Category Archives: news

Paul John Whisky Unveils Exclusive Limited Edition Whisky

Paul John Whisky has announced the launch of its Limited Edition Peated Port Cask, available exclusively at Cochin International Airport Duty Free starting July 16, 2025. This marks the brand’s second exclusive release at an international airport.

Crafted in Goa by John Distilleries, the limited-edition single malt highlights the brand’s signature coastal maturation. Bottled at 55.3% ABV, only 402 bottles are available. The whisky is non-chill filtered, contains no additives, and is initially matured in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in Port casks.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Old oak
Nose: Rich aromas of blackberries, prunes, dried fruit, and a hint of dark chocolate
Palate: Baked orange layered with smoky, dark caramel
Finish: Smooth, with honeyed sweetness and elegant oak undertones

“This exclusive release at Cochin Duty Free is not only a special experience for global travellers, but also a personal milestone for me,” said Paul P. John, Chairman of John Distilleries. “Launching this in my home state is a proud moment for the entire Paul John Whisky team.”

Kartik Mohindra appointed William Grant & Sons India’s new Managing Director

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Sachin Mehta will head the Canada Business

In interesting news, Kartik Mohindra has been appointed as the new India Managing Director of William Grant & Sons. The change will take effect from 30^th September, 2025 and the current MD, Sachin Mehta, will take up an international role, leading the Canada business.

Kartik – who moves from Pernod Ricard India was responsible as the CMO and Head of Global Business Development there, assumes the new role with over 26 years of experience as a senior leader in marketing and sales primarily in the alcohol, beverage and FMCG sectors.

This opens up an exciting chapter for WG&S since Kartik comes with experience that’ve led innovation across various categories, from whiskies and wines to brand extensions in his previous role. According to reports – under his leadership, brands such as Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet, Absolut, Blenders Pride, Royal Stag, Imperial Blue, Jameson, Jacob’s Creek Wines and 100 Pipers achieved leading market positions.

“These appointments reflect WG&S’ continued investment in key growth markets and a commitment to strengthening our global leadership team. We are excited to welcome Kartik to our team in India – a strategically important market for us,” said Doug Bagley, Chief Commercial Officer, WG&S. Kartik’s predecessor, Sachin Mehta will head the Canada Business following his work over the past nine years in India, which has made a significant impact, driving rapid business growth, strengthening the Company’s presence and achieving leadership for its portfolio of premium spirits brands in India.

Rampur Jugalbandi #6 named ‘Best World Single Malt’

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Rampur Jugalbandi #6, a limited edition Indian whisky has been named ‘Best World Single Malt’ at the 2025 John Barleycorn Awards held in the United States. The John Barleycorn awards are considered one of the most prestigious events in the global spirits world, and are judged by seasoned writers and industry experts.

Aside from this recently launched single-malt, two other Indian whiskies have also bagged awards for ‘Double Gold’ and ‘Gold in the Indian Single Malt Whisky – Tokaji Finish category’, respectively. Rampur Select secured a Double Gold, while Jugalbandi #5 earned Gold in the Indian Single Malt – Tokaji Finish category.

The Rampur Jugalbandi #6 is aged in rare Madeira casks in the north Indian climate, to attain the classic characteristics of the Rampur Single Malt whiskies.

Taste

The Jugalbandi series, #6, carries a pleasing aroma of floral and citrus notes, with a medley of fruits and caramelised pineapple and apricot on the palette. The alcohol by volume is 55.8 per cent.

Currently, this limited-edition Indian whisky is available in the Ospree Duty Free at Terminal 2 of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, and the duty-free at Terminal 3 of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Rampur Select was awarded Double Gold for its signature smoothness and fruit-forward character. It is priced Rs. 12,500 for a 750 ml bottle. The blend is aged in the foothills of the Himalayas and is described as the ‘Kohinoor of Single Malts’ by the brand. Rampur Jugalbandi #5 received a Gold for its elegant and experimental cask finish and is matured first in American Bourbon barrels and then Tokaji wine casks, which infuses the liquid with fruity, floral and honeyed notes. The official MRP has not been disclosed.

