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KALS launches Foster’s nationally post Acquisition

As a company KALS has been growing organically and inorganically acquiring breweries and distilleries along the way. With the acquisition of Foster’s in India, the company has added a new dimension to its growth plans. A report.

KALS is looking to brew a new vision in the Indian beer industry with its acquisition of Foster’s Beer and three breweries from ABI, which include the East Coast Brewery in Odisha, SICA in Pondicherry and Malabar in Kerala, all formerly SAB breweries. The company has acquired a package deal from ABI which includes three breweries, Kerala, Pondicherry and Odisha along with the Foster’s brand.

The brand has been purchased on an outright ownership basis for India, in other words, KALS now owns Foster’s, it’s variants and all IP related properties for the territory of India. The acquisition fits very well into KALS premium growth vision and they believe that the brand is vibrant with high consumer brand recall.

Not long ago Foster’s was a Pan India brand that was well accepted and this belief has been reaffirmed by the consumers and market since its relaunch few weeks ago. KALS has also acquired a brewery in Rajasthan, formerly Mount Shivalik, with brand rights of Thunderbolt, Golden Peacock amongst others for the state of Rajasthan.

All these acquisitions have given KALS a combined brewing capacity of 3 Million HL, putting KALS as the largest standalone Indian brewer in the market.

Foster’s, the famous Australian beer, is an internationally-distributed brand of lager. It is owned by the international brewing group Asahi Group Holdings, and is brewed under licence in a number of countries, including its biggest market, the UK, where the European rights to the brand are owned by Heineken International.

KALS is in the process of rolling out Foster’s Nationally and as part of the process, the brand has been launched in Pondicherry, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka with plans to roll out in the other markets in the next few weeks.

In last 24 months KALS has created a solid foundation, especially in creating brewing capabilities across the country with five breweries located strategically making them the largest, stand-alone Indian brewing company.

According to spokesperson of the KALS group, the promotional strategy is currently a work in progress, and we are getting ready for the oncoming season. Plans are also afoot to launch a vodka brand which is a new segment for KALS.

KALS Distilleries and KALS Breweries was launched in one of the most backward districts of Tamil Nadu in the year 2010 and 2013 successively. Both these manufacturing units have become one of the largest players of alcoholic beverages to TASMAC, a Government run wholesale-cum-retail undertaking in Tamil Nadu. The products of KALS Distilleries and KALS Breweries have already made their imprints in the

States of Kerala and Puducherry and Karnataka.

KALS Breweries, a state-of-the-art and automated plant with its own dedicated system software, was set up with German know-how. It has also entered into a tie-up with VLB, Berlin for talent infusion and development of brewing. KALS also has exclusive manufacturing facility to produce canned beer is already installed and the products are being sent to Kerala, Puducherry and other states.

The Management of the KALS Group of Companies are particular about ensuring compliance with high standards of quality keeping the consumer preference in focus. Legal compliances are given top priority. KALS Distilleries and KALS Breweries are the first alcoholic beverage manufactories in Tamil Nadu to obtain clearance from the statutory Site Approval Committee.

This drive towards ensuring quality and satisfaction of consumer preference enabled IMFS and beer products of KALS to record the second largest sales in Tamil Nadu. KALS Group of Companies occupy the top few sales in terms of performance of alcoholic beverage products in Tamil Nadu all through the year. La Martine VSOP Premium Brandy and 1848 Premium XO Brandy are the premium segment products highly cherished and sought-after by consumers in Tamil Nadu. Kolt Extra Strong Beer, Black Pearl Triple Super Strong Beer and Sterren 7 Premium Quality Lager Beer are among the most popular beer products in Tamil Nadu. Both KALS Distilleries and KALS Breweries have a wide range of products serving all sections of society.

Air India Pee Gate, Review of in-flight Alcohol Service

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The horrific incident of an inebriated passenger urinating on a fellow passenger in an Air India flight from New York to Delhi recently has shaken the world. The drunken passenger – Shankar Mishra – has been arrested, albeit after enormous media pressure, and the airline has been pulled up by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Air India’s apology for not handling the incident properly and for being insensitive to the woman passenger, came a bit late and with the Air India Chief Executive Officer, Campbell Wilson adding that it would review the ‘policy on service of alcohol in flight’.

