Tilaknagar Industries Ltd. (TI), in collaboration with Fairmac Shipstores Pvt. Ltd., has launched its flagship Mansion House Brandy alongside Monarch Legacy Edition, the first release under the company’s new luxury vertical, House of TI, at Hyderabad Duty Free. Travellers at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport can now experience the full spectrum of Indian brandy, from the award-winning Mansion House Brandy to the luxury offering, Monarch- 100% Pure Grape Brandy Legacy Edition.
Amit Dahanukar, Chairman & Managing Director of Tilaknagar Industries said “It’s exciting to expand our presence further in the travel retail sector, which is such an important space for showcasing Indian spirits on a global stage. Hyderabad Duty Free is a significant expansion in this, as it serves as a gateway for both Indian and international travellers. With Mansion House, we are bringing a trusted favourite, and with Monarch Legacy Edition, we are introducing a new luxury take on Indian brandy. Together, they highlight where the category has been and where it is headed.”
Sanaya Dahanukar – Marketing Manager of Tilaknagar Industries Ltd., commented, “Brandy has always enjoyed a strong following in Southern India, with nearly 98% of the brandy consumption concentrated within the region, and Hyderabad is an important gateway for that audience. At Duty Free, we are able to offer travellers both sides of the brandy story — the nostalgia of Mansion House and the sophistication of Monarch Legacy Edition.”
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has given the green signal to home-grown alcoholic beverage maker Tilaknagar Industries’ Limited (TIL) proposal to acquire the Imperial Blue whisky business from the Indian arm of French liquor giant Pernod Ricard for Rs 4,150 crore.
In July this year, TIL had announced that it was set to acquire the Imperial Blue whisky business from Pernod Ricard at an enterprise value of 412.6 million Euros (around Rs 4,150 crore).
CCI in a post on X said “Commission approves the acquisition of the business of production, bottling, marketing, and sale of alcoholic and other beverages under the ‘Imperial Brands’ from Pernod Ricard India Pvt Ltd by Tilaknagar Industries Ltd.”
The acquisition will make TIL, which owns brands such as Mansion House Brandy, Courrier Napoleon Brandy, Mansion House Gold Whisky and Blue Lagoon Gin, a leading player in the fast-growing whisky market.
TIL and Pernod Ricard India had entered into a definitive agreement for the transaction related to the sale of the Imperial Blue business division (IB). The consideration includes a deferred payment of 28 million euros (Rs 282 crore as of date) to be paid four years after the date of the closure of the transaction, said a joint statement.
Imperial Blue is the third-largest whisky brand in India by volume. It has reported a revenue of Rs 3,067 crore for the year ended March 2025.
India is the second-largest market for Pernod Ricard. With a consolidated sales revenue of Rs 26,773.22 crore in FY24, Pernod Ricard India is the largest spirit maker in India. TIL had reported a revenue of Rs 1,405 crore and EBITDA of Rs 226 crore for the year ended March 2025. In the September quarter, it had become net debt-free after successfully restructuring its debt.
Launched in Rajasthan, expansion soon in Delhi, Gurgaon, Goa, and Mumbai
Globus Spirits Limited recently announced the launch of TERAI India Craft Vodka, the vodka filtered through amethyst crystals.
Handmade with care and cultivated from grain to glass at the TERAI distillery in Behror, Rajasthan, TERAI India Craft Vodka is crafted using locally sourced rice and bespoke production methods. The distillate undergoes a unique refinement process—filtered through amethyst crystals—creating a vodka which is smooth, playful, and unlike any other in the premium category.
Commenting on the launch, Shekhar Swarup, Joint Managing Director, Globus Spirits, said, “At Globus Spirits, our vision is to create world-class products that blend Indian tradition with global innovation. TERAI India Craft Vodka, with its unique amethyst crystal refinement, is a first for the world and a bold step in our premiumisation journey. We are confident it will resonate strongly with discerning urban consumers who seek authenticity, craftsmanship, and distinction in their spirits.”
TERAI India Craft Vodka has made its debut in Jaipur and Udaipur, Rajasthan, priced at `2,245 for a 750ml bottle. Expansion to Delhi, Gurgaon, Goa, and Mumbai is planned shortly, with availability across leading retail outlets and select premium channels.
