Author Archives: Janhavi Panani

From Jalisco to India: The Loca Loka Story

Built on craft, culture, and collaboration, Loca Loka unites two vibrant worlds through a tequila that speaks to modern India’s global palate.

When three creative minds from business, cinema, and music came together, few expected tequila to take on such character. Within a year of its launch, Loca Loka, the premium tequila brand founded by Sree Harsha Vadlamudi, Rana Daggubati, and Anirudh Ravichander, has become a name that resonates across global bars, airports, and among discerning drinkers.

Born from highland agave in Jalisco and bottled with Indian finesse, the label’s Blanco and Reposado variants have earned medals at international competitions, including Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. For its founders, recognition affirms their pursuit of a spirit built with purpose. Vadlamudi calls Loca Loka “a bridge between craftsmanship and culture,” defining the brand as tequila that honours Mexican roots and carries an Indian cadence through its tone, colour, and personality.

The Origin of an Idea

The story began in 2024 when Vadlamudi, already known for ventures such as Ironhill India and PR Infra, noticed a shift in consumer behaviour. “Travellers were leading the change,” he recalls. “They evaluated brands through provenance, design, and story.”

Loca Loka entered through duty-free stores at Hyderabad and Delhi airports, where travellers’ behaviour revealed India’s readiness for agave-based spirits. “Duty-free gave us our first real insight,” he says. “Consumers had already experienced tequila abroad and were waiting for a credible brand to bring it home.”

That discovery shaped the rollout plan across Indian metros, beginning with Delhi and Mumbai. The company aims to capture meaningful market share within its first year, building a category that had long remained underexplored.

Building a New Tequila Culture

Tequila’s profile in India is evolving rapidly. The category recorded 26% growth in 2025, fuelled by curiosity, premium drinking habits, and the rise of cocktail culture. Vadlamudi views this moment as an opportunity to introduce tequila through education and craftsmanship. “India had limited awareness of terroir, ageing, and agave quality,” he says. “We wanted to change that.”

Production remains anchored in Jalisco under León Bañuelos Ramírez, whose distillery creates additive-free spirits from slow-cooked agave using techniques refined through generations. “When we met León, we found the balance we were seeking: purity, texture, and precision,” says Vadlamudi.

The result is a tequila admired by bartenders for its clarity and structure. During blind tastings, professionals described it as clean, expressive, and versatile. The Blanco works beautifully in citrus-forward cocktails, while the Reposado enriches spirit-driven serves.

“Bartenders are our first ambassadors,” Vadlamudi notes. “When they ask for Loca Loka by name, it signals belonging.”

Design, Story, and Soul

The founders’ diverse backgrounds shape every element of the brand. The bottle carries sleek shoulders, contemporary typography, and colours inspired by desert sands and Indian warmth. The name merges Loca—Spanish for ‘crazy’—and Loka—Sanskrit for ‘world’—capturing a sense of creative energy and cultural connection.

Daggubati brings narrative instinct from cinema, Ravichander lends rhythm and a grasp of cultural pulse, and Vadlamudi contributes scale and structure. Their combined sensibilities give the brand both artistic and operational depth.

Loca Loka’s presence extends beyond bottle shelves. The brand curates tastings, pop-ups, and design-led experiences with hotels and restaurants that shape India’s premium drinking scene. “We aim to create moments that feel alive and personal,” Vadlamudi says. “Every interaction should carry the same care that goes into the liquid.”

Expansion with Intention

The company secured $12.5 million from a Singapore-based family office to strengthen production, distribution, and market presence in India, the UK, and the Philippines. “Our capital philosophy is to invest where value endures,” Vadlamudi explains. “We prioritise excellence in product, accuracy in logistics, and storytelling that holds meaning.”

The India rollout focusses on premium bars, hotels, and tasting programmes, with airports continuing as key discovery points. Cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Goa, and Hyderabad are next in line. “Our measure of success lies in advocacy and repeat orders,” he adds. “When bartenders and consumers return to us naturally, the brand grows with authenticity.”