This was not just one incident. On December 6, 2022 on a Paris-New Delhi flight, a drunk passenger was caught smoking in the lavatory, ignoring the crew’s admonition. And another passenger allegedly relieved himself on a vacant seat and blanked of a fellow female passenger when she had gone to the lavatory. Disgusting, to say the least.

IATA says offenses often go unpunished

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has said that there is growing concern from airlines, governments and passengers at the increasing frequency and severity of these incidents that involve violence against crew and other passengers, harassment and failure to comply with safety and public health instructions. Committed by a minority of passengers, unruly incidents have a disproportionate impact, threatening safety, disrupting other passengers and crew and causing delays and diversions. However, due to loopholes in existing international air law, such offenses often go unpunished.

One Too Many

IATA is also working with airports, duty-free retailers and other groups to ensure the responsible sales and marketing of alcohol to avoid unruly passenger incidents resulting from intoxication. In addition, IATA is participating in public awareness campaigns that encourage responsible consumption of alcohol before traveling by air such as the Fly Safely, Drink Responsibly in Norway and the One Too Many in the UK, IATA is also working with partners to highlight the types of prohibited conduct onboard flights and is supporting the #notonmyflight campaign launched by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

27% alcohol use, 24% smoking violations

IATA said that incidents involving unruly behaviour in airlines are on the rise. Alcohol use is involved in 27% of these cases while 24% cases related to noncompliance with smoking regulations. IATA said the solution seems obvious. “If too many airline passengers are abusing alcohol and acting violently, airlines can limit alcohol sale to solve the problem. However, airlines are looking for a regulatory fix, showing their reluctance to lose the alcohol sales profit despite the harm alcohol is causing.

IATA said that passengers using alcohol as an excuse to create havoc in airplanes is rising. To find a solution, several agencies which oversee in-flight regulations are working with commercial airlines. They are reviewing the current alcohol sale and consumption practices in airport bars as well as in-flight.

In the US, federal law prohibits flight crews from allowing “obviously intoxicated passengers” to board aircraft, and it doesn’t allow flight attendants to serve alcohol to anyone who appear intoxicated. Another regulation prohibits passengers from “assaulting or intimidating” crew members and interfering with their duties. Doing so carries a fine of up to $35,000 and a prison sentence of up to 20 years.

No liquor on domestic Indian flights

On Indian domestic flights, no alcohol is served, but on international flights airlines do. This rule was implemented in 1994 after the Ministry of Civil Aviation received several complaints of flyers getting inebriated and misbehaving with the airline staff and other passengers.

Presently, Air India has a policy on serving liquor on international flights as per which a passenger can’t be served more than two drinks on a flight that is less than four hours. However, the amount of alcohol served differs from business, first and economy classes with the last mentioned just getting one drink, whereas getting more, but not unlimited.

IndiGo which also operates on international routes serves alcohol on these routes and passengers can purchase on-board. However, consumption of liquor bought from Duty Free shops is prohibited on board.

Many airlines don’t serve alcohol

These are some of the airlines which do not serve liquor on flights – Air Arabia; Egyptair; Iran Air; Iraqi Airways, Kuwait Airways; Pakistan International Airlines,; Royal Brunei Airlines; and Saudia. Not all Middle Eastern airlines prohibit sale and consumption and the best example of service is Emirates Airline which has a lounge on board with the most exotic cocktails to be had at 40,000 feet.

One black sheep such as Shankar Mishra can mess up the entire inflight experience. Stricter punishments may be deterrent. Nevertheless, it is for the cabin crew to be trained, first in serving alcohol to passengers and secondly on dealing with unruly passengers, irrespective of whether the passenger is inebriated or not.

AA says growing number of disturbing incidents

While the nation was aghast with such appalling incidents, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), India reacted by saying it was not an uncommon incident. In a report which appeared in the Times of India, a frequent flyer and member of AA said “As soon as we heard of the in-flight incident, we thought he is one of us! This is something we have all done, either mistaking our puja rooms, bedrooms, balconies or neighbour’s doorstep for the lavatory. Our mothers, wives and sisters have cleaned up after us.”

AA explained “Just three-four pegs at lunch will not do much harm to a habitually hard drinker. It is possible that he availed of the free alcohol in the lounge as well,” the spokesperson said. AA does not resent airlines offering free or unlimited liquor though, by its same non-judgemental code.