ISWAI Urges Review of Maharashtra’s Excise Duty Hike on IMFL

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Prices of IMFL products expected to increase by up to 65%

In the wake of the current increase in excise duty on Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) by the Maharastra government, International Spirits and Wines Association of India (ISWAI) has raised strong apprehensions over the government’s recent decision The announcement has triggered concern amongst the stakeholders in the industry with prices of IMFL products expected to increase by up to 65%. For instance, the price of a 180 ml bottle can now be expected to increase by ₹100–130, something that is already doing rounds by consumers on social media. ISWAI and industry experts anticipate this increase having far-reaching economic and social consequences.

Currently the alcobev industry contributes ₹23,290 crore annually to the Maharastra Government, which has seen a robust 11% CAGR in total revenues and a 35% CAGR in the premium segment between FY20 and FY24. The industry stakeholders feel that this might derail this momentum and ISWAI is urging an urgent review of the new policy.

Although the review seems unlikely since the new FTA between UK-India have brought down the imported liquor duty from 150% to 75% initially.

Sanjit Padhi, CEO, ISWAI, said, “This unprecedented hike is likely to push consumers towards cheaper alternatives, including unregulated and potentially unsafe liquor.” Coupled with the high arbitrage with neighbouring states, this raises the risk of market infiltration by illicit products, posing a serious public health threat and undermining consumer safety he added.

This can also have more far etching implications according to ISWAI. Some of which include:

A potential decline in IMFL volumes may reduce demand for grain-neutral spirit (GNS), adversely affecting rural grain-supplying farmers
Likely downward trade for consumers to lower-end or cheaper products
This will impact expected incremental revenue to the government will be marginalised
Workforce rationalization at manufacturing units could result in job losses
Significant disruptions of ancillary sectors like logistics, packaging and bottling
Reduced footfall and revenue in bars and restaurants

There is a heightened risk of unintended consequences, including a surge in the consumption of illicit liquor and cross-border smuggling, particularly from neighbouring states like Goa and Madhya Pradesh, driven by the significant price arbitrage. This infiltration could severely impact both revenue collections and public safety.

ISWAI is also cautioning that the recent price hike may undermine the government’s revenue objectives by fueling non-compliance and expanding the illicit trade network. Rather than generating higher tax collections, the move could result in revenue leakages, as consumers turn to unregulated and untaxed sources of alcohol.

While the government has introduced a new category – Maharashtra Made Liquor (MML) – targeted at the ₹150–205 price range for 180ml, this segment is being vacated by existing IMFL brands, which are moving up to the ₹205+ bracket. However, with MML production expected to take over six months to ramp up, the interim period is likely to create a market vacuum, leading to potential revenue losses for the state.

“A balanced policy will not only ensure steady revenue inflow but also safeguard the interests of stakeholders across the value chain,” adds Sanjit Padhi. The industry, while supportive of reform, advocates a sustainable and revenue-positive model that balances fiscal goals with market realities.

World Chocolate Day, Baileys X Smoor Offerings

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On World Chocolate Day (July 7), a collaboration by Baileys X SMOOR is perfectly in tune with how India is thinking about chocolate: as an experience that goes beyond just taste.

This non-alcoholic dessert range brings together Baileys’ signature indulgence and SMOOR’s chocolate artistry in the most delicious way. The collection features: Flavoured Shots: Bite-sized Classic, Creamy Berries, and Sea Salt Caramel flavours; Flavoured Chocolate Bars: Smooth and luxurious bars in Classic, Creamy Berries, and Sea Salt Caramel flavours; and the Classic Cake.

The Dessert Collection by Baileys X SMOOR is now available in outlets across Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, and Gurgaon.

India’s chocolate market is currently valued at approximately USD 2.6 billion and is expected to double by 2033. There is a growing appetite for desserts that feel a little more special and are design-led, unique in flavour and crafted with care. The Dessert Collection by Baileys X SMOOR is a non-alcoholic collaboration.

