One More Pure Craft Vodka, from Alcobrew Distilleries was launched recently in UP recently. The vodka has been launched keeping in mind the growing popularity of white spirits doing well in India in the last one decade and poised to continue its growth in the coming decade as well. The brand believes that the alcohol has a very trendy, cosmopolitan feel to the liquor and it gives a lot of freedom to the bartenders to curate quirky cocktail flavours, which are highly appreciated by the experimentative millennials.

The vodka has been launched in two flavours, Plain and Green Apple. It is made from high quality imported Indian grain spirit and natural extracts giving it a smooth and refreshing taste, making it the best tasting vodka in its category. The multiple distilled vodka has been produced using the latest ‘Eco-fine’ technology which makes the blend extremely pure.

Alcobrew believes that being a craft vodka makes it stand apart with quality outweighing quantity. The craft vodka is manufactured in smaller batches with select ingredients meticulously supervising the quality of each lot. The entire process, therefore, requires more time and more expertise but guarantees the best tasting vodka in the category.

The brand name ‘ONE MORE’ comes from the promise of ‘MORE’: MORE distillation, MORE taste, MORE smoothness, MORE fun and MORE excitement. The brand also has its cool and funky mascot fondly called ‘DJ Mono’ (Mono means Monkey in Spanish).

The packaging of the bottle has a millennial touch with a unique shape replete with neon colours. The idea behind this unique, funky packaging is to create curiosity and grab attention of the youth, making them feel a sense of owning something that will instantly make them stand apart in the crowd.

Alcobrew is one of India’s youngest liquor manufacturers. The company caters to civil, canteen store depots and institutional markets in liquor, across India and abroad. The company established the Old Smuggler brand in India with its state-of-art manufacturing facility and robust distribution channels. Besides Old Smuggler Scotch whisky and rum, Alcobrew is proud of its quality in-house brands comprising of White & Blue Whisky, Golfer’s Shot Whisky, White Hills Whisky, Lion Daddy Rum and Victorio Brandy that are manufactured, bottled, distributed and marketed by the company.

A recent report from Reuters states that India has asked its Canteen Stores Department (CSD) to stop procuring imported Scotch for its 4,000 military stores. Signalling that it could be a challenge for international companies like Diageo and Pernod Ricard. Reports indicate that imported liquor sales at defence stores generate only about $17 million in annual sales, which isn’t a lot, but would still act as a dampener for international brands.

The report states that an internal order was issued on October 19^th of this year by the defence ministry, stating that in future, ‘procurement of direct imported items shall not be undertaken’. The order also said that the issue had been discussed with the Army, Air Force and the Navy in May and July, and was aimed at supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign to promote domestic goods. Although the order did not specify which products would be targeted, it is believed that imported liquor could be on the list.

Reuters had earlier reported in June that Pernod and Diageo had briefly stopped receiving orders for their imported brands from such government stores. Although that could be part of the challenge due to the pandemic and SOPs at that time.

The defence canteens of India sell liquor, electronics and other goods at discounted prices to soldiers, ex-servicemen and their families. The annual estimated sales of this canteen/shops is over $2 billion making it one the largest retail chains in India. Although liquor makes a small portion of these sales, according to Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) imports make up around 6-7% of total sales value in the defence shops for all consumer products.

Indian whiskies have slowly but surely been making their mark on an international stage. While a number of them have reached millionaire status one of the original flag bearer of putting India on that map is undoubtedly Amrut. Their Indian Single Malts have won numerous awards globally and the distillery is now looking to bring that same flavour and enthusiasm to the India consumers with their recently created Luxury Malts & Spirits (LMS) Division. As the name suggests, this division is driving the ultra-premium brands of the company to domestic market. Bhavya Desai spoke to Rakshit Jagdale, MD, Amrut Distilleries on this development. Excerpts: 

Amrut Distillers took a while in expanding their footprint in the domestic market? Any reason why?

Amrut has been catering to our customers in India for sometime now. We follow the policy of ‘steady build‘ and our brands are loved all over the world including India. 