The AA spokesperson explaining the possible scenario behind the November 26 mishap said, “It is possible the passenger was so sozzled he got up from his seat only at the last moment to relieve himself, was wobbly due to cabin pressure, already disoriented by too much drink. He may have failed to judge the distance to the washroom and committed the offence owing to a combination of these factors. But by no means do we defend him or condone the act”.

Dubai slashes 30% tax on Alcohol

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What that means to an Indian Tourist or International Traveler?

In a landmark announcement, starting 1st January 2023 Dubai has scrapped their 30% municipality tax on all alcoholic beverages as well as the personal liquor licence fee. This means that alcohol will now be free-to-obtain for those eligible to legally purchase alcoholic beverages in Dubai.

A valid Emirates ID, or Passport for tourists, will still be required to apply for the same. But the reason why this is an important development, especially for travellers that flock Dubai from India, they can now enjoy buying alcohol at reduced rates at restaurants and also off the counter using their passports.

Most travellers from India or elsewhere aren’t always aware that they can buy alcohol from designated retailers or wine shops (as Indians know it) in Dubai using their passports if they are off legal age. And due to this lack of awareness, most travellers often leads for them to consume alcohol at restaurants, hotel bars, etc which often charge mark up of 4-5 times on alcohol.

Such instances were recently also observed during the FIFA World Cup as well when global tourists visited Dubai due to its close proximity to Qatar. But it is also obvious that Dubai is not only looking to make things easier for expats working in the country but also looking to become an even more attractive country for professionals and tourists for the future, especially with its Emirati neighbours like Saudi, Qatar, etc becoming more aggressive to attract professionals and tourists.

What is also important to note is that this ruling is currently being implemented on a trial basis for a period of one year with further decisions to make it permanent to be taken later.

Will alcohol be cheaper in restaurants and duty free though?

Although the taxes have been reduced, experts are unsure whether this tax break will be passed onto the consumer or not, especially in restaurants.

Tourists also expecting for the prices to reduce further at duty free will have to wait since there isn’t any clarity if this reduction on tax will prompt manufacturers to drive the prices lower further. If you thought that this tax break will make alcohol cheaper in duty free as well – then no – the liquor supplied in duty free is already without the taxes which means it will still continue to be at similar prices, although there are subsequent drivers that do allow distributors to drop prices further.

So if you are planning to visit Dubai in 2023 and enjoy the tipple, then things got more interesting for you.

Diageo India initiates removal of mono cartons of VAT 69, Black & White and Black Dog

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In line with its initiative Society 2030: Spirit of Progress and its 10-year ESG action plan, Diageo India will be initiating a phased removal of mono cartons from its popular Scotch brands in India VAT 69, Black & White and Black Dog. Although there isn’t a clear timeline on when this removal is expected to commence, it includes Diageo’s global effort to be zero-waste to landfill from its own operations and offices by 2030.

The move comes following the announcement in May this year for the removal of mono cartons from its scotch portfolio brands globally, which included brands like Johnnie Walker Black Label, Johnnie Walker Red Label, Buchanan’s Blended Scotch Whisky and Bell’s Original Blended Scotch Whisky.

Although there isn’t a timeline on when the phased removal in India will commence, in May Diageo had stated that the removal of these mono cartons will allow the company to assess the response from the consumer, which if successful will be expanded to other brands as well in 2023.

What will the customer response be to this announcement in India remains to be seen, especially since standing out in a shelf space in a country like India is important, due to its stringent marketing policies. It will also be interesting to see if this move will prompt other manufacturers to follow a similar path.

Currently there isn’t any update yet if there will be any changes made to the packaging (we will update the article periodically), considering mono cartons play an important role in branding and packaging of the product. Also whether the removal of mono cartons is expected to affect the product pricing, also remains to be seen. Since manufacturers spend a considerable cost towards packaging their products, the cost is often passed onto the consumer.

Diageo believes that the phased removal will engage consumers to participate, contribute and promote a progressive move to a sustainable future and will result in saving 10,000 tonnes of paper and reducing 7,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

ABD launches ‘ICONiQ White Whisky’ in Metaverse

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Allied Blenders and Distillers (ABD), the domestic alcobev company, has launched of its new whisky “ICONiQ White” on the metaverse, before the offering becomes available in the market.