Globally, Loca Loka is expanding from 15 to 25 states in the United States, while preparing to enter Europe, the Middle East, and select Asian markets. The Añejo variant will soon join the portfolio, followed by limited editions celebrating Indian and Mexican craft traditions.

Sustainability as a Standard

Responsible sourcing guides Loca Loka’s production ethos. Mexican partners practise mature-harvest cycles, water-efficient cultivation, and soil-friendly farming. “Sustainability begins with agave,” Vadlamudi says. “Without healthy farms, there is no tequila.”

The company extends this principle to packaging and logistics designed for long-term resilience. Its environmental discipline forms part of everyday operations rather than a marketing statement, ensuring continuity for generations of growers and consumers alike.

Weller Bourbon Whiskey in India

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Two celebrated wheated bourbons from Buffalo Trace Distillery make India debut
Weller Special Reserve and Weller 12 Years Old, to create unique drinking experience

Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the World’s original and one of the most awarded Wheated Bourbon Whiskeys, made its grand debut in India with a celebrated launch event in Mumbai. Hailing from Buffalo Trace Distillery, said to be the World’s most award-winning distillery and oldest continuously operating distillery in the USA, Weller exemplifies craftsmanship, innovation and storied American whiskey-making tradition. Renowned for using wheat instead of rye in its recipe, Weller boasts a soft, smooth and complex taste profile, and will be available in two distinct expressions: Weller Special Reserve and Weller 12 Years Old, the oldest andone of the first age stated bourbons in India.

The Weller brand is named after William Larue Weller who revolutionised bourbon in America in the early 1800s by replacing rye with wheat in the whiskey’s mashbill, a process that resulted in a much softer, yet still elegant and refined, drinking experience. Over the years Weller Bourbon has gained international acclaim with hundreds ofaccolades to its name. The arrival of Weller Bourbon is expected to appeal to Indian spirits connoisseurs who crave flavour depth and complexity and a unique drinking experience.

“India is one of the world’s leading whisky markets and until now it has not had the opportunity to round out its category with a super-premium wheated bourbon. Weller is a bourbon unlike anything in the Indian market, offering a unique and premium drink experience that stands apart from typical bourbons and other whiskies available today. Wheated whiskey, including Pappy Van Winkle, which is also proudly made at Buffalo Trace Distillery, has long been renowned as some of the best and most premium bourbon in the world. As India continues to embrace more varied premium spirit offerings, we believe Weller will resonate with those seeking an unparalleled drinking experience – one that reflects quality, craftsmanship, and distinction,” said Diego Bianchi, General Manager, Emerging Markets & Barrel Select, Sazerac Company.

Vijay Kauthekar, Executive Vice President, John Distilleries Ltd, part of the Sazerac Company family of brands and distilleries, added, “India is the largest whisky market in the world, and we believe the country is ready for high-end, luxury spirits like ultra-aged bourbons. Weller is the perfect brand to pave the way for the category. The whiskey’s smoothness and complexity, combined with its rich history, will surely appeal to the modern Indian spirits consumer who values both tradition and innovation. While historically Indian consumers have been more familiar with other global whiskey categories, Weller provides a new, unique and expertly crafted American Whiskey for consumers to enjoy with friends and family. We’re excited to offer this award-winning bourbon to those ready to explore something truly distinct and exceptional.”

Weller 12-Year-Old is the oldest age stated bourbon distributed in India. Aged for far longer than most wheated bourbons on the market, this offering is a smooth, easy-going and balanced bourbon with a beautiful deep bronze colour best enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Weller Special Reserve stands out with its burnt orange colour and subtle, sweet profile. Its softer flavour notes make this bourbon great for cocktails, such as the classic Paper Plane recipe.

Weller Bourbon will be available across select markets in India beginning early December. The Weller Special Reserve has a maximum retail price ranging from ₹2,500 (Haryana) – ₹4,500 (Mumbai) and the Weller 12-Year-Old has MRP ranging from ₹5,400 (Haryana) – ₹7,750 (Mumbai).