We have recently started our Division called Luxury Malts & Spirits Division which is focusing on our Premium brands. This division is responsible for making our premium brands available in India and we are happy that the products have been received well so far. 

How has the response been to the products so far? 

We are glad to inform you that our Amrut’s Amalgam Malt Whisky has made its mark in India as well. As the name suggests it’s made out of amalgamation of Single Malts from three regions – Scotland, Asia and Our own Malts. It has already been well accepted in Karnataka, Goa, Telangana, Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, Delhi, Chandigarh etc and it’s acceptance amongst our esteemed armed forces through CSD has also been very satisfying.

Apart from this our latest offering, the Amrut’s Amalgam Peated has also been well received by the consumers who have ‘graduated‘ to the acquired taste of peat. The brand is gaining momentum state after state . 

Our Two Indies Rum which has the distinction of being made out of Jaggery is also being rolled out in India. It is a brilliant product packed with an heavy bottom glass bottle for the Rum lovers 

What is the pricing strategy of the products currently (in terms of price points, etc) against competitors? 

We follow the doctrine of supplying ‘best in class‘ products on basis of quality and packaging. We do not look at competition for pricing.

We look at the futuristic ‘need gap‘ of the consumers and a lot of work at our distillery at Bangalore to offer expressions which will suit the needs of the consumers. Our motto is to delight the consumers with world class quality and packaging. 

How has the pandemic impacted your plans and the business?

The current pandemic has definitely impacted our plans, particularly since the on-trade outlets are closed and our premium brands have a bigger presence and prominence in these outlets. Nevertheless we are all geared up and have started bouncing back in an organised manner to get back to our volumes. 

What is the quantum of increase in terms of production capacity undertaken to realise this vision? Any investment plans to increase your inventory?

We have enough expansion done as far as the production capacity is concerned. We are confident of supplying our malts as per the demands. We have a war chest to cater to the growing demands of our customers in India and abroad. 

We take satisfaction in mentioning that our philosophy of being a proud Indian Company is keeping us in good stead with Our nation’s new narrative of Going Vocal for being Local . We have being following the Indian Story since long and feel proud to be an INDIAN MNC. 

What is the expected growth in terms of business and revenue following this expansion?

We expect the LMS division to give us good traction and both our top and bottom line are expected to grow as per our Annual Operating Plans. 

More than half of Brits surveyed is back.

Lockdowns have pushed everyone’s social life to the backburner and patrons are looking to entertain themselves at home. In a survey conducted during the lockdown on how Brits were enjoying their drinks at home during a lockdown, more than half of those surveyed believed that ‘Cocktail Hour’ has made a comeback during this time.

Research states that more than half (53%) of Brits surveyed believe the cocktail hour has made a comeback in recent weeks, with 7.30 pm emerging as the time people are most likely to raise a glass with loved ones. While ‘cocktail hour’ was born in America, it reached the height of fashion in Britain in the 1920s. In fact, the first cocktail party in the UK is said to date back to 1924 and was reportedly thrown by war artist Christopher Nevinson.

But today, according to the findings from a Bacardi’s survey, the cocktail hour has made a virtual come back with as many as 43% of respondents attempting to perfect cocktails at home since the lockdown began. Almost a third (31%) of participants have enjoyed virtual drinks parties with friends as a way of keeping in touch and one in five (21%) have even dressed up for their virtual drinks occasion. Close to 29% of respondents have been dusting off specialist cocktail glasses and 27% are going all out by making use of a shaker ahead of virtual get-togethers.

What’s more, the contemporary cocktail hour is here to stay, with over a quarter of those surveyed (27%) claiming they will continue hosting virtual cocktail hours with friends and family beyond the lockdown. Nearly a third (32%) of these budding mixologists claim they were inspired to try their hand at a cocktail because they are a more interesting alternative to wine and beer.