The brand has been launched first in ABD MetaBar – the organisation’s presence in the metaverse. The brand will subsequently be launched in the physical world in markets nationally.

ABD India forayed into the metaverse with ABD MetaBar, an immersive virtual reality space providing consumers and enthusiasts with a differentiated experience of product discovery. Optimised for both mobile and desktop usage, the MetaBar taps into the growing interest in the Metaverse especially the youth and their willingness to experiment with novel digital activations.

Shekhar Ramamurthy, Executive Deputy Chairman, ABD, said, “A core belief at ABD is to ‘Think Differently’. The launch of ICONiQ White in ABD MetaBar, ahead of its physical launch, gives consumers an opportunity to immerse with the brand before they experience it in stores. We believe this is the shape of things to come and ABD would like to lead that change.”

Bikram Basu, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, ABD, said, “ICONiQ White is a contemporary whisky for blend, packaging, and positioning. It will appeal to the young adult and plays in an affordable premium segment which has the largest pool of consumers today. We are here with something very special and here to win.”

Sohini Pani, Founder and Managing Director – River, said, “Crafting the communication mix for ‘ICONiQ White’ was a delightful experience. It all started with the name. ‘ICONiQ’ is bold and trendy, while ‘White’ is a surprising twist in the world of whisky. The visual space and the idea pitch the brand as a playful companion for fun-loving younger audiences. The icing on the cake was the opportunity for us to build ground-up the ABD MetaBar a few months ago and work towards the launch of Iconiq White on the platform.”

Beam Suntory unveils renewable energy-powered Jim Beam Expansion

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Beam Suntory will invest more than $400 million to expand production at its Booker Noe distillery in Boston, KY, which produces Jim Beam. This expansion will increase capacity by 50%, while reducing the distillery’s greenhouse gas emissions by the same percentage, through the use of anaerobic digestors that will produce renewable natural gas to power the facility.

Beam Suntory has entered into an agreement with 3 Rivers Energy Partners to build a facility across the street to convert spent stillage into biogas which will be treated to renewable natural gas standards and piped directly back to the Booker Noe facility. The digestors will also produce a high-quality, low-cost fertilizer, which will be made available to local farmers, thereby supporting sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices.

Upon project completion, which is expected in 2024, the Booker Noe distillery will be 65% powered by renewable natural gas, and 35% by fossil-based natural gas.

“We are committed to making a difference by investing in cleaner technologies and systems, and the expansion and significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from this project does just that with our biggest brand,” said Beam Suntory President and CEO Albert Baladi. “This expansion will help ensure we meet future demand for our iconic bourbon in a sustainable way that supports the environment and the local community that has helped build and support Jim Beam.”

In addition to capacity expansion, the investment includes land, warehouses, and 51 new local jobs. Further, this project allows the distillery to invest in high-efficiency gas boilers to make maximum use of renewable natural gas, use scrubbing technology to remove carbon dioxide from fermentation tanks, and following a purification process, facilitate the beneficial reuse of more than 100,000 metric tons of high-purity carbon dioxide annually.

“As consumers around the world continue to discover bourbon, we want Jim Beam and our commitment to sustainability to be part of that discovery,” said Carlo Coppola, Managing Director of the James B. Beam Distilling Co. “I’m so proud to be honouring our legacy as the First Family of Bourbon by leveraging this renewable energy to support our brand’s trajectory for the next 225 years.”

Beam Suntory invests more than $500 million every year to make bourbon in Kentucky. The company recently completed a $60 million transformation of the James B. Beam Distilling Co.’s homeplace in Clermont, KY, including a new and elevated visitor experience, inclusive of the full Beam family of brands like Knob Creek, Basil Hayden and Booker’s Bourbons, the Fred B. Noe Distillery, and the Kitchen Table restaurant.

“I want to once again thank the leadership at Beam Suntory for this commitment to grow the Booker Noe Distillery in Nelson County,” said Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. “The dozens of jobs this project is creating will benefit so many families in Central Kentucky, and the company’s continued growth reflects the strength of our state’s signature bourbon industry. Congratulations to everyone involved with this significant investment. I could not be more excited to see what’s next for Jim Beam Brands in Kentucky.”

Beam Suntory’s investment was first announced by the state of Kentucky through a series of economic incentive grants, made in July, including the $400 million investment to increase capacity, build warehouses, and create new jobs.