Bourbon, often referred to as America’s Native Spirit, represents the highest standard in whisky production, requiring products meet a stringent set of distillation and aging guidelines in order to enjoy the category distinction. Kentucky Straight Bourbon must be made from at least 51% corn, distilled in new charred oak barrels, crafted in the United States, and aged for a minimum of two years. Weller adheres to these guidelines but elevates the experience further by using wheat as the secondary grain and aging the whiskey longer than most other comparable options on the market today, resulting in a robust but smooth bourbon.

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Weller Bourbon Eyeing India to be Second Biggest Market outside of US

In the overcrowded whisky market in India (that India is the biggest whiskey consumer in the world), bourbon is a category which has not really developed, even awareness-wise. To grow bourbon as a category, which at present is less than 1% of the spirits segment, Sazerac Company is focussing on India as a priority market wherein it plans to roll out different brands going forward. Here in a brief interview with Ambrosia, Diego Bianchi, General Manager of Emerging Markets & Barrel Select, Sazerac Company and Vijay Kauthekar, Executive Vice President, John Distilleries Ltd, part of the Sazerac Company family of brands and distilleries, talk about growing bourbon category in India.

**Diego Bianchi, General Manager of Emerging Markets & Barrel Select, Sazerac Company**

Bianchi said “In general, India is a huge whisky market having the youngest population and is the fastest growing economies. There is growing appreciation for quality products and premiumisation and we believe that bourbon as a category will grow in the long term in India. We will develop that and we will play our part in promoting bourbon.”

Explaining the unique selling proposition of Weller Bourbons, Bianchi mentioned the Barrel Select programme is unique in that the consumers can select three to four barrels and we bottle for them. Adding to that Vijay said, “When we went to the US and visited Buffalo Trace Distillery, one of the most awarded distilleries, we chose two barrels, after checking the taste profile of the liquid. It was an amazing experience and we are bringing bottles of that to India.”

Bianchi mentioned how the team visited India in May this year, checking out Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru and soon realised that bourbon is not very well developed here. “We have such a vast portfolio of bourbons, we realised that there is great opportunity in India which is the largest whisky market. We use wheat instead of rye and this gives the bourbon a more smooth, sweet and more approachable flavour which we believe will appeal to Indian consumers. That’s why we are launching Weller.” Bourbons have 51% corn and the second flavour ingredient is rye, but Weller instead uses wheat.

Oldest age-statement bourbon in India

Talking about the history of Scotch in India, Bianchi explained that age of the whisky is key in the Indian perspective, hence the company is introducing the Weller 12 Years Old and the Weller Special Reserve which is 6 to 7 years old, the latter offering versatility where it can be had neat or on the rocks or in a cocktail. “It is going to be the oldest age statement bourbon in India. We are super excited to bring this to India.” Confirming that it will be of the same quality as in the US, he opined that Indians would love the flavour profile.

Giving an insight into the market here, Vijay said the bourbon category is growing in India, though presently it is less than 1% of Indian whisky market. “It is a small pie but the category has got such a huge headroom as the whisky category is overcrowded, there is the trend of premiumisation and emerging cocktail culture. We will be taking a number of initiatives to push the category.”

Talking about the opportunities to grow in India, Bianchi said, “India will be the second largest market for Weller outside of the US. India is our priority. We will see how the two products perform in the market. We will continue to supply. We are confident that Indians will enjoy the product.”

Agreeing that any market has challenges, Bianchi singled out regulatory, but said they had a great partner in John Distilleries to help grow the category. Sazerac has 60% stake in John Distilleries. “I think as we grow, we will bring different brands and also constantly look at the organisational structure.” Sazerac has over 200 years of experience in the alcobev sector, with hundreds of brands at varying price ranges and the company would continuously assess ‘what will be the best fit in India’.