With a distilling heritage dating back to 1958, Globus Spirits has been steadily strengthening its premium portfolio. The journey began with TERAI India Dry Gin, which has become a recognised name in the craft gin space, and now continues with the launch of TERAI India Craft Vodka.
Allied Blenders & Distillers Ltd (ABD) has commissioned a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle manufacturing facility at its integrated complex in Rangapur in Telangana. With an annual capacity of over 600 million bottles, the new plant is equipped with robotics, automation, recycling, and energy-saving technologies—part of the company’s backward integration strategy to boost self-reliance and cut costs.
The inauguration was led by founder Kishore Rajaram Chhabria, alongside managing director Alok Gupta and executive director Arun Barik. “This facility will significantly strengthen our supply chain while improving profitability through savings in logistics and packaging costs,” said Gupta.
The Rangapur complex is among ABD’s flagship assets, housing a 65-million-litre extra neutral alcohol (ENA) distillery, an Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) bottling unit, and now, the PET facility. Regulatory approval was recently granted to increase grain spirit production to 615 lakh bulk litres per year.
In addition, the site is witnessing fresh investment with the setup of a single malt whisky plant at an outlay of ₹75 crore. The facility, expected to commence production by the end of this fiscal year, will mark ABD’s entry into the premium single malt segment. Once distilled, the whisky will mature for at least three years before hitting the market—meaning ABD’s first single malt is expected post-2029.
Betting on Premiumisation and Global Demand
Alok Gupta highlighted that single malt whisky is one of the fastest-growing categories globally, and Indian brands are gaining traction with international accolades. “This will be a fascinating opportunity for ABD as Indian single malts have captured the imagination of global consumers.”
The company already exports to 27 countries and plans to expand its footprint to 35 markets. Exports currently contribute 8% of ABD’s topline.
ABD has also recently introduced five luxury brands since January 2024, diversifying beyond its mass-market Officer’s Choice whisky and Zoya premium gin. Historically known for its sub-₹1,000 price segment, ABD is now positioning itself to compete head-on with international premium players.
Capex-Driven Growth Story
ABD is in the midst of a ₹527 crore capital expenditure programme aimed at operational efficiency, premiumisation, and capacity expansion. About 25% of this investment was completed in FY24, with 60% earmarked for FY25 and the remainder in FY26. The spend will also support the company’s plan to expand total distillation capacity from 71 million litres per annum (mlpa) to 121 mlpa by FY27.
According to Gupta, these investments are expected to lift EBITDA margins from 7.5% to 17% and improve return on capital from 18% to above 20% by FY28. ABD has guided for 14–15% annualised growth in net sales over the next three fiscals, projecting its topline to double in just over five years.
Beyond expansion, ABD continues to embed sustainability in operations. The Rangapur site incorporates water recycling, biomass fuel handling, and energy-efficient automation across production. These measures not only reduce environmental impact, but also improve cost structures, complementing the company’s growth-driven investments.
Listed on Indian stock exchanges in July 2024, ABD reported revenues of ₹3,541 crore in FY25. With backward integration through packaging, aggressive capex in distillation, and a strategic push into single malt, the company is betting on premiumisation and global growth to shape its next decade.
“Consumers are upgrading, regulations are becoming more supportive, and Indian spirits are getting their due recognition globally,” Gupta said. “We see this as the perfect time for ABD to expand beyond our traditional base and build a strong premium portfolio for India and the world.”
Piccadilly Distilleries launched Indri Agneya recently – a lightly peated expression of its famous Indri Trini Indian Single Malt. That was launched back in 2022 and we reviewed that as well. Indri Agneya is an expression that is slightly different from the original, the Agneya is a dual-cask expression with a peated profile whereas Trini is aged in triple casks.
Price & Availability
Coming back to Indri Agneya – it is produced at Piccadilly’s Indri distillery in Haryana and is priced at ₹3,800 for a 750 ml bottle, with an ABV of 46%. It is currently available in Haryana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Daman, and Goa, with more states and select international markets joining soon.
The price ranges from Rs. 3,800 – Rs. 8,000 with the most expensive being in Maharashtra.
