Jamun Dry Gin is a new player in the Indian gin market, brought to you by the renowned distillery, Mohan Meakins. With a rich history in producing iconic drinks like Old Monk Rum and Solan Gold single malt, Jamun Dry Gin marks their debut in the gin industry. At a price of Rs. 2100, this gin promises to be a fine blend of unique flavors, carefully crafted with the expertise of the Mohan Meakins team. In this article, we will dive into the details of Jamun Dry Gin, exploring its unique characteristics, taste, and more, so that you can decide if this gin is worth trying.
As the Indian gin market continues to grow, with numerous local brands emerging in recent years, Jamun Dry Gin stands out as a unique offering from Mohan Meakins, the producers of Old Monk Rum and Solan Gold single malt. With its roots in the Himalayan region, Jamun Dry Gin features juniper berries in its recipe, setting it apart from other gins in the market. Currently available in several Indian states, including Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as for export, Jamun Dry Gin is poised for expansion in the coming year with plans to reach even more Indian states, including Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya.
The name “Jamun” may be a bit misleading, as some may think it refers to a flavoured gin. But in reality, “Jamun” is a term sometimes used to refer to juniper berries, which are one of the unique ingredients in this gin. Among the many gins available in India, only a handful use juniper from the Himalayas, making Jamun Dry Gin a standout product in the market.
The introduction of Jamun Dry Gin has created a stir in the Indian gin market, which has seen a surge in the number of locally produced gins in recent years. This gin, produced by Mohan Meakins, the makers of Old Monk Rum and Solan Gold single malt, is bottled at the Solan Brewery using Himalayan spring water, giving it a unique and unparalleled taste. The gin is named after the Juniper berries that are used in its production, and the Himalayan spring water adds to its distinctiveness, much like the single malts from the region that are known for their special taste due to the water used. The Kasauli Distillery, located in Shimla, is one of the oldest distilleries in India and is known for its high-quality products. In this article, we will take a closer look at the taste and characteristics of Jamun Dry Gin.
According to Hemant Mohan, the creator of Jamun Dry Gin, the gin is carefully crafted through a process of maceration and distillation. The neutral spirit and botanicals are distilled in a special copper pot still, resulting in a smooth and flavourful full-bodied gin. To ensure the perfect balance of flavours, the distillate is slowly reduced to bottling strength over the course of a month, creating a marrying period that allows the botanicals and spices to seamlessly integrate into the gin.
Packaging
The design of the bottle for Jamun Dry Gin is a classic gin bottle, but with a unique touch of deep purple gradient, paying homage to the key ingredient, the juniper berry. While many gin brands proudly display information about the botanicals used, this gin’s focus is on its key differentiator, the Himalayan spring water, which is sourced from an elevation of 6000 feet. The water is carefully sourced and used to create a smooth and flavourful gin that is sure to impress even the most discerning gin connoisseur.
Tasting and Nosing
When nosing the Jamun Dry Gin, you will be struck by the fresh aroma of the botanicals, including coriander, mint, lemon peel, and citrus. This creates a refreshing, invigorating scent that will leave you eager to taste the gin.
In terms of tasting, the gin immediately notices the zesty flavour of citrus and lemon peel, followed by a subtle sweetness that tastes like orange. The finish is marked by a touch of spice, which adds a delightful warmth to the throat. The gin’s balance on the palette is remarkable, and the credit for this goes to the use of Himalayan spring water. This special ingredient adds a smooth, almost magical quality to the gin that you’ll have to taste for yourself to fully appreciate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jamun Dry Gin marks Mohan Meakins’ debut in the gin market, and it’s a noteworthy one. The unique flavour profile of this gin is attributed to the Himalayan spring water used in its production. The gin provides a delightful balance of citrus, botanical and fresh flavors, making it a must-try for gin enthusiasts in India. At a price point of ₹2100, Jamun Dry Gin is definitely worth trying, especially with the growing gin market in India.
With the vodka market on the upturn, KALS has launched their new Indian Made Vodka, Asio Vodka in the Tamil Nadu market. The vodka is triple distilled from a blend of different grains and filtered one time through seven columns of environmentally sustainable charcoal for a pure tasting smooth spirit.
