John Distilleries has launched a new Gift-With-Purchase campaign for its premium grape brandy, Paul John XO. The campaign is designed to reward discerning spirit enthusiasts with a unique opportunity to explore India’s exceptional answer to Cognac and Armagnac.
Paul John XO is crafted from Ugni Blanc and Bangalore Purple grapes, matured for over 10 years in medium-toasted new French Limousin oak barrels, and bottled at an ABV of 46%. It delivers sweetly honeyed aromas of fresh fig, apricot, strawberry, liquorice and orange zest, leading into a palate of cranberry, rum raisin and rich oak, culminating in a gloriously long finish layered with natural caramel.
Premium Festive Offering
Each exclusive package includes one bottle of Paul John XO accompanied by a branded clear balloon glass featuring the brand’s signature paisley design, rendered in elegant Indian blue, with a gold rim. The options have other intricate brand motifs from the main design of the elegant peacock and other design elements.
Tasting Experience
Paul John XO is a sensorial celebration from nose to finish.
Colour: Deep golden amber.
Nose: Sweetly honeyed aromas unfold with notes of fresh fig, apricot, strawberry liquorice, and orange zest, complemented by a subtle herbal lift that enhances the gentle butterscotch.
Palate: A delightful burst of sweet cranberry and succulent rum raisin, beautifully balanced with layered, complex flavours that reflect Paul John’s meticulous cask craftsmanship.
Finish: Long, elegant, and intricately textured, leaving behind expressive notes of sweet oak and natural caramel that linger with exceptional warmth.
The House of Suntory recently introduced Roku Gin – Sakura Bloom Edition in India. Inspired by the Sakura flower (also known as cherry blossom) and Japan’s world-renowned Hanami festival, which celebrates the tradition of “gazing at flowers”, this new edition brings the spirit of Japanese spring to life.
Rooted in the Japanese philosophy of Shun—the appreciation of each season’s best flavours—Sakura Bloom Edition captures the freshness and vibrancy of Springtime in Japan. Crafted with the soft, floral essence of Sakura flower, this gin evokes the timeless beauty of Hanami, the centuries-old tradition of gathering under blooming cherry blossom trees to appreciate nature’s transient beauty.
The gin features a delicate, sweet floral character, complemented by subtle salty notes from Sakura blossom leaves, creating a beautifully layered experience. Crafted with Roku’s signature blend of six Japanese botanicals, this edition enhances the natural sweetness of the Sakura, resulting in a delicately complex and perfectly balanced—Roku Gin – Sakura Bloom Edition.
“With the global appetite for Japanese gin growing steadily, the introduction of Roku Gin – Sakura Bloom Edition in India is both timely and strategic,” said Rishi Walli, Senior Director – Marketing, Suntory Global Spirits. “As consumer preferences evolve toward more delicate and refined flavour profiles, this expression strengthens Roku’s premium standing in the category while offering Indian gin lovers a sensorial journey rooted in nature and seasonality. This truly special release marries Japanese craftsmanship with heritage, delivering a differentiated, high-quality experience that Indian consumers increasingly seek. It features a heightened Sakura-inspired profile with soft floral notes, subtle sweetness, and the elegance of cherry blossom, tailored to delight”
Following its limited-time debut in global travel retail earlier this year, across key Indian airports including Mumbai and Delhi Duty Free, The House of Suntory’s exquisite Roku Gin – Sakura Bloom Edition is now set to roll out in select cities across India, with plans to expand nationwide over time. Launching just as the country prepares for a vibrant festive and wedding season, Roku Sakura Bloom is a good gifting option.
The culture of gifting in Southeast Asia is evolving, and luxury wines and spirits are at the centre of this trend. Once seen mainly as status symbols, premium bottles are now chosen for their stories, craftsmanship, and cultural resonance. From Singapore to Vietnam, gifting is growing, driven by changing preferences, digital commerce, and premiumisation of F&B.
Affluent consumers are moving beyond imported classics to gifts that reflect local identity. Artisanal spirits such as Bali’s Iwak Arumery, Singapore’s Tanglin Gin, and Thailand’s Chalong Bay Rum showcase heritage-driven narratives through indigenous ingredients and traditional techniques. Similarly, the Philippines’ Don Papa rum draws on folklore and history to create an emotional bond.
Experiences Over Bottles
Packaging and presentation are increasingly as important as the liquid. Limited-edition bottles, collectible sets, and artistic collaborations elevate gifting, while immersive experiences with personalised labels and glassware turn a bottle into a celebration.
Festivals and milestones further drive demand. From Songkran in Thailand to Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam and weddings in Indonesia, luxury alcohol has become a prestigious part of celebrations. Corporate gifting, anniversaries, and personal milestones continue to be in vogue, often with bespoke sets.
E-commerce is fuelling the trend, offering curated packs, same-day delivery, and customisation such as engraved labels. The unboxing experience is now part of the value proposition, making online platforms vital for reaching affluent consumers in Singapore, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Manila.
Sustainability Meets Premiumisation
Wealthier consumers are increasingly conscious of environmental and ethical practices. Eco-friendly packaging, sustainable sourcing, and transparent production are shaping gifting choices, blending luxury with conscience.
The luxury wine and spirits segment is poised for strong growth. Singapore continues to position itself as a regional hub, while Vietnam and Thailand are emerging as high-potential markets with expanding fine dining cultures. Even in traditionally conservative markets like Indonesia and Malaysia, discreet but premium gifting is gaining ground among urban elites.
Luxury gifting is no longer just about indulgence—it is about culture, story, and experience. With digital platforms enhancing accessibility, heritage brands adding authenticity, and sustainability guiding decisions, the future of gifting in Southeast Asia is premium, personalised, and meaningful.
Singapore: A Regional Hub for Premium Gifting As Southeast Asia’s financial hub, Singapore leads the luxury wine and spirits market with a strong corporate gifting culture. Premium wines, rare whiskies, and collectible editions dominate, particularly during Lunar New Year. With advanced e-commerce and duty-free at Changi, personalisation and curated sets are driving demand. Prestige brands like Dom Pérignon, Hennessy, Macallan, and Glenfiddich are go-to gifting staples.
Thailand: Tradition Meets Celebration Thailand’s festive calendar, especially Songkran and year-end corporate occasions, drives gifting. Rum and whisky lead, with Johnnie Walker Blue Label and Moët & Chandon popular among elites. Local craft spirit Chalong Bay rum adds authenticity and cultural depth.
Vietnam: Emerging Fine Wine Market Vietnam is one of Asia’s fastest-growing wine markets, with Tet as the peak gifting season. French wines, especially Bordeaux and Burgundy, symbolise prestige, while Martell, Rémy Martin, and fine Cognacs remain staples. Younger professionals are also embracing alternatives like Don Papa rum for its storytelling appeal.
Indonesia & Malaysia: Discreet but Growing In stricter markets, luxury gifting is discreet but aspirational. Weddings, corporate milestones, and private parties feature Johnnie Walker Blue, Royal Salute, Chivas Regal 25, and Macallan Rare Cask, often gifted in bespoke or limited editions.
With cultural collaborations, limited editions, and experiential packaging, luxury wines and spirits continue to shape Southeast Asia’s gifting culture—premium, personal, and meaningful.