How It’s Made
The name “Agneya” comes from Sanskrit, meaning “belonging to fire,” a nod to its smoky character. This expression uses indigenous six-row barley and is matured in Sherry and Bourbon casks.
According to Master Blender Surrinder Kumar, this is one of the most refined single malts they’ve made to date. The barley is gently kilned over peat smoke, allowing smoke to enhance rather than dominate the spirit. This ensures the whisky stays balanced and doesn’t lean too heavily on smoky intensity — a common challenge with peated malts.
Packaging
Agneya comes in a bold black bottle that stands out from the Trini’s design. The label highlights that it’s non-chill filtered and has no added colour. It even mentions that the whisky might appear slightly cloudy in cooler climates, completely natural.
The whisky itself has a deep, dark brown hue and the bottle design, with its striking black cap, gives it a premium, confident look.
Nosing
Light smoke
Delicate chocolate & vanilla sweetness
Warm spice
Fruity flavour – possibly apple and apricot
Earthy peat dust
Tasting
Sweet profile, toffee nutty flavour with gentle spice
Warm wave of peat smoke
Long finish with bite of spice
Conclusion
How is Indri Agneya? At Rs. 3,800 it is Picadilly’s bold expression.
Peated whiskies are usually an acquired taste, but this one feels refined and inviting. If you’re a fan of Indri or curious about exploring peated malts without going full Islay-style, this is definitely worth trying. It’s a confident step forward in India’s single malt journey and one that whisky lovers will appreciate.
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.
In a move aimed at reviving underutilised liquor manufacturing units and offering consumers more affordable choices, the Maharashtra Government has formally introduced a new category of alcoholic beverage—Maharashtra Made Liquor (MML). The decision, approved by the State Cabinet in July, has now been formalised through a Government Resolution (GR) amending the Bombay Foreign Liquor Rules, 1963.
The policy positions MML as a distinct sub-category under the Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) framework. To qualify, the liquor must be grain-based and produced using rectified spirit sourced exclusively within Maharashtra.
One of the biggest attractions for producers and consumers is the reduced excise duty, 270% for MML compared to 450% for IMFL. At an assumed manufacturing cost of ₹400 per litre, IMFL retails at roughly ₹2,200 (including ₹1,800 in excise), while MML is expected to cost around ₹1,480 (with ₹1,080 excise), making it about ₹700 cheaper per litre. The government has set a minimum retail price of ₹148 for a 180 ml bottle of MML, compared to ₹205 for IMFL and ₹80 for country liquor.
Under the new guidelines, MML manufacturers must have their registered head office in Maharashtra; maintain at least 25% state-resident shareholding; avoid producing or marketing MML outside the state; and register their brands within one year. Third-party production is not allowed, though leasing of plant capacity is permitted if the facility remains dedicated to MML production. If sold outside Maharashtra or if rules are violated, the MML status will be revoked, the guidelines state.
Economic Impact
According to reports, Maharashtra currently has 48 licensed IMFL manufacturing units, but only 10 dominate production; many operate at minimal capacity just to retain their licences. The government hopes MML will revive idle plants and generate up to ₹3,000 crore in additional annual revenue. The move is part of wider excise reforms targeting ₹14,000 crore yearly collections through measures including AI-powered monitoring of production and sales; new divisional excise offices; revised duty structures, IMFL at 3× to 4.5× manufacturing cost (capped at ₹260/litre), country liquor up to ₹205 per proof litre; and higher licence fees for FL-2 (retail) and FL-3 (bars) outlets.
In 2024-25, Maharashtra excise revenue stood at ₹25,467.96 crore. Of the six excise regions, Nashik region (Nashik, Nandurbar, Dhule and Jalgaon) earned ₹6,186.82 crore; followed by Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar region (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Beed, Jalna, and Dharashiv) at ₹5,995.07 crore; Pune region (Pune, Ahilyanagar and Sholapur) at ₹5,809.79 crore; Thane region (Mumbai City, Mumbai suburbs, Thane, Palghar and Raigad) at ₹4,513.02 crore; Kolhapur Greater Region (Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurga) at ₹1,265.21 crore; Nagpur region (Nagpur, Wardha, Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli) at ₹874.43 crore; Nanded region (Parbhani, Latur, Nanded and Hingoli) at ₹592.73 crore; and Amravati region (Amravati, Buldhana, Akola, Washim and Yavatmal) at ₹230.09 crore.