According to the survey, the Mojito (made with rum, sugar and zesty lime) is the most popular make-at-home cocktail. The classic Pina Colada, made with coconut cream, rum and pineapple came second, with the Californian-born Margarita coming in third place. While the Mojito proves the number one serve, vodka is the spirit of choice for 35% of those surveyed when making cocktails at home, closely followed by gin (33%) and rum (23%).

Nearly a quarter (23%) of respondents have shared a virtual toast over a non-alcoholic or low alcohol cocktail according to the report, with Virgin Pina Coladas, Virgin Mojitos and Virgin Marys topping the poll of favourite non-alcoholic cocktails. Millennials prove the most mindful drinkers as data shows 41% of consumers between the age of 25-34 years surveyed have raised a low alcohol or non-alcoholic cocktail during virtual drinks.

This Father’s Day, let Bowmore Aged 12 Years Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, from Beam Suntory, be a worthy companion to the epitome of class and quiet sophistication synonymous with every father. Bowmore, Islay’s oldest distillery, is home to the world’s oldest whisky maturation warehouse, The No. 1 Vaults. Crafted to perfection in this legendary warehouse for over 240 years, the Bowmore’s 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a delicate blend of citrus notes and mellow honey, teasing the brand’s trademark peat smoke notes all the way. The culmination of this symphony of flavours leads to a titillating experience of the senses – one truly worthy of the Beam Suntory hallmark. The 12-Year-Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been awarded a Gold at San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2018 and International Spirits Challenge 2017, reflecting the essence of Bowmore.

Just as the trickling sands of time refines a father into the best version of himself, so is the case with this offering. Promising to be just the reminder of indulgence every father deserves on his special day, Bowmore Aged 12-Years shines through to be the perfect gift for your main man.

Bowmore Aged 12 Years Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is available across all major cities including Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andaman, Maharashtra, Goa, Assam, Sikkim and West Bengal, and ranges from ? 3,200 to ? 7,500.

The best way to consume the Single Malt Scotch Whisky is as a Perfect Serve – add 30 ml of Bowmore Aged 12 Years, into an old fashioned glass, topped off with a dash of water. Bowmore Aged 12 Years Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is to be had in a manner that opens up its aromas, displays the complex flavours and notes.

Rémy Cointreau has partnered with Flow Hospitality Training to offer accredited training to hospitality workers at no cost. “The On-Trade are critical to our industry and during this uncertain time Rémy Cointreau wants to give something back to the men and women around the world who bring our brands to consumers,” said Richard Lambert, Global On-Trade Director at Rémy Cointreau.

The company’s move comes from recognising the unprecedented difficulties currently faced by the hospitality industry around the world. With many professionals either furloughed or currently unemployed and looking for an opportunity to enhance their skill set and advance their hospitality careers once trade reopens in their respective countries.

The members of the hospitality industry are invited to register for a wide selection of courses designed to expand their knowledge and practical understanding of various elements of the business; ranging from bartending to food, health and safety, to housekeeping, disability awareness, equality and diversity, customer service to wine and more intangible skills such as management, an introduction to leadership and effective team management.

“It’s encouraging to see a multi-national company like Rémy Cointreau giving back to the industry that supports it in such a meaningful way. We are delighted to partner with them to strengthen the On-Trade community,” added David Wither, Flow Hospitality Training Co-Founder.

There are special days for all things dear to us… And gin, the fashionable drink, is definitely one among them. In recent years, there is a strong trend among urban Indians to explore and also opt for gin as their spirit of choice owing to its refreshing appeal and exclusive botanical flavours, especially in cocktails and at brunches. The second Saturday of June, every year, is celebrated across the globe as World Gin Day.

In December 2019, Beam Suntory, the global premium spirits company, brought the flavourful Japan masterpiece – Roku® Gin to India with the launch of The House of Suntory portfolio. True to its Japanese craftsmanship, Roku alludes to the impeccable flavors and authenticity of the region. The unique blend artfully balances six unique Japanese botanicals – Sakura Flower or Yae-sakura and Sakuna Leaf or Oshima-sakura, which add the floral hints, Sencha Tea and Gyokoru Tea, for the full-bodied aroma, Sansho pepper or Bu-do Sansho, for the spicy notes, and Yuzu Peel, for the sweet citrus fruitiness.

