Author Archives: Janhavi Panani

Cashmir Vodka Recognized with Gold at The Vodka Masters 2025

Cashmir Vodka has been awarded Gold in the Organic category at The Vodka Masters 2025. The vodka launched in May 2025 is distilled from Sona Moti, an ancient heritage variety of organic winter wheat that has been revived after nearly vanishing from cultivation.

The vodka undergoes seven rounds of distillation and five stages of filtration, including activated carbon, mango charcoal, and precious metal layers. It is then blended with glacial water sourced from the Kashmir Valley.

The Vodka Masters is an international competition that recognizes excellence across multiple vodka categories, with entries assessed through blind tastings by panels of distillers, writers, and industry experts. The Organic category highlights vodkas that adhere to strict organic production standards.

This recognition reflects the increasing presence of Indian craft spirits in international competitions and highlights the growing demand for premium organic options in the global vodka market.

Sanjay Dutt’s The Glenwalk Records Sale of a Million in 4 months

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The Glenwalk, co-founded by Sanjay Dutt, has reported strong sales. The company sold over one million bottles in India between April and August 2025. This represents a five-fold increase from the previous year. The brand is available in 15 Indian states and four international markets.

The Glenwalk’s success has been driven by Cartel Bros’ co-founders Mokksh Sani, Jitin Merani, Rohan Nihalani, and Manish Sani, whose innovative strategies have propelled the brand’s remarkable trajectory. The Glenwalk plans to launch new products and expand into more markets

The company said in a statement that the figure represents a five-fold increase from 0.2 million bottles during the same period last year. The brand is currently available in 15 states including Maharashtra, Haryana, Delhi, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and has expanded its presence to four international markets including Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UAE. It is stocked across more than 10,000 retail and bar outlets and featured in 24 duty-free stores globally. In Meghalaya, where it was recently launched, the brand is priced at ₹1,708 and targets sales of 8,000 cases in the first year

“Witnessing The Glenwalk’s meteoric rise in such a short span has been genuinely inspiring. We’ve achieved in two years what takes many brands decades. Our success is a testament to the team’s relentless effort and the high-quality product we offer, and I’m excited for this next phase of growth,” said Sanjay Dutt, co-founder and brand ambassador. The Glenwalk has received over 10 global whisky awards and four business recognitions. It plans to introduce two new expressions – a 5-Year-Old and a 7-Year-Old and expand into six more Indian states and five overseas markets, including the US, Hong Kong, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Africa.

The Glenwalk is now available in Meghalaya. The brand has expanded across 15 Indian states, including Maharashtra, Haryana, Delhi, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Internationally, it is present in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UAE, available at over 10,000 retail and bar outlets, and featured in over 24 duty-free stores worldwide.

“The Glenwalk’s journey has been phenomenal, and our success is a direct result of our strategic vision and the immense market potential we identified,” said Mokksh Sani, Founder of Living Liquidz, Mansionz, and Co-founder of Cartel Bros. Sanjay Dutt, celebrity brand ambassador and co-founder, added, “Witnessing The Glenwalk’s meteoric rise in such a short span has been genuinely inspiring. Our success is a testament to the team’s relentless effort and the high-quality product we offer.”

Kingfisher Triumphs at World Beer Awards 2025

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United Breweries Limited has recently announced that Kingfisher has won four coveted honours across categories at the World Beer Awards 2025.

At this year’s awards, Kingfisher Ultra was the Gold Country Winner in International Lager; Kingfisher Strong bagged the Silver in Seasonal: Oktoberfestbier/ Märzen; Kingfisher Premium Lager won the Silver in Helles/Münchner; and Kingfisher Ultra Max won the Bronze in Seasonal: Maibock/ Helles Bock.

Speaking on the achievement, Vikram Bahl, Chief Marketing Officer, United Breweries Limited, said, “We are truly honoured to see Kingfisher shine on a global platform yet again. These awards are a testament to our commitment to quality brewing and innovation while staying true to Kingfisher’s legacy of Good Times. This recognition not only makes India proud, but also reinforces our journey to delight consumers worldwide.”

