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Kingfisher Triumphs at World Beer Awards 2025

United Breweries Limited has recently announced that Kingfisher has won four coveted honours across categories at the World Beer Awards 2025.

At this year’s awards, Kingfisher Ultra was the Gold Country Winner in International Lager; Kingfisher Strong bagged the Silver in Seasonal: Oktoberfestbier/ Märzen; Kingfisher Premium Lager won the Silver in Helles/Münchner; and Kingfisher Ultra Max won the Bronze in Seasonal: Maibock/ Helles Bock.

Speaking on the achievement, Vikram Bahl, Chief Marketing Officer, United Breweries Limited, said, “We are truly honoured to see Kingfisher shine on a global platform yet again. These awards are a testament to our commitment to quality brewing and innovation while staying true to Kingfisher’s legacy of Good Times. This recognition not only makes India proud, but also reinforces our journey to delight consumers worldwide.”

Hunter Achieves 7 Crore Bottles Average Yearly Sales

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Hunter Beer, the flagship brand of SOM Group of Companies, has achieved two milestones this year – celebrating 25 years and registering average yearly sales of 7 crore bottles. Hunter Beer is known for its smooth yet strong taste and unapologetically confident identity, representing India’s new-agenbeer drinker: bold, ambitious, and ready for the next big moment.
First launched in 1994 and repackaged in 2016, Hunter operates in the mainstream strong segment (MSS), competing with category leaders. Hunter’s presence spans over multiple states across India, including key markets like Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Delhi, Karnataka, and Jharkhand.
“World Beer Day isn’t just about beer- it’s about the stories we create with every sip,” said Deepak Arora, CEO, SOM Group of Companies. “Hunter Beer has become a part of those stories- from late- night rooftop conversations to weekend getaways with friends. It’s a celebration of bold flavour and fearless living. With annual sales crossing 7 Crore bottles now, Hunter has built a loyal consumer base across metros and rising Tier-II cities. Its success is rooted in uncompromised quality, vibrant branding, and an iconic flavour profile that speaks directly to India’s bold, independent generation.”
SOM Group of Companies offers a diverse portfolio of premium beers, spirits, and ready-to-drink products. Headquartered in Bhopal, the company has a strong presence across multiple states and exports to several international markets. Its flagship brands are Mahavat Whisky, Bhimbetka Single Malt, and popular beer brands are Hunter, Woodpecker, Power Cool & Black Fort.

‘Greater Than’ Brings Back Juniper Bomb

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Juniper Bomb, first created in 2020 when a power outage extended a batch of Greater Than’s botanical soak from 10 to nearly 36 hours, the resulting gin was unexpectedly bold, unapologetically juniper-forward, and instantly loved. Originally released as a limited edition, it has found a cult following among purists and has now joined Nao Spirits & Beverages’ permanent lineup. Compared to Greater Than, Juniper Bomb triples the juniper load, delivering a classic London Dry
style gin that is electric—like biting straight into a plump Juniper Berry. It’s bold and complex at first, with a finish of ripe lychees. Its gin designed for those who like their spirit loud and proud; best had with lots of ice and tonic, and no additional garnish, what the team calls ‘Make It Naked’. Commenting on the launch, Anand Virmani, Co-Founder & Master Distiller, Nao Spirits, said, “Juniper Bomb wasn’t part of the plan. It was literally born out of a mistake—but the kind you want to make twice. It packs a punch—just like the juniper that defines it. We like to think of it as a gin with the
volume turned all the way up.”

Hendrick’s Gin Limited Edition Oasium Released

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Hendrick’s Gin has introduced limited edition—Hendrick’s Oasium, distilled by its Master Distiller, Lesley Gracie, and filled with herbs and vibrant fruits. Hendrick’s Oasium is the latest addition to Hendrick’s Cabinet of Curiosities. It’s designed for gin lovers who like something new and intriguing, with a flavour that’s enjoyed with cucumber and tonic.

With bright citrus and herbal notes, this limited release features desert-inspired botanicals that elevate the crisp, green flavours.

Lesley Gracie, Master Distiller at Hendrick’s said, “It was fascinating to see what plants grow and thrive in an oasis; there are things you wouldn’t expect and some others that you absolutely would. There’s a very distinctive, green, fresh character to Hendrick’s Oasium and a specific bright citrus note from some particularly small desert botanicals. This is rounded off by a lovely depth of flavour and the aromatic oasis herbs tie it all together. I always take inspiration from my surroundings and playing polo on camels was hilarious. Whenever I see the palm trees at Hendrick’s Gin Palace I’m transported back to that day when I fed my camel cucumbers, which it enjoyed immensely. It was so much fun I just had to capture that day in a gin as a way of keeping that memory forever!”