Asked whether their bourbons would be bottled in India, both of them mentioned that there were endless possibilities, but would take a call only after seeing how the brands evolved over the years. At present, the price points, they believe, is win-win for both the consumer and the manufacturer. “In Mumbai, Weller 12 would be 10% premium than the luxury Scotch available in the market with the crossline competitor could be 18 years. We are offering a sweet spot to the consumer and that is one of the ways of opening the category.” Bianchi added, “It is of the highest quality at a fair price all over the world.” Its products are available in ASEAN and some of the key whisky markets around the globe. Going ahead, the company may look at full ownership of a distillery in India, but that depends upon on how the category is growing.

Set Whiskey Free

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The import tariffs for Bourbons have been reduced to 100% for bottled products, while bulk imports and other segments still attracting 150% duty structure. In a conversation with Trilok and Bhavya Desai, Chris Swonger, President & CEO, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) speaks about the evolving dynamics between American and Indian alcobev markets, the impact of tariff reductions and the growing global appetite for premium spirits. Excerpts:

Chris Swonger, President & CEO, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS)

Trilok Desai (TD): The tariff on American whiskey has recently been reduced under the new trade framework. How significant is this change for U.S. distillers looking to expand in one of the world’s biggest whiskey markets?

The excitement is immense. With the Prime Minister and the President working together to reduce the tariff on bottled bourbon from 150% to 100%, it marks a major milestone. Of course, 100% is still high, but it’s a strong start. This creates real opportunities—we’ve seen in other markets that when tariffs drop to zero, both sides benefit. We believe this move opens the door for significant growth and stronger US–India trade relations.

The ultimate goal is to eventually move toward zero-for-zero tariffs, though that might take time—perhaps a decade. But it’s a step in the right direction. Both Indian and American consumers will gain from this exchange of distinctive products and cultures.

Bhavya Desai (BD): Have there been any further discussions between DISCUS, the U.S. government and the Indian government regarding further tariff reductions?

Yes, absolutely. We are in regular communication with the administration, the U.S. Trade Representative and the Department of Commerce. They are well aware of our aspirations. For context, between 1997 and 2018, the U.S. and EU maintained zero-for-zero tariffs, and trade in spirits grew by over 450%. That’s the kind of growth we hope to replicate between India and the U.S.

TD: Traditionally, India has been a Scotch-dominated market. How do you plan to position and expand American whiskey against such strong competition?

We work closely with the Scotch Whisky Association, and there’s no rivalry between us—in fact, our relationship is collaborative. My counterpart, Mark Kent, and I share the belief that standards matter—whether it’s American whiskey, Scotch or Indian whisky. All the economic data shows that when tariffs are reduced, every side benefits.

BD: How do you plan to raise awareness for bourbon in India? Scotch and Indian whiskies are already well established, but bourbon still feels relatively new here?

It’s really about bottle by bottle, sip by sip. The more Indian consumers get to experience American whiskey, the more they’ll appreciate its diversity and craftsmanship.

And awareness starts with accessibility. The recent tariff reduction is an encouraging first step, because it encourages American distillers to invest in this market. We’ve seen six leading American distillers participate at the recent exhibition, showcasing everything from bourbon and rye whiskey to Tennessee and American single malt.

TD: But India is a price-sensitive market and bourbon tends to be more expensive than Scotch—atleast the current ones?

That’s true, largely due to tariffs and import costs. However, premiumisation is an important global trend. Consumers here increasingly seek quality and authenticity. For those who want to experience something distinctive, American whiskey is worth it.

TD: Are American distillers exploring the possibility of bottling in India, like some Scotch producers do?

Some are certainly exploring that. A few already have arrangements to bottle locally or import in bulk. It’s an evolving opportunity, and companies are evaluating how best to bring their products closer to Indian consumers.

BD: Beyond tariff reductions, what other near-term goals does DISCUS have for the coming year?

Education—that’s our top priority. From bartenders and mixologists to retail professionals, we want to build understanding about American whiskey: its heritage, its role in classic cocktails, and its versatility.