India’s First Homegrown Vermouth Launches in Bangalore

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After a successful debut in Goa, Davana Vermouth Indica – India’s first 100% homegrown vermouth, is now available in Bangalore. This expansion brings the brand’s expressions, Bianco and Rosso, to the garden city.

Davana is crafted using a Chenin Blanc wine base and infused with 21-23 native botanicals, including its namesake ‘Indian wormwood’ known as ‘davana’. Available in two distinct styles — Bianco, a light and floral blend with citrus and spice, and Rosso, a deep, spiced, and bittersweet offering — the brand presents an aperitif that’s versatile, elegant, and unmistakably Indian.

While vermouth has long held its place in cocktails like the Negroni, Martini, and Manhattan, it has rarely taken centre stage in Indian bars or conversations. Davana is looking to change that. The brand is not only looking to offer a local alternative to imported vermouths but also aims to educate consumers about vermouth as a category — as a pre-dinner ritual, a low-ABV sipping experience, and a key cocktail component.

Adarsh Gadvi, Co-Founder, Davana Vermouth Indica, says, “After Goa, we decided to bring Davana to a market that would spark conversations around vermouth. We’re excited to showcase a new generation of Indian spirits made for the world — but rooted at home.”

Founded by Adarsh Gadvi and Evgenii Savvateev, Davana took shape after over two years of development and more than 50 recipe trials. The bottle is a visual ode to India — adorned with intricate illustrations of lotus, peacocks, tigers, and the aromatic davana herb. The embossed Devanagari logo on the textured, cork-sealed bottle embodies bold design, artisanal craftsmanship.

Diageo India acquires Nao Spirits

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Diageo India has acquired Nao Spirits & Beverages, India’s craft gin makers (Greater Than and Hapusa brands), valued at Rs. 130 crores.

Diageo India (United Spirits Limited) has increased its equity stake in Nao Spirits from 30% to approximately 97.07%, making it a subsidiary of the company. With a final tranche pending, Diageo India is set to hold 100% ownership, bringing one of India’s most influential craft spirits startups fully into its fold. The transaction includes a secondary share purchase of ₹53.79 crore and a further infusion of ₹56 crore in growth capital — a strong commitment to scaling what began as a bootstrapped dream of India’s first homegrown gin.

Founded in 2017 by Anand Virmani, Aparajita Ninan and Vaibhav Singh; and later joined by Abhinav Rajput, Nao Spirits created India’s first craft gin from the ground up. From a small distillery in Goa, they distilled more than just spirits – they distilled the movement that would later be celebrated as ‘Indian Craft Spirits’. ‘Nao’, derived from the word ‘boat’ in Portuguese is a nod to Goa’s history as a trading port and a play on the English word ‘now’, capturing the spirit of a confident, modern India.

With Greater Than (2017), they introduced India to its first homegrown London Dry gin made with botanicals from around the world. With Hapusa (2018), they broke new ground with the world’s first Himalayan Dry Gin, bottling the wild spirit of the mountains with a premium, sipping gin. While Greater Than built the foundation, Hapusa gave gin a voice rooted in local flavour. Together, these helped build India’s craft gin category from scratch.

Imaginative Limited Editions

Nao Spirits launched a series of imaginative limited editions—each one crafted to stand apart, both in flavour and in form: Juniper Bomb (2020) – born from an accidental extended botanical soak that led to thrice the juniper flavour; No Sleep (2021) — India’s first coffee-infused gin; Broken Bat (2022) — the world’s first gin, aged using Kashmir Willow cricket bats; and Punk Gin (2023) – India’s first naturally infused pink gin made with real Mahabaleshwar strawberries, born from a place of rebellion.

These never-before-seen limited editions broke convention and captured attention, each bottle a celebration of India’s biodiversity, ingenuity and evolving palate.