Hunter Achieves 7 Crore Bottles Average Yearly Sales

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Hunter Beer, the flagship brand of SOM Group of Companies, has achieved two milestones this year – celebrating 25 years and registering average yearly sales of 7 crore bottles. Hunter Beer is known for its smooth yet strong taste and unapologetically confident identity, representing India’s new-agenbeer drinker: bold, ambitious, and ready for the next big moment.
First launched in 1994 and repackaged in 2016, Hunter operates in the mainstream strong segment (MSS), competing with category leaders. Hunter’s presence spans over multiple states across India, including key markets like Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Delhi, Karnataka, and Jharkhand.
“World Beer Day isn’t just about beer- it’s about the stories we create with every sip,” said Deepak Arora, CEO, SOM Group of Companies. “Hunter Beer has become a part of those stories- from late- night rooftop conversations to weekend getaways with friends. It’s a celebration of bold flavour and fearless living. With annual sales crossing 7 Crore bottles now, Hunter has built a loyal consumer base across metros and rising Tier-II cities. Its success is rooted in uncompromised quality, vibrant branding, and an iconic flavour profile that speaks directly to India’s bold, independent generation.”
SOM Group of Companies offers a diverse portfolio of premium beers, spirits, and ready-to-drink products. Headquartered in Bhopal, the company has a strong presence across multiple states and exports to several international markets. Its flagship brands are Mahavat Whisky, Bhimbetka Single Malt, and popular beer brands are Hunter, Woodpecker, Power Cool & Black Fort.

‘Greater Than’ Brings Back Juniper Bomb

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Juniper Bomb, first created in 2020 when a power outage extended a batch of Greater Than’s botanical soak from 10 to nearly 36 hours, the resulting gin was unexpectedly bold, unapologetically juniper-forward, and instantly loved. Originally released as a limited edition, it has found a cult following among purists and has now joined Nao Spirits & Beverages’ permanent lineup. Compared to Greater Than, Juniper Bomb triples the juniper load, delivering a classic London Dry
style gin that is electric—like biting straight into a plump Juniper Berry. It’s bold and complex at first, with a finish of ripe lychees. Its gin designed for those who like their spirit loud and proud; best had with lots of ice and tonic, and no additional garnish, what the team calls ‘Make It Naked’. Commenting on the launch, Anand Virmani, Co-Founder & Master Distiller, Nao Spirits, said, “Juniper Bomb wasn’t part of the plan. It was literally born out of a mistake—but the kind you want to make twice. It packs a punch—just like the juniper that defines it. We like to think of it as a gin with the
volume turned all the way up.”

Hendrick’s Gin Limited Edition Oasium Released

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Hendrick’s Gin has introduced limited edition—Hendrick’s Oasium, distilled by its Master Distiller, Lesley Gracie, and filled with herbs and vibrant fruits. Hendrick’s Oasium is the latest addition to Hendrick’s Cabinet of Curiosities. It’s designed for gin lovers who like something new and intriguing, with a flavour that’s enjoyed with cucumber and tonic.

With bright citrus and herbal notes, this limited release features desert-inspired botanicals that elevate the crisp, green flavours.

Lesley Gracie, Master Distiller at Hendrick’s said, “It was fascinating to see what plants grow and thrive in an oasis; there are things you wouldn’t expect and some others that you absolutely would. There’s a very distinctive, green, fresh character to Hendrick’s Oasium and a specific bright citrus note from some particularly small desert botanicals. This is rounded off by a lovely depth of flavour and the aromatic oasis herbs tie it all together. I always take inspiration from my surroundings and playing polo on camels was hilarious. Whenever I see the palm trees at Hendrick’s Gin Palace I’m transported back to that day when I fed my camel cucumbers, which it enjoyed immensely. It was so much fun I just had to capture that day in a gin as a way of keeping that memory forever!”

It can be had as Oasium and Tonic, garnished with cool cucumber slices; Oasium Fizz, twist on the Paloma, mixing with pink grapefruit, lime juice, and soda; and Oasium Pegu Club, where citrus botanicals shine alongside orange liqueur, lime, and bitters.