American whiskey has a proud history—even George Washington was a distiller. Educating both the trade and consumers about this legacy will be essential to our long-term success.

BD: With ongoing trade tensions between India and the U.S., do you see these issues posing a challenge to your efforts in the alcobev space?

While there are certainly broader geopolitical challenges, we remain optimistic. The relationship between both governments is constructive, and recent dialogues have been encouraging. We’re confident that continued collaboration will bring positive results.

The key is recognising that our industry is interconnected. American whiskey can only be made in the U.S., Scotch in Scotland, and Indian whisky in India. We’re not competitors—we’re collaborators in a shared global culture of spirits.

TD: How is Indian whiskey perceived in the United States?

There’s a tremendous opportunity to introduce Indian whisky to American consumers. Just as we hope more Indians will discover American whiskey, the reverse should happen too. Both industries can benefit from a cultural exchange rooted in craftsmanship and appreciation.

TD: Some small U.S. distilleries have recently closed. What’s driving that trend?

The U.S. market has grown rapidly—from just 60 distilleries 25 years ago to over 3,000 today. Naturally, some smaller operations face challenges due to market pressures. Still, the overall growth of craft distilleries remains a major success story.

We now have craft distilleries in nearly every state. It’s a vibrant ecosystem, much like what’s emerging here in India.

TD: Do you think the growing popularity of Irish whiskey globally has affected bourbon’s market share?

Not necessarily. Irish whiskey’s growth has actually helped expand the overall whiskey category. More variety leads to more consumer interest. Removing trade barriers and increasing accessibility benefits everyone—from bourbon to Scotch to Indian whisky.

BD: Over the years, spirits have overtaken beer and wine in U.S. market share. What’s behind that shift?

Twenty-five years ago, spirits had about 28.7% of the beverage alcohol market. Today, that’s over 42% by value. We’re even projected to surpass beer by volume by 2031. That growth comes from authenticity, innovation and the rise of craft distilling.

Chris: Let me ask you both—why did India historically impose such high tariffs on imported spirits?

TD: Mainly to protect the domestic industry. The tariffs used to be even higher—around 250% years ago—and were gradually reduced to 150%, and now 100%. The plan is to lower them further over the next decade. It’s about giving Indian producers time to mature and strengthen their market presence.

BD: Exactly. India’s spirits sector has evolved rapidly. Domestic producers are now competing in premium segments and exporting globally. Once the industry fully matures, we’ll likely see a more open and balanced playing field.

TD: American whiskey, being corn-based, has a sweeter profile. Do you think that suits Indian palates?

Absolutely. India is a sweet-loving market—rum and sweeter Scotch profiles are already popular. We believe bourbon’s natural sweetness will resonate very well here.

If I may add an analogy—just as parents must eventually set their children free to learn and grow, markets must also open up. India should set its whisky free, allowing it to compete and thrive alongside global peers. When that happens, both Indian and international spirits will flourish together.

ABD Maestro Expands Portfolio with New YELLO Designer Whisky

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ABD Maestro Pvt. Ltd. has introduced YELLO Designer Whisky, a new offering that combines Scotch malts from Speyside and the Highlands with Indian malt whiskies. The launch comes shortly after the debut of Rangeela Vodka by Ranveer Singh, who is also the company’s Co-Founder and Creative Partner.

YELLO Designer Whisky enters the market with packaging aimed at reflecting contemporary consumer tastes through its colour-led design, sleek structure, and a transparent “whisky window.” The whisky is priced at ₹2,700 for a 750ML bottle in Maharashtra, where it has first been introduced. The brand will roll out next in Goa, West Bengal, and select North Indian markets.

The blend uses Scotch malts matured in ex-bourbon oak barrels, contributing notes of vanilla caramel and oak, while the Indian malts add depth and a warm finish. According to Bikram Basu, Managing Director of ABD Maestro, the whisky’s development focused on product design, packaging and communication centred around emerging consumer preferences.