It can be had as Oasium and Tonic, garnished with cool cucumber slices; Oasium Fizz, twist on the Paloma, mixing with pink grapefruit, lime juice, and soda; and Oasium Pegu Club, where citrus botanicals shine alongside orange liqueur, lime, and bitters.

Ally Martin, Hendrick’s Global Brand Ambassador added, “Given Hendrick’s Oasium is inspired by a curious oasis, we wanted to lean into that with the suggested drink serves. First and foremost, as with all our releases, Hendrick’s Oasium works wonderfully in a Gin & Tonic. An alternative long serve is the Hendrick’s Oasium Fizz which is akin to a Paloma. The grapefruit works so well with Hendrick’s Oasium and the bright and zesty notes of the gin, coupled with a little sugar and soda to lengthen, is a winner when gathering friends together.”

“Hendrick’s has always championed the art of the unusual, and that’s what sets us apart in the premium white spirits category. We’ve consistently rewarded consumer curiosity, not just with the gin itself, but through immersive experiences, whimsical storytelling, and unexpected collaborations. In a world that’s constantly changing, the launch of our limited edition, Hendrick’s Oasium reflects our commitment to re-engage audiences in a refreshingly curious way that has helped Hendrick’s remain a beloved choice for those who seek something truly distinctive,” said Sachin Mehta, Managing Director, William Grant & Sons. Hendrick’s Oasium is available in select regions such as Delhi, Gurugram, Mumbai, Goa and Kolkata.

Indri Becomes India’s Largest-Selling Single Malt, Crosses 2 Million Bottles in 2024

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Indri, the single malt whisky from Piccadily Agro Industries, sold 2.04 million bottles (approximately 1,70,000 nine-litre cases) in 2024, placing it as the best-selling single malt in India. Of this, 1,24,000 cases were sold domestically and 46,000 were exported. The International Wine & Spirits Record (IWSR) confirms these figures and ranks Indri as the leading malt whisky in the Indian market.

The brand’s lineup includes expressions such as Indri-Trini (three-wood matured), cask-strength Indri-Dru, the Diwali Collector’s Editions, and the Founder’s Reserve 11-Year-Old. These expressions have received recognition at global spirits competitions.

PAIL’s distillery in Indri, Haryana covers 168 acres and produces malt, extra neutral alcohol (ENA), ethanol and white crystal sugar. Besides Indri, the company also offers blended malts and Camikara, an aged sugarcane juice-based rum.

Launched in 2022, Indri has witnessed rapid growth, strengthened by both domestic momentum and expanding export reach. The company now aims to place the brand among the world’s top five single malts in the coming years.

With growing global demand for Indian spirits and a shift toward premiumisation, Indri’s performance highlights how India’s single malt segment is steadily carving its place on the international whisky map.

India’s First Aromatic Low-Alcohol Still White Wine

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Sula Vineyards recently announced the launch of Sula Muscat Blanc a vibrant, aromatic, and fruity new addition to the Sula Vineyards range. Marking a significant milestone, it is India’s first still Muscat and the lowest-alcohol wine in the portfolio, with just 7.5% ABV. Crafted to offer a refreshingly light and modern take on white wine, Sula Muscat Blanc reflects the rising global popularity of Muscat, which has been the world’s fastest-growing white wine in the past decade.

Crafted from 100% Muscat grapes, Sula Muscat Blanc is a light-bodied, elegantly aromatic wine that captivates the senses with bright notes of citrus, lychee, and rose petals.

Sula Muscat Blanc is the go-to wine for every occasion from casual brunches and sunny afternoons to festive dinners and special moments. A great gifting choice too, it’s crafted through eco-friendly viticulture and mindful winemaking, staying true to Sula’s sustainable philosophy while blending tradition with a fresh, modern approach.

Gorakh Gaikwad, COO and Chief Winemaker at Sula Vineyards, said, “Our Sula Muscat Blanc is the epitome of freshness, finesse, and approachability. We set out to craft a low alcohol, gently sweet, and refreshingly light wine that’s not only delightful on the palate, but also accessible and affordable. With its vibrant floral and fruity notes and a crisp, clean finish, it’s a joyful expression made for today’s evolving wine lovers.”