Ally Martin, Hendrick’s Global Brand Ambassador added, “Given Hendrick’s Oasium is inspired by a curious oasis, we wanted to lean into that with the suggested drink serves. First and foremost, as with all our releases, Hendrick’s Oasium works wonderfully in a Gin & Tonic. An alternative long serve is the Hendrick’s Oasium Fizz which is akin to a Paloma. The grapefruit works so well with Hendrick’s Oasium and the bright and zesty notes of the gin, coupled with a little sugar and soda to lengthen, is a winner when gathering friends together.”

“Hendrick’s has always championed the art of the unusual, and that’s what sets us apart in the premium white spirits category. We’ve consistently rewarded consumer curiosity, not just with the gin itself, but through immersive experiences, whimsical storytelling, and unexpected collaborations. In a world that’s constantly changing, the launch of our limited edition, Hendrick’s Oasium reflects our commitment to re-engage audiences in a refreshingly curious way that has helped Hendrick’s remain a beloved choice for those who seek something truly distinctive,” said Sachin Mehta, Managing Director, William Grant & Sons. Hendrick’s Oasium is available in select regions such as Delhi, Gurugram, Mumbai, Goa and Kolkata.

Indri Becomes India’s Largest-Selling Single Malt, Crosses 2 Million Bottles in 2024

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Indri, the single malt whisky from Piccadily Agro Industries, sold 2.04 million bottles (approximately 1,70,000 nine-litre cases) in 2024, placing it as the best-selling single malt in India. Of this, 1,24,000 cases were sold domestically and 46,000 were exported. The International Wine & Spirits Record (IWSR) confirms these figures and ranks Indri as the leading malt whisky in the Indian market.

The brand’s lineup includes expressions such as Indri-Trini (three-wood matured), cask-strength Indri-Dru, the Diwali Collector’s Editions, and the Founder’s Reserve 11-Year-Old. These expressions have received recognition at global spirits competitions.

PAIL’s distillery in Indri, Haryana covers 168 acres and produces malt, extra neutral alcohol (ENA), ethanol and white crystal sugar. Besides Indri, the company also offers blended malts and Camikara, an aged sugarcane juice-based rum.

Launched in 2022, Indri has witnessed rapid growth, strengthened by both domestic momentum and expanding export reach. The company now aims to place the brand among the world’s top five single malts in the coming years.

With growing global demand for Indian spirits and a shift toward premiumisation, Indri’s performance highlights how India’s single malt segment is steadily carving its place on the international whisky map.

The Angel’s Share: Flavour Chemistry in the Cask

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Every cask loses liquid during maturation. Distillers call this the Angel’s Share. It is evaporation through the staves, but it is not only a loss of volume. The changing mix of alcohol, water and air inside the cask quietly rewrites flavour.

Temperature, humidity, air flow, cask size and warehouse style all change how fast evaporation happens and what is lost. In humid, cooler stores the spirit tends to lose more ethanol and hold water. In hot, drier stores water can be lost faster than ethanol. That shift matters because alcohol and water extract different things from oak and drive different reactions over time.

Ethanol loss: When ethanol escapes faster than water, the alcohol by volume (ABV) falls. Lower ABV favours extraction of water soluble compounds such as ellagitannins, gallic acid and vanillic acid. These add gentle vanilla, light nuttiness and woody spice. The overall profile usually feels softer.

Water loss: When water evaporates faster, the ABV rises. Higher ABV pulls more alcohol soluble compounds such as whisky lactone, vanillin and longer chain esters. Expect richer vanilla, coconut and riper fruit notes like apple and pineapple from esters such as ethyl hexanoate.

Flavour concentration: Each year there is less liquid in the cask. What remains becomes more intense. Vanillin, furfural and long chain esters stand out more clearly. Older casks can feel almost syrupy on the palate.

Oxidation: Evaporation creates headspace and oxygen enters through the wood. Oxygen turns ethanol into acetaldehyde and then acetic acid. Acids and alcohols react to form fruity esters. Phenolic smoke softens into leather, spice and dried fruit.

Volatile shift: Lighter aroma molecules leave the cask more readily. Bright esters such as ethyl butyrate and isoamyl acetate, and aldehydes like acetaldehyde, can drop away. Heavier, more persistent aromas then take the lead.

pH drift: Acetic acid, with smaller roles from formic and succinic acids, accumulates over time. pH falls slightly. This changes extraction rates from oak and nudges oxidation pathways, adding complexity.