“Our goal is to help Jim Beam create a sustainable future for their company and the planet,” said John Rivers, CEO of 3 Rivers Energy Partners. “With this process, we will create new renewable energy, and help sustain the agriculture needed to create their products. It is truly a full circle sustainability approach.”

3 Rivers Energy Partners specialises in the design, build, and operations of renewable natural gas projects. The company works to provide renewable energy solutions for organisations by utilising existing bio-waste streams as feedstock for renewable energy sources.

Beam Suntory has made ambitious commitments to protect the planet, consumers and communities through Proof Positive, the company’s long-term, enterprise-wide sustainability strategy. The company also issued its inaugural sustainability report recently.

As an energy developer, 3 Rivers Energy Partners (3RE) specialises in the design, build, and operations of renewable natural gas projects.

Campari Group Launches X-Rated in India

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The Campari Group recently launched its popular fusion liqueur ‘X-Rated’ in the Indian market. Known for its unique bottle shape, bold pink liquid, sweet and delicious flavour; it is one of the fastest growing flavoured spirits in Asia. Famous among young, trend-seeking females as one of the finest celebratory drink, X-Rated is made with ultra-premium vodka sourced from Champagne and Ardennes regions of France.

It is an exotic blend of ultra-premium French vodka, blood oranges from Sicily in Italy and fused with tropical mango and passion fruit juice sourced from Brazil for a unique taste experience. The tropical fruit flavour with edgy citrus notes gives a long, smooth and semi- sweet finish.

On the occasion of the launch, Daniel Schwalb, Managing Director South East Asia and India for the Campari Group, says, “We are excited to expand our India portfolio with the launch of our globally successful fusion liqueur brand, X-Rated. A perfect blend of ultra-premium French vodka and tropical fruit, X -Rated is expected to become the preferred liqueur choice, especially for the discerning women consumers in this country.”

Arnab Ghosh, Marketing Director, Campari India also shares his excitement for the launch, “We are ecstatic to debut X-Rated in the Indian market. With this launch, we are looking forward to establishing a strong foot hold in a segment of the market which finds a strong resonance with the millennial consumer.”

This unique, bright-pink liqueur is well positioned to lead the growing cocktail appreciation trend in the country. It is best enjoyed over ice, on the rocks, or as a flavourful, colourful addition to champagne or a delicious cocktail.

X-Rated is a premium liqueur made with high quality ultra-premium vodka and tropical fruit juices. The liquid is made of 100% ultra-premium French vodka from Champagne and Ardennes. The mouth coating flavour is based on blood orange from Sicily in Italy and tropical mango and passion fruits juice from Brazil. The fusion liqueur is made with 100% pure organic fruit juices which is fused with ultra-premium French vodka in a secret process and is available in 750 ML and is 17% ABV.

Brown Forman to purchase Gin Mare brands

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Brown‑Forman Corporation recently announced that it has reached an agreement to purchase the Gin Mare brands from Vantguard and MG Destilerías. Upon completion of the transaction, Brown‑Forman will add Gin Mare and Gin Mare Capri to its growing portfolio. Gin Mare ultra-premium gin, is a Spanish gin with a Mediterranean-inspired recipe of botanicals, including Arbequina olives, thyme, rosemary, and basil. Gin Mare Capri, introduced last year, is made with Italian bergamot and lemons, along with Gin Mare’s four principal botanicals.

“Gin Mare and Gin Mare Capri are unique gin brands with impressive sales growth and strong distribution in important European markets. They are excellent complements to Brown‑Forman’s super-premium portfolio,” said Lawson Whiting, President and CEO, Brown‑Forman Corporation. “We believe this exciting acquisition enhances our capacity to deliver meaningful global growth for the long term.”

Gin Mare was founded in 2010 by the Giró Family of MG Destilerías and Alfonso Morodo and Antonio Pardo of Vantguard. Today, it is sold in more than 70 countries and is the largest ultra-premium gin brand in the world according to IWSR.

“Brown‑Forman is the perfect partner to bring Gin Mare to more consumers and bartenders around the world while keeping the brand’s commitment to producing a unique, high quality, Mediterranean gin,” said Manu Giró, CEO, and Marc Giró, Master Distiller, MG Destilerías.