The bottle is available in three sizes, that is the standard 750 ml, 375ml and the 180 ml. The ideology behind Asio was unique and KALS wanted to create something that provides a great experience to the consumer. In order to create that experience, they created a story that revolves around India. KALS states that no spirit brand truly embodies the spirit of India – and building this story right was their goal.
The company also hosted curated experiences for the consumers in small batches to sample the product. The taste and experience were then adapted to suit the consumer’s palate, whilst retaining the essence of the brand. KALS says that it has been receiving a great response so far. Currently Asio is available in the TN market and there are plans to make it available pan India soon.
The company is looking to develop more sustainable and lucrative brands moving forward. Together with the Brand Union they’ve embarked on a rebrand strategy to transform their products for the next generation of KALS fans. And the strategy with Asio is also similar to that of the other products, which is to ensure market penetration, increase sales of existing products or services on existing markets, and thus to increase our market share. This combined with market development, product development and diversification are part of the key growth strategies for Asio and KALS.
The Art of Botanicals experience aims to open dialogue and provoke thought around finding creative and inspiring ways to move towards a more sustainable way of living. For this, they have collaborated with Herbivore Farms – an urban farm for flavourful, nutritious & pesticide-free produce. In their endeavour to #StirCreativity through sustainability, Bombay Sapphire Creative Lab presents “The Art of Botanicals” in association with Herbivore Farms. Zeenah Vilcassim, Marketing Director, Bacardi India, elaborates on her role in growing the Bacardi Indian Business and the focus on premium spirits.
Zeenah Vilcassim, Marketing Director, Bacardi India Pvt. Ltd.
What has been your experience after taking over in your new position?
I am an economist and data analyst by training. Immediately after my training, I moved into a management consultancy role at Ernst & Young in investment banking. Things kept getting interesting as I gained experience across different industries, moving to more creative spaces such as media, content, digital marketing, partnerships, and consumer insights – before becoming the Dewar’s Global Brand Director at Bacardi. This varied set of experiences coupled with my whisky knowledge – and we all know India is a whisky market – has really helped me navigate the complex environment that is India. Whilst it’s not without challenges, I believe India is one of the most exciting consumer markets in the world. Economic indicators are on the rise, and India is one of the fastest growing spirits markets with a diverse set of consumers that are becoming more and more educated about premium spirits. The next ten years of Bacardi and the whole industry will be hugely shaped and influenced by India and I’m thrilled to be a part of that journey.
Which of the brands in the Bacardi portfolio excite you and will these be the focus of your marketing initiatives?
We are firmly focussed on premium spirits, and you will know that both brown and white spirits play a big part on our Best 10 strategy – a strategy we put in place in 2018 for the growth of the Indian business 5x by 2030. We will drive our core brands like Bacardi, but will also continue to push the new premium aged range Bacardi Reserva. We will continue our market leadership with Grey Goose and launch new innovations for Bombay Sapphire. We will drive a strong whisky portfolio with our newly launched Premium Indian Whisky: Legacy, in addition to William Lawsons, Dewar’s Premium, and our beloved single Malts Aberfeldy and Royal Brackla. But we will also work towards being at the forefront of growing categories like premium tequila with Patron and new innovations coming into the market that are relevant to the Indian consumer. The future is looking very bright for all our brands, and we will always keep our consumer at the heart and innovate and grow based on their preferences and needs.
How well placed is Bombay Sapphire in the Global and Indian gin market?
Bombay Sapphire is no.1 in the premium and above gin category in India and globally, we are the market leaders in international spirits with Bombay Sapphire. In addition to our iconic blue bottle and our unique cold vapour infusion process, our mission is to be the world’s most sustainable gin. Now while it might seem like everyone is talking about sustainability at the moment, this is a mission we have been working on for over the last eight years. We launched our distillery in 2014 that runs on 100% renewable energy and has been awarded the carbon trust standard. All of our bottles are made from 100% recycled materials including the metal cap as well as the product labels which are made from paper approved by the Forestry Stewardship Council and we’ve worked on making every one of our botanicals 100% sustainably sourced throughout its supply chain. We are the only gin in the world that can claim that all its botanicals are 100% sustainably sourced. It’s our responsibility to take as much care about the farmers and their communities as we do about the botanicals they grow and harvest for Bombay Sapphire. Therefore, we have invested in sustainable farming practices across every single element of the supply chain for all our botanicals.