Sula Muscat Blanc, priced at ₹875 for a 750ml bottle and ₹490 for a 375ml. Sula Muscat Blanc is now available in wine shops across Maharashtra, with Karnataka to follow soon.

India achieves 20% ethanol blending target earlier than deadline

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The Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has stated that India has achieved its target of 20% ethanol blending programme (EBP) with petrol five years ahead of schedule.

The early achievement of the 20% blending target, originally set for 2030, demonstrates India’s commitment to reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports while supporting rural economic development. The achievement represents dramatic growth from the modest 1.5% blending rate when the programme began in 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration.

ISMA said that the EBP has delivered substantial economic and environmental benefits. Ethanol production surged from 380 million litres in 2014 to 6,610 million litres blended as of June 2025, while generating 69.8 million tonnes in carbon dioxide emission reductions.

The programme has provided significant financial benefits to India’s agricultural sector, with farmers receiving ₹1.18 trillion and distilleries earning ₹1.96 trillion over the period. The initiative has also helped India save ₹1.36 trillion in foreign exchange costs.

“This achievement is a monumental leap for India’s energy independence and rural prosperity,” said Deepak Ballani, Director General of ISMA.

“The government’s unwavering policy direction and visionary leadership have not only made this national success possible five years ahead of schedule, but have also set a powerful precedent for our collective future in green energy.” The sugar industry has played a central role in India’s ethanol economy, supplying biofuel derived from sugarcane juice, B-heavy molasses and other agricultural by-products, ISMA added.

India to finalise standards for 27% ethanol blending by August-end

The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced that India will establish the standard for 27% ethanol blending by the end of August. He made the statement while addressing the International Sugar Expo 2025, held as part of the 83rd Centennial Annual Convention of the Sugar Technologists’ Association of India (STAI).

Gadkari pointed out that Brazil has already achieved 27% blending and emphasised the need for India to catch up.

Glasgow Distillery’s Limited Release of 1770 10-Year-Old Single Malt

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Glasgow Distillery has announced the release of its second limited 10-Year-Old single malt, to mark a decade of whisky production. This special edition has been bottled in collaboration with one of Scotland’s leading whisky retailers, Royal Mile Whiskies. The limited release (340 bottles) to be released at Whisky Fringe in Edinburgh, will be available on royalmilewhiskies.com from August 11.

Glasgow 1770 10-Year-Old Sauternes Cask Matured is a single cask, unpeated single malt fully matured in a re-fill French Sauternes sweet wine barrique. The result is a fruity, delicate whisky with notes of poached pear, salted caramel, honey and tropical fruit, with a hint of cinnamon spice.

The bottling follows the inaugural 10-Year-Old release, which sold out in under twenty minutes in March and July’s trio of Small Batch Series expressions also matured in wine casks.

“It’s a big year for us at The Glasgow Distillery, as we celebrate 10 years since our first casks were filled. This is a truly special 10-Year-Old release, an American white oak cask that previously held Sauternes wine. Being a refill barrique, the Sauternes influence is present but not overpowering, adding depth and flavour, resulting in a perfectly balanced single malt while still showcasing our decade-old spirit. The caramel and malty characters of the American oak are complemented by the rich poached pears and tropical fruit imparted by the Sauternes wine, creating a harmonious balance of whisky and wood,” said Mike Hayward, Founder

“We’re delighted to have collaborated with The Glasgow Distillery on this exciting release. We’ve long supported the new wave of Scottish distilleries, and The Glasgow Distillery has firmly established itself as one of the most innovative and inspiring producers right now. Their diverse core range, along with an impressive Small Batch Series, showcases great flavour quality and accessibility. It’s no wonder they’ve built such a passionate community around their whiskies.”

“This single cask marks their first 10 years of whisky making and is one of the most interesting examples of Sauternes cask matured whiskies I’ve tried recently, showcasing a balance of fresh apricots, salted butterscotch and honey. We’re proud to be launching it exclusively at the 23rd edition of Whisky Fringe this year at Mansfield Transquair, where The Glasgow Distillery will be joining fellow established distillers in the main hall for the first time,” added Sam Brabbs, Head Spirits Buyer at Royal Mile Whiskies

Tasting Notes:
Nose: Notes of runny honey and rich vanilla with hints of floral orange blossom leading to baked apple pie, stewed pears and dried apricot.
Palate: Honeyed sweetness and notes of vanilla pods meet Seville orange marmalade, ripe mango, rich toffee and baked fruits, all underpinned by a welcome lasting minerality.
Finish: Rich, with a nutty oiliness alongside sweet butterscotch, baked banana, earthy nutmeg and a warming ginger and cinnamon spice.

