexico. In partnership with Moët Hennessy, the Gallardos’ mastery in tequila craftsmanship is combined with Moët Hennessy’s global savoir-faire, resulting in a product that celebrates the art of tequila making, authenticity, and innovation in every sip.
Volcan is associated with NOM 1523, a prestigious distinction in the tequila industry. With over 2,200 tequila brands made from 169 distilleries in Mexico, Volcan stands out as one of only five additive-free single nom distilleries which are 100% additive free in the world highlighting commitment to the highest standards of quality and purity. Driven by a passion to craft the best of what tequila can offer, Volcan de mi Tierra uses the finest 100% Blue Weber Agave. Its all-natural flavour and colour result from Volcan’s expertise in blending and aging. Each bottle is hand painted numbered and sealed reflecting exceptional craftsmanship. Its handcrafted field to bottle.
The Volcan portfolio honours Mexico’s terroir, with each expression showcasing the spirit of Jalisco capturing the essence and energy of the volcano’s raw natural power and allows different tequila profiles to come together in perfect harmony.
Volcan Blanco: A pure expression of 100% Blue Agave, this perfectly balanced tequila offers subtle sweetness and natural flavours of agave with delicate hints of grapefruit, a touch of black pepper spice resulting in a well-balanced finish.
Volcan Reposado: Aged in American and European oak barrels, the dual aging process brings out the intricate complexity and refined finesse of our carefully selected agave, terroir and wood. Soft with a rich mouthful. Balanced and smooth.
Cristalino: Aged and charcoal filtered for clarity. Further finished in Cognac and whisky casks giving it the primary notes of caramel, tabacco, and dark chocolate followed by the secondary notes of vanilla, soft spices and dried fruits.
Volcan X.A: A true masterpiece, this innovative blend of Reposado, Añejo, and Extra-Añejo tequilas is a unique assemblage of ages. Crafted from 100% Blue Agave, without any additives, XA reveals a perfect balance of cooked agave, hint of spices and sweet aromas delivering an unparalleled richness and complexity that sets a new standard in the world of tequila.
“Volcan de mi Tierra brings a distinctive offering with its positioning of being one of the only five Tequila’s worldwide with a single nom and 100% additive-free – it delivers an authentic expression of Mexican terroir and craftsmanship,” says Smriti Sekhsaria, Marketing Director, Moët Hennessy India.
Volcan de mi Tierra is available in Goa, Haryana, Mumbai and Airports and is priced –Volcan Blanco- ₹10,267; Volcan Cristalino – ₹15,967; Volcan Reposado – ₹12,198; and Volcan XA – ₹39,107.
Paul John Indian Single Malt Whisky recently announced the release of the 7th edition of Christmas Edition Series. This exceptional unpeated expression, meticulously crafted from the finest Indian ingredients, continues the brand’s legacy of celebrating the festive spirit with unmatched elegance and flavour.
This limited-edition blend continues the legacy of its predecessors, which have consistently garnered international acclaim for their distinct profiles and complexity. Over the years, the Paul John Christmas Edition Series has earned a loyal following for its bold experimentation with cask finishes and vibrant flavour blends.
Each release is a testament to Paul John’s dedication to pushing boundaries while honouring the essence of Indian single malt whisky. The 7th edition stands out with its deep golden hue, exotic aromas of mango and pineapple, and flavours of coconut, candied orange, and toasted oak on the palate, leaving a finish rich in fruit tart and salted toffee.
With only 6,600 bottles for domestic and international markets, this latest release continues the brand’s tradition of crafting rare, collectible whiskies that celebrate the spirit of the season. The 7th edition is designed to rival the world’s finest aged whiskies, earning its place among distinguished shelves.
Since its inception in 2012, Paul John Whisky has established itself as a global icon, earning over 330 prestigious international awards. From being named the World’s 3rd Finest Whisky for Mithuna by Paul John with an impressive 97 points, to the Liquid Gold Award for Paul John Single Cask 161 Whisky, the brand’s accolades speak to its exceptional quality and innovation.
The Christmas Edition Series has become a symbol of Paul John’s ability to blend creativity with tradition, reflecting the vibrant culture of its Goan origins.