India’s premium spirits category continues to evolve, supported by a growing base of consumers seeking products that align with their personal expression and identity. YELLO Designer Whisky is positioned within this segment, targeting urban and culturally aware drinkers.

Pernod Ricard India Raises a Toast to Atmanirbhar Spirit with Seagram’s Xclamat!on

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Pernod Ricard India unveiled Seagram’s Xclamat!on at an exclusive launch event held at The Oberoi, Gurugram, introducing a striking new portfolio that unites five premium spirits—whisky, vodka, gin, brandy, and rum—under one identity. Designed and crafted in India, the range reflects the company’s ambition to meet the tastes of a new generation of drinkers seeking quality and variety. With its bold design and accessible price point, Xclamat!on signals Pernod Ricard India’s next growth chapter in the premium admix space and is expected to drive a tenth of the company’s expansion over the next decade.

At the launch event, Jean Touboul, CEO of Pernod Ricard India, described Xclamat!on as “boldness, innovation, and celebration in a bottle,” adding that the brand brings together five spirits under one label for the first time in the company’s portfolio. His words captured the intent behind the creation; an Indian-made collection with international finesse and character.

The collection highlights a blend of local craft and global expertise: whisky made with Speyside malts matured in dual casks, brandy created from Indian and French grapes aged in Limousin wood, and rum infused with the richness of jaggery and aged Jamaican spirit. The vodka draws purity from Indian grain, filtered with Russian moonstone technology, while the gin brings together German juniper and Indian botanicals in seven distinct expressions.

Even the design language of Xclamat!on mirrors its spirit: vivid, expressive, and confident. Glow-in-the-dark labels and aluminum snap lids redefine shelf presence while reducing packaging waste, aligning with Pernod Ricard’s sustainability goals. The rollout begins across Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Rajasthan, and Daman, eventually covering 14 markets in the first year. With this launch, Pernod Ricard India strengthens its commitment to innovation, homegrown excellence, and a future-forward drinking culture.

November 2025 Issue

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The November 2025 issue of Ambrosia is now live! (Click here)

Featuring impactful reads like:

• ISAWI takes Maharashtra to court over policy discrimination and tax hike

• Can American whiskey muscle into a Scotch-loyal market?

• Telangana government silence on unpaid dues to alcobev companies, crisis deepens

Our e-magazine for 1 year is now free — just register and start reading or read the current issue here

Stars are lining up

What began with Sanjay Dutt entering the alcobev industry with The Glenwalk Blended Scotch has quickly escalated into a full-throttle wave of Bollywood stars and cricketers stepping into the space. In recent months, Ranveer Singh, Badshah
and Rana Dagabuthi have also expanded their entrepreneurial pursuits, launching beverages crafted around their favourite tipples with Vivek Oberoi and Yuvraj Singh set to enter the market as well.

But even as Bollywood’s big names make their presence felt, the homegrown market is undergoing its own transition. With an increasing number of States pushing to promote local products, ISWAI has taken the Maharashtra Government to court over its recently introduced Maharashtra Made Liquor (MML) over Policy Discrimination and Tax Hike. We’ve covered
the issue in depth in this edition, outlining the petition, its implications, and the industry’s major pain points.
Meanwhile, as both international and domestic players navigate challenges in Maharashtra, the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) is optimistic. The India–UK FTA promises a tariff reduction on Scotch imports to 75% starting 2026. In an exclusive
conversation with Mark Kent, Chief Executive of the SWA, we explore the opportunities unlocked by this landmark agreement and what it could mean for the industry’s future. And while Scotch continues to dominate India’s whisky landscape, Bourbons and American spirits are gearing up for a stronger push into the market. Though they don’t yet
enjoy the popularity of Scotch, DISCUS CEO Chris Swonger hopes to change that trajectory in the coming years. Tasked with championing American spirits globally, he tells us why it’s time for India to “Set Whiskey Free”.