“Our motto at Vantguard is to create brands that are alive with soul and aim to put a sparkle in our customers’ eyes. It’s been a thrill to watch consumers embrace our brand, and we are excited about the future for Gin Mare with Brown‑Forman’s resources and capabilities behind it,” added Antonio Pardo and Alfonso Morodo, Vantguard Co-CEOs.

Gin Mare will continue to be produced at MG Destilerías in Vilanova i la Geltrú, a ﬁshing village between the Costa Brava and the Costa Dorada. The transaction, subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close within 60 business days.

CAG flags Rs. 58-crore loss as Excise department failed to ensure IMFL yield

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The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has detected failure on the part of the Excise department to notify norms for production of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) from ENA, which led to the shortfall in the IMFL yield during production and resulted in a revenue loss of Rs. 57.83 crore.

ENA is the primary raw material for making alcoholic beverages such as whisky, vodka, gin, liqueur and alcoholic fruit beverages. It typically contains 95% alcohol by volume and is derived from sources such as sugarcane, molasses and grains.

The CAG report for the year ending March 31, 2020, was tabled in the autumn session of the Assembly.

The report said the records (June 2020) of one distillery (CMJ Breweries Pvt Ltd) and bottling plants of the same firm and four others – North East Bottling Plant, MDH Beverages Bottling Plant, Marwet Bottling Plant and Oaken Gold Bottling Plant – from 2015-16 to 2019-20 were audited to assess the correctness of excise duty collected based on data relating to production and stock.

The audit revealed that four of the five bottling plants utilised a total of Rs. 3.58 crore BL of the ENA during this period. Taking the 1% wastage norm (0.5% for blending and 0.5% for racking) into account, the bottling plants were expected to produce 90,96,457 cases of IMFL, the report said.

“However, four bottling plants disclosed production of 87,17,511 cases of IMFL. This resulted in the short-production of IMFL by 3,78,946 cases. These plants failed to maintain any records of ENA procured and consumed; nor were such reports submitted to the Excise authorities,” the report stated. The audit report observed that the rate of excise duty notified by the state Excise department during the review period was fixed at a uniform rate of Rs.810 per case. It noted that the rate of VAT (40%) fixed by the Taxation department varies from brand to brand ranging from Rs.716 to Rs.787.59 per case.

“The failure of the government to notify norms for production of IMFL from ENA, despite lacunae pointed out in the audit report for the year ended March 31, 2014, resulted in a shortfall of 3,78,946 cases during production, involving loss of revenue to the tune of Rs. 57.83 crore in the form of excise duty (Rs. 30.69 crore) and VAT (Rs. 27.13 crore) over a period of five years under scrutiny,” the CAG report said.

It further said the failure of the state government to notify norms for production of IMFL from ENA and norms for production of ENA from raw materials (grains) resulted in the loss of Rs. 57.83 crore in revenue. Besides, concealment of actual production and sale of IMFL cannot be ruled out, it added.

The CAG stated that the matter was reported to the state government in November 2021. “During the exit meeting in February 2022, the commissioner and secretary of Excise department assured that the norms for production of IMFL from ENA and norms for production of ENA from raw materials will be notified latest by May 2022,” it said.

Homegrown gin brand DOJA won silver in the prestigious Gin Masters Awards under the super premium category

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The Gin Masters is an annual judging of gin that is conducted by the Global Spirits Masters Competition. The annual series, conducted in partnership with The Spirits Business, consists of a series of blind-tasting evaluations that cover the beverage industry’s main spirit categories.

In this annual awards, DOJA has won silver and is among the top 46 gins selected amongst 1000s. The Super premium category lists brands that are priced between £21 to £35. This is DOJA’s first award and has come in less than one year of their launch.

Started by Jai Anand, DOJA is an amalgamation of botanicals from the rich lands of India and Japan’s Wakayama prefecture. He worked along with a distillery in Japan who brought to life a recipe that gives the taste of two cultures in a sip. Japan is known for immaculate craftsmanship, perfectionism, and attention to detail that reflects not only in its food and culture, but is also translated into the unique flavours of its alcohol. What makes DOJA unique is the use of Yuzu, sansho peppers, hinoki that is combined with coriander, pepper, and cardamom from India. These botanicals lend a citrus note.

DOJA is a sip and drink format beverage and is recommended to be had on the rocks or water. DOJA has begun its distribution in Goa and Mumbai. It is priced at `2050 in Goa and `3700 in Mumbai.