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Ron De Ugar Handcrafted Rum Review
The Ron De Ugar Rum comes from Ugar Sugars Works Ltd who have been in the Sugar business for about 75 years. And as you know that manufacturing ENA is a natural extension of being in this business and in line with that Ugar Sugar also has a portfolio of spirit products in the market. This is their first rum product and is priced at Rs. 1300 in Goa for a 750 ml bottle. The rum features a 42.8% ABV and is currently only available in Goa and Karnataka, with plans to launch it soon in others states as well.
Why the Name?
It is common to believe if this rum is from India? The name suggests that it might be an international product and honestly I also thought for it to be one at first glance. But this is a 100% Indian handcrafted Rum and it is manufactured in the Ugar Khurd region, which is a small hamlet in the erstwhile princely state of Sangli in the West of India, on the border of Maharashtra and Karnataka. The region is a sugar manufacturing-focused township with large areas under sugarcane cultivation, which is where the distillery is based and also of course this rum is also made there. And since this comes from the Ugar region, its named after it, the ‘Ron de’ has been added to give it some flair of course.
Apart from the name there are few other interesting things about this Rum, and the most important is that this is made from cane spirits and not molasses. Most of the rums that you find in India are made from Molases, whisky’s also in fact. Much like Camicara Rum, which is also a small batch rum made from cane spirit, Ron De Ugar is mixed with mature 3-5 year rums and cane spirit.
Another interesting thing about this rum is the moniker on the rum. When you look at him it seems like an international figure, but this is actually Shivaji’s Naval Commander, Kanoji Angre, who use to monitor that belt and is also known as askilled navy chief hence used here.
How is it made?
So, how exactly is this rum produced? The aged rums are combined with cane spirits and left to mature gradually in Oakwood casks. Afterward, they’re mixed with fragrant spices to create a unique flavour. This rum is crafted and bottled at the Ugar Sugar Works Ltd. in Ugar Khurd, located in the Belagavi district of Karnataka.
Packaging:
Similar to many other rums available in this segment, it comes in a canister. A marron base colour along with gold letterings make it look good and the canister also has some night texture with the picture of the Naval Commander Kanoji Angre on it. The shape of the bottle is similar to that if Monkey Shoulder whisky somewhat.
Nosing:
With an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 42.8%, this rum is undoubtedly smooth while nosing. Its sweetness carries note reminiscent of vanilla, which is evident from the aroma it imparts. There’s a distinct and clear vanilla scent. While there’s not much spiciness, the scent is deep and intense. Taking a whiff of this rum can also provide a pleasant sensation, gently expanding one’s nostrils.
Tasting:
Talking about the taste, as expected, it’s smooth. When the spirit enters the mouth, it feels refined, smooth and also warm. The spiciness hits you slightly late just as the vanilla sweetness fades away. There’s a lingering texture on the palate, offering a warm and comfortable feeling. Interestingly, although the spiciness isn’t obvious at first sip, it becomes evident shortly after. The spiciness is balanced and not overwhelming, providing a relaxed experience. The finish is prolonged, felt at the back of the throat, and carries a warm sensation with a subtle hint of spice. Despite the enticing aroma of vanilla and sweetness, these flavours don’t translate as strongly onto the palate. For a rum with a 42.8% ABVit goes down smoothly.
Conclusion:
Priced at ₹1300, this rum certainly falls into the premium category. It’s important to note that this isn’t a budget-friendly option, especially when considering potential higher costs in other states. But the makers are very clear that this is meant to be a handcrafted small batch rum. While the rum is good I would’ve been happier if it would’ve been priced at around Rs. 900 – 1000, it would’ve flown off the shelves then. But overall you must try this for sure, atleast once.
The Glenwalk Whisky Review
This is the newest Blended Scotch in the market and this is the first exclusive review of this Whisky as well. Now what’s special about this whisky? It actually comes from Sanjay Dutt. Yes you heard it right! The famous actor is one of the partners in this whisky and other than him there are four other partners who have come together to form a company called Cartel and Brothers. All of the partners in this company seem to have good experience in this industry and from the looks of it they have all the bases covered between them.
Apart from of course have Dutt as a partner, the other thing special about this scotch is its price. It’s just costs Rs. 1550 in Maharastra for a 700 ml bottle (not 750 ml), it is a 40% ABV. This is also currently only available in Maharastra only. Now this is a category where you have your Indian Premium whisky’s like Blenders, Oaksmith, Antiquity Blue, Signature, etc, who are millionaire brands, making this experience, something that those consumers might be interested in.