Kerala to Launch Brandy

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In a strategic push to boost local liquor production and capture the evolving preferences of Kerala’s spirits market, the state government has commenced construction of a state-owned brandy production facility at Malabar Distilleries Limited, Menonpara, Palakkad. The plant—a fully automated Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) unit—broke ground on July 7, 2025, and is expected to be operational within six months.

This marks Kerala’s formal entry into premium brandy manufacturing, aimed particularly at serving the northern districts, where brandy consumption dominates. In contrast, rum remains the preferred spirit in southern Kerala—a consumer insight that shaped both the location and product strategy of the initiative.

Scaling Up with Automation

The upcoming facility will house three fully automated production lines, capable of producing 13,500 cases per day. Initially, the plant will run a single shift employing around 40 workers, with plans to scale as demand increases. This is a significant leap from the current manual production of Jawan Deluxe XXX Rum, which yields only 6,000–8,000 cases daily.

Production at the plant will cover the entire value chain—from blending and bottling to capping and packaging—enabling complete in-house control and quality assurance.

A Jawan-Inspired Rollout

Although the brand name of the new brandy is under wraps, officials from Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco)—the state’s liquor monopoly—hinted that the marketing strategy will mirror the successful template used for Jawan Rum, now a trusted name in Kerala’s IMFL landscape.

Kerala’s `20,000 Crore Industry

In FY 2023–24, Kerala reported liquor and beer sales worth ₹19,088.68 crore, a 3% increase from the previous year. Taxes and levies contributed a massive ₹16,609.83 crore to the state exchequer, underscoring liquor’s role as a fiscal pillar.

Kerala’s IMFL market accounts for 90% of liquor revenue, with brandy (35%), beer (33%), and rum (27%) dominating consumption. Premium liquors—priced above ₹1,000 per 750 ml—make up just 4% of the volume, highlighting a strong preference for affordable brown spirits.

Interestingly, only 20% of the liquor consumed is produced within the state, with the rest sourced externally—a gap the new facility aims to narrow.

Kerala also faces limited retail access, with just 0.8 outlets per lakh population. Bevco is working to enhance distribution by launching air-conditioned premium outlets at strategic locations like Kochi Metro stations.

The government is concurrently exploring the production of fruit-based wines and spirits—using pineapple, mango, and banana—to support farmers and diversify beyond grain-based alcohol.

The brandy project is being executed by Kerala Electrical and Allied Engineering Company Ltd., and is part of a broader blueprint approved in June 2022, with administrative sanction in July 2023, to establish five blending and bottling lines at Malabar Distilleries.

Originally set up in 2009 for IMFL production, Malabar Distilleries is now transitioning towards a premium spirits portfolio, aligning with the state’s ambitions to create a self-sustaining, publicly-led liquor ecosystem.

“The government sees liquor production as a sector that supports both employment and state revenue,” said Minister M B Rajesh. “We plan to begin production by February and ensure availability of high-quality liquor through public sector efforts.”

MPs Representing Agriculture and Wine Producers meet Amit Shah and Piyush Goyal

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A delegation of Members of Parliament representing farmers and wine producers, led by MP, Supriya Sule met Union Minister of Home and Cooperation, Amit Shah and also Union Minister of Commerce and Industries, Piyush Goyal to discuss issues related to the farming community and wine growers.

The delegation led by MP Supriya Sule comprised Members of Parliament, Dharyasheel Mohite, Bajrang Sonawane, Nitin Patil, Bhaskar Bhagare, Balyamama Mhatre, and Hemant Sawara; the Vice President of Sula Vineyards, Sanjeev Paithankar, and the President of the- All India Wine Producers Association (AIWPA), Jagdish Holkar.

The meetings in Parliament House on August 19 brought to the notice of Amit Shah the issue of agriculture finance and how farmers were impacted by CIBIL ratings due to delayed loan repayments. Lending institutions, they pointed out, were not considerate to the farmers who due to vagaries of nature have not been able to repay interest or loans on time.

In the meeting with the Commerce Minister, the delegation discussed the tariff on wine under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) wherein the tariff has been reduced from 150% to 75% on wines (more than US$15 per bottle CIF), to come down to 25% after 10 years. For wines above US$5 and less than US$15, the rates are 100% and after 10 years 50%.