With World Gin Day on 13th June, gin enthusiasts can look forward to exploring exciting new ways to enjoy this spirit that has conquered the love of beginners and aficionados alike. To celebrate the occasion, Beam Suntory brings to you a collection of fine Roku cocktails to be savoured within the comfort of your home:

ROKU TONIC – Roku gin, Tonic water and 6 strands of ginger

· Ingredients:
o 30 ml Roku
o 120 ml Tonic

· Garnish:
o Ginger sticks, as per your preference

· Method:
o Add all ingredients and build. Serve over cubed ice in a highball glass. Garnish with ginger slices.

ROKU SONIC – Roku Gin, Tonic Water, Soda Water, Lime

· Ingredients:

o 30 ml Roku
o 60 ml Tonic Water
o 60 ml Soda Water

· Garnish:
o Lime Garnish, as per your preference

· Method:
o Add ice to a highball glass and stir to chill glass. Add Roku and stir to chill the gin. Top with tonic.

ROKU SOUR – Roku Gin, Matcha Tea, Egg White, Yuzu Wheel

· Ingredients:
o 60 ml Roku
o 10 ml Matcha Tea
o 1 Egg White

· Garnish:
o Yuzu Wheel

· Method:

o Add egg whites to the shaker and shake to aerate. Add Roku and Matcha tea and shake. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a Yuzu wheel.

ROKU NEGRONI – Roku Gin, Umeshu, Campari, Orange Zest

· Ingredients:
o 30 ml Roku
o 15 ml Umeshu
o 15 ml Campari

· Garnish:
o Orange Zest, as per your preference

· Method:
o Add all ingredients and build. Serve over a large cube of ice in an Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with orange zest.

The food and beverage industry with the restaurants and bar business, in particular, is facing grave uncertainty due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant lockdown, resulting in most of the outlets reeling under severe financial stress.

To aid and support the industry, Jack Daniel’s launched an online crowdfunding tip-jar initiative, aimed at raising money for bartenders and wait staff community, who have been severely affected due to the coronavirus outbreak. With every virtual tip that is contributed, Jack Daniel’s will provide financial support as well to build back this community.

The initiative is live now and will run till 31st May, 2020. Jack Daniel’s will promote the initiative by working with people from the industry to create awareness around the initiative and take it to a wider set of people for raising a significant amount.

The brand has partnered with the Indian Flair Bartenders Association (IFBA), a Government registered non-profit organization, which is an umbrella association for the bartending community. IFBA will collect money by providing a crowdfunding platform to people willing to help and will then distribute the amount collected to the intended recipients, ensuring the money raised reaches the impacted people directly.

Additionally, Jack Daniel’s is also reaching out separately to all the finalists of its annual nationwide cocktail competition, American Whiskey Legacy Cocktail Challenge. All the mixologists over the years who have made it to the finals of the competition across all the editions are being supported financially by the company to help them overcome the present situation.

Says Siddharth Wadia, General Manager – India, Middle East and North Africa, Brown-Forman Worldwide LLC, “We are all facing a new reality these days, but if there is a bright side, it’s that people around the world are coming together, taking care of one another and doing all they can to support each other. Given the unprecedented situation, Jack Daniel’s stands committed towards extending support to one of the most important members of our community – the bartenders and the wait staff – who form the cornerstone of the Jack Daniel’s family. We urge people to come forward and support this initiative.

The President of IFBA, Rohan Carvalho added, “IFBA India is committed to support individuals and families of hospitality professionals at this critical time in our country. As a non-profit organization, it was our duty to bridge the gap between them and our donors. On behalf of IFBA India, I would like to thank Jack Daniel’s and Brown-Forman for stepping up when it matters the most. This online initiative would help us make a huge difference to those in need and with this kind gesture it gives me and all of us at IFBA India a hope to succeed in the mission we have undertaken. I am humbled and would like to extend my gratitude for supporting this campaign.”