The makers also highlight that while this is a scotch, it is tailoured to the Indian tastes buds, which means there might have been much thought gone behind making this.
How is it Made?
Of course being a blended scotch it is made in Scotland and this uses a 3-year-old malt that is mixed with grain spirits. Most scotches as you know come with an age statement of 3-4 years malt.
Now the Glenwalk is made using the traditional production method, which involves using malted barley that is soaked in water and allowed to germinate until the sugars are released. This is then fermented to create the blend. This is also made and bottled at the Aceo Ltd in UK, which are the producers of number of malts and scotches.
What’s also interesting is that this is a whisky that the company is also pushing as a mixer, they have a host of recipes on their website, which is a trend that is ongoing in the industry now – much like the Jhonnie Walker Blonde, which is doing well in the market.
Packaging
As you would expect, being a blended scotch it comes in a mono carton and they’ve gone for the black colour. The carton also featured a picture of the highlands on it, which is where this is made. The carton has also the relevant info and the idea behind the scotch. Much like the communication surrounding the whisky, the packaging also tries to sell the story about a more premium brand and taste experience that is suppose to inspire the consumer.
Personally I feel the outer packaging could be better. It’s difficult to read the bottle name from a distance since it is presented in a vertical. I am not sure if this was a strategy that the makers went with, much like the Black Label, which deliberately slanted its logo at 24 degrees on purpose to stand out on the shelf at that time.
On the inside I like the packaging. The bottle shape is kind of a cross between the Glens of the world and also a little bit of Bagpiper honestly? Let me know in the comments if you also think so, or what is the type of look of this bottle do you think it is?
Nosing
On the nose the you get a little hint of sweetness which is common from the whisky’s that come from the Highlands. It’s 40% ABV and it doesn’t seem very potent. The colour is dark-deeper brown.
Tasting
A nice swirl and you get the fruity sweetness for sure, a hint of caramel and the spicy nature. There is also a hint of smoky aroma which isn’t in your face, but you get it surely when the spirit is in your mouth. Another thing to notice is that it is a strong spirit. For a 40% ABV it surely feels more potent. And it also has a long finish which lingers with a slightly buttery texture on your tongue.
Verdict
So the biggest question is how is The Glenwalk Blended Scotch Whisky? I think it is interesting. It offers a scotch flavour at a very attractive price for the consumer, where some of the most popular Indian premium whiskies are positioned. Yes for the price of Rs. 1550 in Maharastra it isn’t the best premium scotch experience, but there is enough here to make you want to try it atleast Once. Yes but this is only available in Maharastra currently, so that might be its drawback because it has the potential to be a lot cheaper when it goes to the other states.
So if you are able to get this then surely taste it and tell us in the comments how you felt.
How Women are Disrupting India’s Alcobev Industry: Panel Discussion | INDSPIRIT 2023 |
Join Anmol Gill, Nita Kapoor, Aditi Chauhan Mukherji and Varna Bhat in a captivating panel discussion on “How Women are Disrupting the Alcobev Industry” at INDSPIRIT 2023. The session was moderated by Dr. Arpita Mukherjee, this insightful conversation explores the influential role of women in shaping and empowering the alcobev industry. Gain valuable insights, discover inspiring stories, and be part of the conversation. Watch now! This session was powered by ISWAI (The International Spirits & Wines Association of India)
In the Panel (L-R): – Anmol Gill, Head of Customer Marketing, Bacardi India & Neighboring Countries – Varna Bhat, CEO, Blisswater Industries Ltd. – Dr. Arpita Mukherjee (Moderator) (Member of Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) – Aditi Chauhan Mukherji, National Head, Defence Sales (CSD&CPC), ABD Ltd. – Nita Kapoor, CEO, ISWAI
Old Monk Amber Review
Old Monk Rum is one of the highest selling rums in India and has been a fan favourite among rum drinkers for a longtime. And Old Monk Amber is a more refined expression from the same makers. This comes from Mohan Meakins and is priced tag of ₹950 in Uttar Pradesh. The company is also behind the production of Solan Gold whisky and Jamun Dry gin, both of which we have previously reviewed.
What’s Unique about Old Monk Amber?