We will only work with suppliers who act responsibly and ensure a sustainable future for farmers, their communities, and the environment. Last year was when the last out of our 10 key botanicals was given the ‘For Life’ certification of sustainability. We have accomplished something in the space we only thought was a pipe dream 10 years ago.
We believe we are incredibly well placed to not just retain our market leadership position, but also to grow it further and India is a big part of that strategy. We know the craft gin revolution in India is well and truly here so in addition to our strong credible message around sustainability we will also continue to innovate with products that are relevant to the Indian consumer – the first of which is the Bombay Sapphire Sunset that we launched recently in Goa. Inspired by the warm glow of the setting sun in addition to our 10 key botanicals, Bombay Sunset consists of three new Botanicals – Indian White Cardamom, Indian Golden Turmeric, and Spanish Mandarin peel. It is a unique take on a premium gin and highly limited edition – once it’s done it’s done. But rest assure there will more innovations from Bombay Sapphire coming your way soon to the Indian market.
What was the Art of Botanicals event message for consumers besides being a fun event?
Bombay Sapphire’s brand positioning is all about fostering creative self-expression and this is critical to our core. We believe that we’re all actually born creative beings, but life beats it out of us and stop us from believing we are truly creative. As a brand Bombay Sapphire aims to inspire creativity in every aspect of life to every and any person around the world. This is emphasised and brought to life through our “Stir Creativity” platform, reminding the audience that creativity can be found anywhere and is an inherent part of every human being. This ties back into the versatility of Bombay Sapphire’s premium gin and how one can get creative with it anytime, anywhere.
The ‘Art of Botanicals’ experiential platform by Bombay Sapphire aims to showcase the many ways in which one can express themselves creatively while living consciously. Given Bombay Sapphire’s ten sustainably sourced botanicals, we simultaneously showcased this through innovative cocktails inspired by collaborators in the sustainability space across Mumbai and Bangalore. The “Art of Botanicals” platform is an immersive event that ties various experiences back into the key message of “creativity” and “sustainability” with collaborating brands such as Herbivore Farms (Mumbai) and Anand Malligavad (Bangalore).
What according to you is a sustainable marketing strategy?
Sustainability in business is the ability of an organisation to thrive over time in a way that protects and replenishes resources. We have always believed in communicating with our audience with empathy and listening closely to what our consumers have to say. Therefore, to be transparent with them across aspects such as the brand’s efforts towards sustainability, its ecosystem, and the way it functions, is imperative.
We have also committed to reviewing our global supply chain, with the aim of removing non-essential, non-recyclable single-use plastic and are currently reducing the use of PET bottles for select smaller SKU’s in India and moving to glass instead. As part of our overall efforts during F19, we also reduced our glass bottle weight and increased use of “Returnable Glass Bottles” which resulted in 1500 Metric tonnes of lesser Carbon emission and are working towards a plan to reduce it further by 20% resulting in a reduction in carbon emissions by 1800 Metric Tonnes.
What is the overall strategy for the promotion of your brands in the marketplace?
Our strategy has always been to invest in creating sustainable platforms and experiences across brands; creating greater impact and increased emphasis on cultural relevance year on year. Our brand campaigns have been at the forefront of popular culture, resonating with consumers across demographics. Being a brand that has been synonymous with identifying and popularising new cultural trends for over 157 years, we’ve been the first-movers in the creation of campaigns and experiences, inspired by alternative cultural trends, resulting in platforms like Bacardi NH7 Weekender, BREEZER Vivid Shuffle, Dewar’s You’ve Got Chef’d, and our latest Art of Botanicals platform.
Bacardi has generated immense love through platforms such as Bacardi NH7 Weekender, one of the most iconic, immersive music experiences that was one of the first platforms for alternative music and has seen over half a million consumers walk through the festival.
BREEZER Vivid Shuffle is India’s biggest Hip-Hop festival, which celebrates grassroots Indian hip-hop culture – built on Breezer’s commitment to champion and support youth sub-culture.
With a varied target group, each of our brands connect with consumers in their own unique way – Bacardi leverages its legacy in music, Bombay Sapphire speaks of a consumer’s creative expression, Breezer encourages the genre of hip-hop and dance subcultures, while Grey Goose elevates lifestyle.