“We started with a copper still named Agotha and a dream to make India proud. Today, we’re humbled and energised with Diageo India stepping in as a full partner and investor. Along the way, we realised that gin isn’t just about what goes into the bottle — it’s about the culture you build around it. From day one, we’ve been deeply focused on nurturing a community of bartenders, servers, and craft champions who could carry the story of Indian spirits forward in ways we never imagined. We’re proud that many of the original hands and hearts that built Nao Spirits are still with us today, and this next chapter gives us a chance to grow the culture we’ve helped shape with even greater reach and purpose. This isn’t the end of a journey, but the beginning of a new chapter; powered by the same people, the same purpose, and the same belief — that modern Indian spirits deserve their place on the world stage,” said Anand Virmani, Co-Founder & CEO, Nao Spirits & Beverages.

The original team continues to lead Nao Spirits with the same creative direction and cultural clarity that have defined its journey from the start — now supported by Diageo India’s robust distribution network, production capabilities, and leadership strength.

Monarch Legacy Edition Brandy Wins at London Spirits Competition

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Monarch Legacy Edition by Tilaknagar Industries Ltd. (TI) has bagged a bronze medal in the brandy category, thus becoming the only Indian brandy to win at the London Spirits Competition 2025. Monarch is pure grape luxury brandy that is crafted with a blend of French and Indian grape spirits. This year’s edition of the London Spirits Competition had over 500 entries from more than 30 countries.

Tilaknagar said that Brandy which is the second largest category within the IMFL (Indian Made Foreign Liquor) segment, has seen relatively little disruption or innovation over the years. That narrative, it mentioned, is changing with Monarch Legacy Edition.

“This is a huge win — not just for Monarch, but for Indian brandy,” said Amit Dahanukar, Chairman & Managing Director, Tilaknagar Industries Ltd. “We launched Monarch to shift the conversation around Indian brandy. This complex spirit has so much potential when it’s made with care — but it often does not get the recognition it deserves. With over 40 years of expertise in brandy-making, we felt a responsibility to change that. For Monarch’s very first international showing to earn a win like this — it’s a strong validation of everything we set out to do.”

“In a contest dominated by celebrated brandy-producing nations such as France, Spain, and Australia, Monarch’s recognition marks a significant milestone—not just for the brand, but for India’s evolving spirits landscape, particularly the brandy market. And we’re excited to lead this shift,” said Sanaya Dahanukar, Marketing Manager, Tilaknagar Industries Ltd.

Monarch is a blend of French grape spirits aged up to eight years and selected Indian grape spirits from Maharashtra’s Sahyadri region — a nod to local terroir. It is distilled in coal-fired copper pot stills using traditional Cognac-style methods and matured in French oak ex-wine casks, it’s a spirit with depth, nuance, and serious character. Its flavour brings together notes of dried fruit, velvety oak, and warm spice. The aroma is rich grape and fruit notes with subtle hints of apple, nutmeg, and tobacco, while there is velvety sweetness balanced by creamy oak and indulgent dried fruits on the palate. The finish is long and warm with cinnamon, peach, and clove nuances.

Packaging

The symmetrical ridges of the bottle catch and refract the light, enhancing the deep amber tones of the liquid within. The golden metallic label, shaped like a shield, is among the few in India’s spirits industry to be crafted from metal. The bottle, inspired by royal chalices, has a metal-plated shield label and a mono carton featuring miniature style paintings of kings — creating a standout bottle.

Launched in November 2024, Monarch Legacy Edition marks TI’s move into the super-luxury space, expanding a portfolio that already includes global success stories like Mansion House Brandy and Courrier Napoleon.

The brandy has ABV 42.8% in a 750 ml bottle. The MRP is ₹ 6750 in Maharashtra, ₹4000 in Goa, and ₹3500 in Pondicherry.

Radico Khaitan launches Morpheus Super Premium Whisky in Uttar Pradesh

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Radico Khaitan Ltd. recently announced the launch of Morpheus Rare Luxury Whisky in the Uttar Pradesh market. With this strategic rollout, the company expands its premium portfolio, eyeing the 18+ million cases segment.

A specially designed Collector’s Edition Pack will accompany the launch. This limited-edition pack comprises of a 750ml whisky bottle in an exclusive gift box containing branded bar collectibles with a beautifully inscribed brand story. The first 12 customers of Morpheus Whisky in each premium outlet will have the privilege of owning this special pack.