There are two things that are unique about this Old Monk. First ii its name, called ‘Amber’. Now this word has a number of meanings. In Arabic it means ‘Jewel’, like the word ‘ambar’. In Sanskrit it means ‘the sky’. The second thing that sets Amber apart from its older sibling is the colour. While Old Monk is known for its distinctively dark colour, Amber is named for its more golden hue. The name has multiple meanings in different languages, but I suspect that the colour was the inspiration behind it.
But the real difference between Old Monk and Amber is the blend. Amber is a mix of the classic Old Monk rum alongwith a 20-year-old expression. It is a mellow and matured rum that is unlike anything else on the market. The box proudly proclaims that it is an XO, or Extra Ordinary, rum, thanks to the addition of the 20-year blend.
While there isn’t much information available about the making process of Amber, we suspect that it is not too different from that of Old Monk. Both are made by fermenting cane molasses until bottling. The only difference is that the 20-year blend must be mixed at some point during that time in order to create that matured spirit.
Unboxing and Packaging
the packaging of Amber is distinctive and different. The cartons come in a dark red-maroon colour with the words “20-year-old expression” clearly stated on the bottle. The box also bears the words “Pride of India” and “Mellow and Matured Rum.” It is worth noting that the packaging mentions that the product has added colours.
When it comes to the bottle, the first thing that catches the eye is its Amber colour, which is very clear and apparent. The label is slightly slanted, indicating that it was made by hand, much like the Old Monk bottles. The rum has an ABV of 42.8%, and it is priced at ₹950 in UP. It is made and bottled in the Ghaziabad plant of Mohan Meakins in UP.
Nosing
The rum has a potent scent, and the high alcohol content of 42.8% is definitely noticeable. There’s a subtle sweetness present due to the sugarcane, but no detectable spice notes on the nose.
Tasting
When sipping this rum, one can immediately notice its smooth and refined taste, which belies its potent aroma. The palate may detect a subtle dryness, followed by a long finish that leaves no unpleasant burning sensation in the throat. However, there is a noticeable bite and spiciness on the palate. Despite this, the overall sensation is one of warmth and smoothness, making for an overall enjoyable sipping experience, especially for old monk drinkers.
Conclusion
Old Monk Amber is a premium rum and boasts a smooth texture, thanks to the addition of a 20-year-old malt. Priced at ₹950 in UP, it’s a natural choice for those who appreciate a more refined drinking experience. While it may cost more than the regular version, it’s definitely worth trying at least once. For Old Monk fans, it’s worth giving it a try as they tend to be loyal to the brand. And when it comes to taste, Old Monk Amber rum delivers on all fronts, hitting all the right notes and satisfying the palate with every sip.
Ambrosia Awards 2023
The Ambrosia Awards 2023, the most coveted accolades in the alcohol industry, are showcased in the video. They are presented by Ambrosia Magazine in conjunction with an esteemed international jury. It should be noted that the awards, host, or businesses featured in this episode do not encourage or endorse the consumption of alcohol.
Platinum Sponsor: SNJ Distilleries Pvt. Ltd.
Gold Sponsor: Beam Suntory
Silver Sponsor: KALS Group
Sustainability Partner: Pernod Ricard
Supporting Partner: ISWAI
9 Facts about Johnnie Walker
Discover 9 fascinating facts about Johnnie Walker, one of the most iconic whisky brands in the world! From its humble beginnings to its global reach, learn about the brand’s unique process, the story behind its iconic logo, and more. Whether you’re a whisky person or just starting your journey, this video has something for everyone. So grab a dram and join us for 9 Facts about Johnnie Walker!
Mumbai’s Kala Khatta Cocktail: Make a cocktail using Kala Khatta?
In this video, we’ll be showing you how to make a Mumbai K2 Cocktail, a delicious and unique cocktail made with Mumbai’s local Kala Khatta syrup. This sweet and tangy syrup is made from black grapes and is often enjoyed as a refreshing summer drink in Mumbai. Follow along as we teach you how to make this delicious cocktail step-by-step, and impress your friends with your mixology skills. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and start mixing up your very own Mumbai K2 cocktail today! Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more exciting cocktail recipes.
Finding Best Chakna feat Cocktails India | Dada Bartender
Tired of the same old chakna? Looking for something new and exciting? Look no further! In this video, we are going to take you on a culinary journey with Cocktails India (Baba Bartender) as we explore the best chakna for a whisky especially in Mumbai. From crunchy yellow banana chips to teekha gathiya, this is your one-stop guide to finding the perfect snack for any occasion!