Despite India being a high-priority market for nearly every global manufacturer, worldwide consumption volumes have dipped by 1% – a decline largely driven by the US and China. We’ve analysed this trend in a detailed report within this issue. All in all, this edition brings you a sharp, well-rounded and insightful look into the alcobev world – packed with developments, perspectives, and data that matter.

Sunny Leone and Sahil Baweja launch Potions: Cocktail Theatre

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Singing Bowls Hospitality, founded by Sahil Baweja and actor-entrepreneur Sunny Leone, have launched Potions: Cocktail Theatre, a new cocktail destination at Ambawatta One in Mehrauli with views of the Qutub Minar.

Conceived as a cocktail theatre, it transforms mixology into performance art, with every drink designed to be an emotional narrative. The venue moves beyond traditional bar formats, positioning bartenders as artists, emotions as themes, and cocktails as acts on a sensorial stage.

“Potions: Cocktail Theatre is more than a bar, it is a platform,” said Baweja. “India has exceptional homegrown mixology talent, and we’re committed to giving it a stage. Every cocktail here is a story, and every bartender is an artist shaping that story.”

“With Potions: Cocktail Theatre, we wanted to bring back drama, nostalgia, and connection to a night out,” said Leone. “Love & Its Aftermath, our first theme, taps into the emotions we all know, the joy, the heartbreak, the chaos, and turns them into experiences.”

The First Theme: ‘Love & its Aftermath’

Led by industry veteran Kamal Kohli, the beverage programme opens with a dramatic first season titled “Love & its Aftermath”. Far from a traditional menu, this is a scripted journey through the chaos, humour, and intensity of modern romance—from the thrill of “The Right Swipe” to the chaos of a “3 AM bad decisions” and the poetic yearning of “Judaai”.

Anchored by avant-garde techniques, the lineup features ‘I’ll Die For You’, a daring Absinthe potion designed for the wildly devoted, and the intricate ‘Welcome to Heartbreak’, a complex masterpiece balancing wasabi-infused gin with delicate matcha air. On the playful side, ‘The Right Swipe’ delivers a textural thrill, pairing tequila with a refreshing coconut sorbet to capture the rush of a new match.

The Cuisine and Décor

The cuisine is expertly designed to complement the cocktail theatre. The menu features a curated selection of small and sharing plates from Indian Tandoori and European Mediterranean Grills. In line with the philosophy of platforming talent, the kitchen is led by a trio of chefs: Rajdev (formerly of Lavash, Olive), Kuldeep Rawat (formerly of Rooh), and Arpit Verma (Chica Loca by Sunny Leone).

The set design of the venue is a visual experience in itself, a dramatic contrast between a white fort wall and an all-black volcanic stone cave, with a black-and-white terrace softened by plush greenery, all overlooking the Qutub Minar.

Alcostar Group acquires Ashoka Distilleries

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The Alcostar Group recently acquired Ashoka Distilleries, Haryana. This move significantly enhances the Group’s control over production cycles, supply chain strength, and future expansion opportunities across categories.

The Group’s Chairman Arundeep Singla said, “Owning and operating a distillery in Haryana has been a vision for years. With Ashoka Distilleries becoming part of the Alcostar family, we are entering a new era of capacity, efficiency, and innovation.”

Ashoka Distilleries brings with it strong infrastructure, favourable strategic location, and production potential that aligns perfectly with Alcostar’s expansion blueprint. With this addition, the Group now secures – Expanded manufacturing capacity; Increased market penetration in Haryana and neighbouring states; Improved operational synergies across existing units; Sustainable and energy-efficient operations; Greater employment and regional development and a stronger base for innovation and new product launches.

Over the past two decades, the Group has grown steadily. “This milestone belongs to our team,” Singla said and added that “Their hard work, discipline, and belief in our mission made it possible to bring this dream to life.”