Experience the festive charm of Paul John’s 7th Christmas Edition, available now in select global markets. Crafted to be savoured straight or with a splash of water or ice, this limited edition promises to be a cherished gift for whisky connoisseurs and collectors alike.
The first direct Air India Express flight from Surat to Bangkok on December 20 ran out of liquor mid-air as the ‘alcohol-starved’ passengers gulped alcohol, reportedly worth Rs. 1.8 lakhs, in no time. The cabin crew seemed helpless answering the request for more liquor and had to make an announcement that they had run out of alcohol. The airline has not made any statement on the same.
The first direct flight between the two cities was a ‘picnic’ of sorts with Gujarati snacks such as thepla and khaman and what-have-you passing hands. Passengers have shared videos of the first flight which shows some of them enjoying the free liquor available on international flights. The videos have gone viral attracting social media attention and reflecting how Gujarat, a state where prohibition exists, is crying for lifting of the ban. According to unverified reports, passengers consumed approximately 15 litres of premium alcoholic beverages, including Chivas Regal, Bacardi, and beer.
Air India Express, the low-cost subsidiary of Air India, a Tata Group company, began operations to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport from December 20th, with nonstop flights from Surat and Pune, utilising Boeing 737Max 8 aircraft, the flying time being four and a half hours from Surat.
The incident reignited the need to review the prohibition policy in Gujarat which in December 2023 had relaxed rules just in the GIFT (Gujarat International Finance Tech) City. The state government partially relaxed its 63-year old liquor prohibition law in an attempt to woo foreign investors and corporates to invest in GIFT city. The state government has allowed alcohol consumption in hotels, restaurants and clubs offering ‘wine and dine services’ in the GIFT City. Such exemption has never been granted in any area of the state in the past.
Prohibition has been in place ever since statehood in 1960, originally in the purview of the Bombay Prohibition Act, 1949, but now under the Gujarat Prohibition Act, 2011, following several amendments. Gujarat has seen a number of deaths due to illicit liquor and in 2009, it claimed 150 lives. In 2022, over 40 people died due to consumption of spurious liquor. The law states that there would be death penalty for those found guilty of making and selling spurious liquor in case there are deaths. The law allows for temporary and long-term drinking permits to foreigners, NRIs and tourists, with outlets and purchase limits specified. A resident can get a permit only on health grounds. At special economic zones, the government allows consumption against three-year permits.
Though there are voices urging the government to lift prohibition in a State which introduced the same as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the State Government is caught in a ‘Gandhian-bind’.
The makers of Greater Than Gin have announced the return of Juniper Bomb, the gin which was first launched in 2020 as India’s first ever limited-edition Gin. Juniper Bomb hit shelves in a new “black- out” avatar on December 10 in Goa and Mumbai.
A Flavor Born from an Unexpected Twist Juniper Bomb’s origins are as unique as its taste. This limited-edition gin was created by accident during a blackout at their distillery in Goa. In 2017, when Greater Than had just been launched, the distillery was hit by a power outage. Not ones to give up, the distillers continued the distillation 24 hours later by which time the Juniper and the other botanicals had steeped into the spirit three times longer than needed. The outcome? A radically bold and explosive version of Greater Than Gin—a happy accident that has since become a fan (and distillery) favourite! The Co-Founder and Master Distiller, Anand Virmani said “In this day and age with innumerable options on the Gin shelf, the Juniper Bomb stands well apart with its clean, yet explosive Juniper flavour. We think of it as a Gin with the volume turned up to the max! It may not be a Gin for beginners, but it’s certainly one for the proper Gin enthusiast.” Due to its intense flavor profile, it’s best enjoyed “naked,” meaning without any garnish, to allow its powerful, unapologetic juniper notes to take centre stage. This gin explodes in your mouth—not in your cup—delivering an unforgettable taste that will leave a massive impression, the makers state.
Tasting Notes: Electric! Like biting straight into a plump Juniper Berry. Bold and complex at first with a finish of ripe lychees.
Juniper Bomb is available in Maharashtra (Mumbai/Pune) and Goa and will soon be launched in Karnataka and beyond. The pricing is Rs. 1,450 in Goa; Rs. 2,400 in Maharashtra and Rs. 2,390 in Karnataka. Currently, Greater Than is available in 11 states and three union territories in India, as well as in 16 other countries globally.