Uttar Pradesh, being a key market for Radico’s domestic whisky portfolio, the premium whisky segment is witnessing significantly faster growth. This strong momentum makes UP a vital state in Radico’s premiumisation strategy.

Amar Sinha, Chief Operating Officer at Radico Khaitan Ltd. stated, “The launch of Morpheus Rare Luxury Whisky in Uttar Pradesh is both a strategic and a symbolic milestone for Radico Khaitan. Introducing the new brands to this dynamic state reflects our continued commitment to elevating consumer experiences through innovation, quality, and legacy. We believe Morpheus will not only deepen our connect with aspirational consumers, but also reinforce our leadership in India’s evolving premium spirits landscape.”

Commenting on the launch, Sudhir Upadhyay, Executive Vice President, Radico Khaitan Ltd., said, “Uttar Pradesh remains one of our most strategically important markets, contributing a significant growth to Radico Khaitan’s domestic volumes. With Morpheus Whisky, we are not only strengthening our presence, but also aiming to increase our share in UP’s evolving spirits landscape. This launch is a bold step in our journey to lead the premiumisation wave and redefine consumer expectations in one of India’s most influential markets.”

Crafted with imported Scotch malts and fine Indian grain spirits, this new whisky is aged in Bourbon Barrels and delivers a signature fruity-floral flair & smooth sophistication. Positioned as “The Spirit of Dreams”, Morpheus is crafted to resonate with discerning consumers who dream beyond the ordinary.

Morpheus Super Premium Whisky is priced at ₹1190 for a 750 ml bottle in Uttar Pradesh. The product will also be available in pack sizes of 375 ml, 180 ml and 90 ml in UP.

Nao Spirits Bags Six Awards

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Nao Spirits & Beverages, India’s craft spirit maker, has further cemented its place on the global stage with its wins at The Gin Guide Awards 2025 (UK), one of the world’s most reputed competitions. With six awards, the homegrown brand has now crossed the 80+ international award milestone, emerging as India’s most awarded gin brand; well on its way to a historic century of global accolades.

Founded in 2017 by Anand Virmani, Aparajita Ninan and Vaibhav Singh; and later joined by Abhinav Rajput, Nao Spirits was born with a mission to create world-class Indian spirits that celebrate botanicals and showcase homegrown innovation. From starting as a small-batch distillery in Goa to now exporting to over 24 countries and commanding a quarter of India’s gin market, the brand has helped redefine how the world sees Indian craft spirits.

Nao Spirits’ winning expressions include their signature gins, Greater Than and Hapusa, as well as two of their limited editions, Broken Bat and No Sleep. The distillery is also the only Indian distillery to have been crowned one of the ‘Distilleries of the Year’ along with special mentions.

In its 11th year, The Gin Guide Awards (UK) is the world’s largest independent gin competition, judged by a diverse panel of distillers, retailers, mixologists, and distributors. It evaluates gins not only on flavour and balance, but also creativity, craftsmanship, and category leadership—making it one of the most comprehensive recognitions in the industry.

“We’re reimagining what Indian craft spirits can be; pushing boundaries with a constantly evolving portfolio that spans classic and contemporary expressions, and a pipeline of experimental editions. Innovation is at the heart of how we’re redefining the future of craft gins,”says Anand Virmani, Co-founder, Nao Spirits.

Earlier, Nao Spirits had won four ‘Best in Category’ awards, including a ‘Double Gold’ for Greater Than, at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and three category wins.

The awards are: Medal (Highly Commended) – Greater Than (Traditional Gin – Upto 42% category); Medal (Winner) – Greater Than Broken Bat (Traditional Gin – Aged Gin); Medal (Winner) – Greater Than No Sleep (Contemporary Gin); Medal (Special Mention) – Distillery of the Year; Medal (Winner) – Hapusa (Contemporary Gin – Over 42%); and Medal (Winner) – Hapusa (Cocktail Category – Negroni).