Maya Pistola Agavepura Launches Cabrón Destilado de Agave

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Maya Pistola Agavepura recently introduced Cabrón Destilado de Agave in Maharashtra and Goa. It is inspired by Mexican-influenced TV show Narcos. In Spanish, ‘Cabrón’ literally means “male goat,” but among friends, it’s more like saying ‘dude’ or ‘mate’.

Priced at ₹1,610 in Goa and ₹2,200 in Maharashtra, it comes in a 750 ml bottle at 40% ABV. Cabrón is easy to enjoy with its smooth, naturally sweet-and-spicy notes as a shot or in a cocktail.

Rakshay Dhariwal, Founder and Managing Director of Maya Pistola Agavepura, says, “Agave is gaining immense popularity in India, growing in double digits and it recently overtook even gin, capturing the curiosity of new-age drinkers a clear sign that the trend is here to stay. What’s missing, though, is an offering that preserves quality while breaking the price barrier. That’s where Cabrón steps in as a bold blanco that keeps the party going.”

“Agave has evolved from a niche category into a cultural movement in India. We’ve seen incredible growth in how people are experimenting with agave from premium sipping experiences to creative cocktails. With Cabrón, we wanted to create something that carries the same Pistola DNA of craft and quality, but with a more playful, rebellious spirit—something that’s for everyone, everywhere,” says Kimberly Pereira, Chief Operating Officer of Maya Pistola Agavepura.

The bottle design is slim, round, and easy to handle, it slips effortlessly into your hand and fits alongside the other bottles in a bar.

Tilaknagar Completes Acquisition of Imperial Blue from Pernod Ricard

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Tilaknagar Industries Limited (TI), a leading Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) manufacturer, has completed the acquisition of the Imperial Blue business division (IB) from Pernod Ricard India (PRI) via a slump sale for a lump-sum consideration of `3,442 crore. The Competition Commission of India had earlier approved the transaction on October 7, 2025.

In addition to this amount, a deferred payment of €28 million will be made after four years from the date of closure of the transaction.

The acquisition has been funded through a mix of internal cash accruals, fresh equity and external debt. A preferential issue of equity shares and warrants to marquee investors and the Promoter Group helped raise `2,093 crore, in addition to securing `2,100 crore through term loans.

Imperial Blue is the third-largest whisky brand in India by volume, selling approximately 22.4 million nine-litre cases for the year-ended March 2025 across India and other markets. With over 25 years of brand heritage, the business reported a revenue of `3,067 crore for the trailing twelve months ending March 2025.

Through this transaction, TI gains access to the “Imperial Blue” brand and allied trademarks, including “Imperial Black” and “Imperial Red” globally. Additionally, TI has entered into a Trademark License Agreement for the use of “Seagram’s” in connection with IB for a defined transition period.

The company has also entered into a long-term supply agreement with Chivas Brothers for Concentrated Alcoholic Beverage (CAB), an essential raw material for manufacturing IB products. To ensure a seamless transition, TI has entered into a Transitional Services and Manufacturing Agreement (TSMA) with PRI.

The manufacturing footprint, as part of the transaction perimeter, includes two owned units located in Punjab and Maharashtra, as well as two exclusive sub-leased units in Telangana and Punjab. Additionally, TI will have access to certain shared units during the TSMA period. As part of the transaction, 116 employees are expected to be transferred from PRI to TI.

Amit Dahanukar, Chairman and Managing Director, TI said, “The acquisition of Imperial Blue significantly scales up our business, representing a decisive step in our ambition to build a truly pan-India presence across all IMFL categories. This acquisition also accelerates our premiumisation journey, enabling us to broaden our offerings across Prestige-and-Above price-points and enhance the value we deliver to consumers.”

Deutsche Bank and Avendus Capital acted as financial advisors for the transaction, with Avendus Capital also serving as the debt financing arranger to TI. Crawford Bayley & Co. and W.S. Kane & Co. acted as legal counsels, while Deloitte served as the finance and tax diligence advisor to TI. Additionally, TI has appointed Ernst & Young to provide Integration Planning & Execution Advisory for the acquisition.