Tag Archives: Global Recognition

Monarch Legacy Edition Brandy Wins at London Spirits Competition

Monarch Legacy Edition by Tilaknagar Industries Ltd. (TI) has bagged a bronze medal in the brandy category, thus becoming the only Indian brandy to win at the London Spirits Competition 2025. Monarch is pure grape luxury brandy that is crafted with a blend of French and Indian grape spirits. This year’s edition of the London Spirits Competition had over 500 entries from more than 30 countries.

Tilaknagar said that Brandy which is the second largest category within the IMFL (Indian Made Foreign Liquor) segment, has seen relatively little disruption or innovation over the years. That narrative, it mentioned, is changing with Monarch Legacy Edition.

“This is a huge win — not just for Monarch, but for Indian brandy,” said Amit Dahanukar, Chairman & Managing Director, Tilaknagar Industries Ltd. “We launched Monarch to shift the conversation around Indian brandy. This complex spirit has so much potential when it’s made with care — but it often does not get the recognition it deserves. With over 40 years of expertise in brandy-making, we felt a responsibility to change that. For Monarch’s very first international showing to earn a win like this — it’s a strong validation of everything we set out to do.”

“In a contest dominated by celebrated brandy-producing nations such as France, Spain, and Australia, Monarch’s recognition marks a significant milestone—not just for the brand, but for India’s evolving spirits landscape, particularly the brandy market. And we’re excited to lead this shift,” said Sanaya Dahanukar, Marketing Manager, Tilaknagar Industries Ltd.

Monarch is a blend of French grape spirits aged up to eight years and selected Indian grape spirits from Maharashtra’s Sahyadri region — a nod to local terroir. It is distilled in coal-fired copper pot stills using traditional Cognac-style methods and matured in French oak ex-wine casks, it’s a spirit with depth, nuance, and serious character. Its flavour brings together notes of dried fruit, velvety oak, and warm spice. The aroma is rich grape and fruit notes with subtle hints of apple, nutmeg, and tobacco, while there is velvety sweetness balanced by creamy oak and indulgent dried fruits on the palate. The finish is long and warm with cinnamon, peach, and clove nuances.

Packaging

The symmetrical ridges of the bottle catch and refract the light, enhancing the deep amber tones of the liquid within. The golden metallic label, shaped like a shield, is among the few in India’s spirits industry to be crafted from metal. The bottle, inspired by royal chalices, has a metal-plated shield label and a mono carton featuring miniature style paintings of kings — creating a standout bottle.

Launched in November 2024, Monarch Legacy Edition marks TI’s move into the super-luxury space, expanding a portfolio that already includes global success stories like Mansion House Brandy and Courrier Napoleon.

The brandy has ABV 42.8% in a 750 ml bottle. The MRP is   ₹ 6750 in Maharashtra, ₹4000 in Goa, and ₹3500 in Pondicherry.

Shah Rukh Khan’s D’YAVOL Inception Wins Gold at Berlin

D’YAVOL Inception, the flagship blended malt Scotch whisky from D’YAVOL Luxury Spirits, has been awarded Gold at the prestigious Berlin International Spirits Competition (BISC) 2025. The Berlin International Spirits Competition stands out as the only European spirits competition judged exclusively by trade buyers, including sommeliers, beverage directors, and retail experts from across the continent. Spirits, RTDs, and non-alcoholic spirits are evaluated based on category and actual price, ensuring a real-world assessment of quality and value.

Shah Rukh Khan, Co-Founder, D’YAVOL, says, “Consistent recognitions like these fuels our drive to keep pushing boundaries and setting new standards. It’s always rewarding to see our efforts acknowledged on a global stage.” 

Inception is a blend of eight rare single malts, selected from Scotland’s whisky regions — Speyside, Highland, Lowland, and the Islands. Aged up to 12 years, Inception undergoes an extended maturation in first-fill Tawny Port and rare Madeira casks, adding layers of depth and richness. 

Launched in 2023, this non-chill filtered whisky preserves its full depth of flavour, mouthfeel, and character. Its complex profile unfolds with rich notes of dark chocolate, dried fruit, and oak spice, complemented by subtle hints of smoked wood, ripe plums, spiced vanilla, and a gentle smokiness. 

Bunty Singh, Co-Founder, D’YAVOL, says, “Winning multiple international awards including ‘Best Overall Scotch’ at the New York World Spirits Competition and now a gold medal at the Berlin International Spirits Competition 2025 is an incredible honour. These back-to-back wins reaffirm our commitment to crafting spirits that stand out on the world stage.” 

Alongside Inception’s Gold medal at BISC 2025, the brand’s Single Estate Vodka was also awarded a Silver Medal.