The Angel’s Share is more than a poetic loss. It is one of the main forces that decides whether a spirit leans fruity, spicy, nutty or rich. In Scotland it may mean a slow, steady transformation over decades. In Jamaica it can mean rapid concentration and bold flavour development within a few short years. Years do not translate one to one – the chemistry takes a different path, and so does the flavour.

John Angus is a UK based chemist and whisky educator who shares the science of flavour through his newsletter, The Distilled Edit. Connect on LinkedIn at http://linkedin.com/in/john-angus, read the newsletter at https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-distilled-edit-7339239882814308352, and explore whisky flavour infographics at https://payhip.com/SpiritChemistry.

India’s First Aromatic Low-Alcohol Still White Wine

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Sula Vineyards recently announced the launch of Sula Muscat Blanc a vibrant, aromatic, and fruity new addition to the Sula Vineyards range. Marking a significant milestone, it is India’s first still Muscat and the lowest-alcohol wine in the portfolio, with just 7.5% ABV. Crafted to offer a refreshingly light and modern take on white wine, Sula Muscat Blanc reflects the rising global popularity of Muscat, which has been the world’s fastest-growing white wine in the past decade.

Crafted from 100% Muscat grapes, Sula Muscat Blanc is a light-bodied, elegantly aromatic wine that captivates the senses with bright notes of citrus, lychee, and rose petals.

Sula Muscat Blanc is the go-to wine for every occasion from casual brunches and sunny afternoons to festive dinners and special moments. A great gifting choice too, it’s crafted through eco-friendly viticulture and mindful winemaking, staying true to Sula’s sustainable philosophy while blending tradition with a fresh, modern approach.

Gorakh Gaikwad, COO and Chief Winemaker at Sula Vineyards, said, “Our Sula Muscat Blanc is the epitome of freshness, finesse, and approachability. We set out to craft a low alcohol, gently sweet, and refreshingly light wine that’s not only delightful on the palate, but also accessible and affordable. With its vibrant floral and fruity notes and a crisp, clean finish, it’s a joyful expression made for today’s evolving wine lovers.”

Sula Muscat Blanc, priced at ₹875 for a 750ml bottle and ₹490 for a 375ml. Sula Muscat Blanc is now available in wine shops across Maharashtra, with Karnataka to follow soon.

India achieves 20% ethanol blending target earlier than deadline

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The Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has stated that India has achieved its target of 20% ethanol blending programme (EBP) with petrol five years ahead of schedule.

The early achievement of the 20% blending target, originally set for 2030, demonstrates India’s commitment to reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports while supporting rural economic development. The achievement represents dramatic growth from the modest 1.5% blending rate when the programme began in 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration.

ISMA said that the EBP has delivered substantial economic and environmental benefits. Ethanol production surged from 380 million litres in 2014 to 6,610 million litres blended as of June 2025, while generating 69.8 million tonnes in carbon dioxide emission reductions.

The programme has provided significant financial benefits to India’s agricultural sector, with farmers receiving ₹1.18 trillion and distilleries earning ₹1.96 trillion over the period. The initiative has also helped India save ₹1.36 trillion in foreign exchange costs.

“This achievement is a monumental leap for India’s energy independence and rural prosperity,” said Deepak Ballani, Director General of ISMA.

“The government’s unwavering policy direction and visionary leadership have not only made this national success possible five years ahead of schedule, but have also set a powerful precedent for our collective future in green energy.” The sugar industry has played a central role in India’s ethanol economy, supplying biofuel derived from sugarcane juice, B-heavy molasses and other agricultural by-products, ISMA added.

India to finalise standards for 27% ethanol blending by August-end

The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced that India will establish the standard for 27% ethanol blending by the end of August. He made the statement while addressing the International Sugar Expo 2025, held as part of the 83rd Centennial Annual Convention of the Sugar Technologists’ Association of India (STAI).

Gadkari pointed out that Brazil has already achieved 27% blending and emphasised the need for India to catch up.