We have worked with some of the most engaging and popular content creators and platforms to stay ahead of the curve. Overall, our innovative way of reaching out to audiences has resulted in content that has received over 100% increase in organic engagement as opposed to solely leveraging traditional models. All of this was followed by Bacardi India winning the award for the ‘Best Brand Extension Campaign of the Year’ at the Kalelido awards hosted by Brand Equity in March 2019 for the brand’s work on the ’Bacardi House Party Sessions’ campaign. Bacardi House Party Sessions had garnered an overall unique reach of 5M and drove 1.3M conversations on social media.
Are you looking at inorganic growth to become the market leader (Inorganic growth is through mergers and acquisitions/buying and selling companies)?
Because we also aim to keep our consumers at the heart by understanding their needs and preferences, we wouldn’t rule out any possibility. If the right opportunity presents itself, we will always look to deliver to our consumers, what makes sense to them and our firm commitment to being the number one premium spirits company.
Any new BII whisky launch in the pipeline?
With India being the largest whisky drinking nation that reflected an annual consumption reaching 220 million cases in 2019, the opportunity to expand in the Indian market has been tremendous. While we continue to premiumise our portfolio across categories like Dewar’s Premium and Double Double ranges as well as our single malts (Aberfeldy and Royal Brackla), we also recently announced our first-ever Premium India Whisky, Legacy.
India is one of the fastest growing markets for Bacardí globally, and the organisation is rapidly investing behind its strategic and ambitious vision for the market. The Indian whisky category is primed for the next stage of its evolution, and we saw this as the perfect opportunity to drive that shift forward. We have found our own way to take the category codes we know work and put a modern contemporary spin on them. Legacy Premium Indian whisky is proudly Indian and truly embodies the culture and passion of India. Legacy has now been introduced across shelves in Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh with plans to expand into further markets in the coming months and years.
Legacy has been crafted with a one-of-a-kind blend that combines Indian and Scottish malts with Indian grains. A rich blend layered with subtle peaty notes, fruity notes, and undertones of toasted oaks with a whiff of spice and a delicate vanillic smoky finish, Bacardí has created an impeccably smooth yet perfectly balanced whisky for the Indian consumer.
This momentous launch in our companies’ history also demonstrates the true commitment Bacardi Global has been putting in, especially for India.
Pernod Ricard recently announced the signing of an agreement for the acquisition of a majority shareholding of Código 1530 Tequila, a range of Ultra-Premium and Prestige tequila. This new investment into the fast-growing agave category, mainly driven by the US market, complements the Group’s very comprehensive portfolio across price points and occasions.
Founded in 2016 by Ron Snyder, Federico Vaughan and George Strait, the story of Código 1530 tequila, produced in the Mexican state of Jalisco, is based on the transmission of an ancestral tequila recipe following Los Códigos, “the codes” in English. Código tequila has positioned itself within a very competitive category, thanks to the unique quality proposition of its range of Ultra-Premium (Blanco, Rosa and Reposado) and Prestige products (Añejo, Barrel Strength Añejo and Origen Extra Añejo).
Código is already available within 50 states across the US and is at the early stage of its international development with a presence in over 30 markets. Thanks to Pernod Ricard’s distribution expertise in ultra-premium & prestige brands and its successful experience in collaborating with entrepreneurs, Código is now poised to accelerate its global development and reach new consumers.
Through this partnership, Pernod Ricard is expanding and diversifying the value proposition of its portfolio of tequila brands, which already includes Olmeca, Altos and Avion. The Group is also adding two new Mezcal references (Código Mezcal Artisanal and Código Mezcal Ancestral) to its market leading Mezcal portfolio built around the Del Maguey and Ojo de Tigre brands. The strengthening of the agave portfolio follows the Group’s recent investment in the sotol category through its acquisition of a minority stake in the ultra-premium Nocheluna brand.
Alexandre Ricard, Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard, said, “Código’s range of exquisite tequilas reinforces our offer of Ultra Premium+ agave products in the US, where the category is enjoying a very strong momentum. It is a privilege to partner with Ron Snyder, Federico Vaughan and George Strait with whom we share a common vision for Código 1530 and common ambition to strongly accelerate and strengthen the success of the brand.”
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