Blisswater Industries (House of Blisswater) has made its Yaksha Whisky available in the Karnataka market. Their award-winning whisky will be available in liquor stores across Karnataka. The whisky will be available at liquor retail stores at a price of INR. 2,380 for a 750 ML bottle.
This premium blend – as the company puts it – is more than just a whisky – it’s a carefully curated experience for those who seek richness, depth, and just the right touch of mischievous charm.
Yaksha Whisky offers a fusion of malts from the Highlands of Scotland with the finest Indian Grain Spirits. What truly sets it apart is the infusion of Soma botanicals. The company belives that the whisky has a smooth and balanced palate, malty and fruity on the nose with a trace of a smoky finish.
This blend has earned global accolades recently by the US Spirits Ratings which awarded Yaksha with a Silver for its outstanding flavour profile and impeccable craftsmanship. “We are thrilled to introduce Yaksha Whisky to the discerning palates of Karnataka,” said Varna Bhat, master blender and founder of Blisswater Industries. “Karnataka is an important market for us, and we are confident that our unique blend, inspired by rich Indian heritage, will resonate with enthusiasts here. We have been encouraged by the positive market acceptance over the past 25-30 months in markets such as Goa, Maharashtra, Rajasthan in India as well as in international markets including USA, Japan, Singapore and in Duty-free stores at multiple airports.”
Triveni Engineering and Industries Limited has forayed into the Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) Industry with launch of two whisky brands, The Crafters Stamp Rare Artisan Blended Whisky & Matsya Triple Reserve Blended Whisky. These two brands have been launched in Uttar Pradesh in the Super Premium and Premium whisky segment.
The Crafters Stamp Rare Artisan Blended Whisky emerges as a harmonious blend of scotch malts, aged in bourbon and sherry oak casks, mingling with the richness of mature Indian malts and the finest Indian grain spirits.
This meticulous crafting process results in a whisky that dances on the palate with layers of sweetness and maltiness, accompanied by enchanting notes of floral bouquets, decadent toffee caramel and the warm embrace of oak. Bursting with fresh vibrant summer fruits and hints of deep aromatic vanilla, in every drop, offers a rich flavourful experience.
Matsya Triple Reserve Blended Whisky is a blend that harmonises full-bodied bourbon and sherry cask-aged Scotch malts with the finesse of matured Indian malts and the finest grain spirits, promising unparalleled sensory experiences and making every moment memorable.
Each sip of Matsya Triple Reserve Blended Whisky immerses the palate with a cascade of deep aromatic vanilla, rich sherry and seductively smooth honey. That flows together to create an unforgettable sensory experience.
Globus Spirits launched Terai – Litchi & Mulberries, a new expression that marks the debut of The Bagh Explorations, a series of gins inspired by the fruits grown at Swarup Family farmlands in Jarauda, Uttar Pradesh.
Terai India Craft Gin – Litchi & Mulberries is available in a 750 ml bottle and has been launched in major cities of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan & Goa, and is expected to be launched in other major cities in phases with pricing varying across states in accordance with local regulations.
Created from scratch at The India Craft Spirits Co. distillery in Behror, Rajasthan, this gin is believed to be a testament to Terai’s signature ‘grain-to-glass’ philosophy, which blends heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation. The expression captures the essence of ripe litchis and mulberries, harmonized with floral notes of lavender and rose. The nutty richness of almonds and the herbal freshness of tulsi enrich the palate, while angelica and orris root contribute earthy undertones for a smooth, lingering finish.
The gin expression embodies the meticulous care and precision as its predecessor. Distilled in a bespoke Carl copper pot still using the classic one-shot London Dry method, the gin is a tribute to India’s diverse botanical heritage. The distillery is looking to stay true to the craft ensuring a flavour profile that resonates with authenticity and boldness, balancing sweet fruitiness with herbaceous and earthy notes.
Commenting on the launch, Shekhar Swarup, Joint Managing Director, Globus Spirits Limited, said, “With Terai Litchi & Mulberries, we aim to take our journey of exploration and craftsmanship to new heights. This gin not only pays homage to our family’s distilling and agricultural roots but also embraces the vibrant diversity of India’s landscapes and flavours. It’s a perfect harmony of tradition and innovation that speaks to the spirit of modern India.”