Unlike IMFL’s foreign-style blends, MML will feature simple, traditional flavours such as orange, cumin and herbs. Popular varieties are expected to include Santra, Chandni and Sugandhi. Packaging is expected to be basic, in bottles or sachets and to be labelled “For sale only in Maharashtra”. Distribution will focus on rural and semi-urban markets, though MML will also be available in urban centres. Production is said to be undertaken by state-run units, cooperative sugar factories, and private distilleries.
By creating a regulated, lower-cost option, the government hopes MML will help curb illicit liquor trade and reduce consumption of illicit brews.
Radico Khaitan has announced its entry into the luxury vodka segment with the launch of ‘The Spirit of Kashmyr’. Having established itself in the premium whisky segment, Radico Khaitan now broadens its focus with an entry into high-end vodka.
Drawing inspiration from the cultural richness and natural heritage of Kashmir, the new vodka positions itself in the top-end of the Indian vodka category. The Spirit of Kashmyr is a small-batch, grain-based vodka distilled five times and charcoal-filtered for clarity. According to Radico -what sets it apart is its visual and vibrant packaging, a floral motif rendered in papier-mâché style, influenced by the artisanal legacy of Kashmir.
Available in two variants — Natural (Classic) and Saffron — the vodka is currently being introduced in select markets including Goa, followed by other key states in the coming months. Priced at ₹2,500 for a 750 ml bottle in Goa, the brand will be competing in the luxury tier, where vodka consumption in India has seen growing interest among urban consumers.This launch is in line with a broader trend of Indian players tapping into the country’s own cultural narratives to build globally relevant premium brands. With The Spirit of Kashmyr, Rooted in Indian heritage, the launch reflects a growing focus on blending premium craft with cultural authenticity.
Piccadily Distilleries has launched Indri Agneya, a lightly peated version of their Indri Indian Single Malt Whisky – aiming to bring a bold new dimension to the industry. The name for the malt ‘Agneya‘ is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning ‘belonging to fire’.
Indri Agneya is now available in Haryana at an MSP of Rs. 3800 and will be rolled out across premium retail outlets in India, global travel retail and select international markets in the coming months.
Maturation
The lightly peated version draws its character from maturation in both Sherry and Bourbon casks. According to the Master Blender Surrinder Kumar, the dual-cask aging imparts a layer of depth and complexity, evoking the elemental interplay of fire and wood. And the makers feel that this is the most refined Indian single malts that they’ve made to date.
Agneya is matured in select American oak casks that enhance its bold character adds Kumar. The indigenous 6 row barley is gently kilned over peat smoke, resulting in a spirit that imparts a whisper of smoke that enhances rather than dominates. This balance of peat, sweet malt, toasted oak and spice makes Indri Agneya a compelling choice for those curious about smoky whiskies – albeit the heaviness from peated malts.
Nosing
On the nose, it reveals rich notes of nuttiness and ripe fruit with a smooth, rounded texture, culminating in a gentle lingering smokiness. And it is this this smokiness that sets the Agneya apart from its flagship Indri-Trini. The makers feel that this expression redefines the spectrum of Indian single malts – delivering innovation, balance and sophistication in every sip.
Piccadily feels that Indri Agneya is more than just a product, it represents the makers bold ambition – to elevate Indian single malts on the global stage and continuously redefine the category. It is a reflection of India’s growing reputation for producing exceptional, terroir-driven whiskies that can compete with the best in the world.
In a significant moment for the Indian spirits industry, Camikara 3YO has become the first Indian rum to win a Gold Medal at the 2025 Rum & Cachaça Masters Awards in London. This marks the first time an Indian rum has received such recognition at the global competition.
Traditionally, India has been absent from conversations around premium rum, despite being one of the world’s largest producers of sugarcane. While countries like Martinique, Jamaica, and Barbados are known for their high-quality sugarcane spirits, Indian rum has often been associated with molasses-based blends, with little presence in the premium segment.
Made by Piccadily Agro Industries, Camikara is made entirely from fresh sugarcane juice—without molasses, added sugar, colouring, or other additives—and aged in oak barrels, reflecting a Rhum Agricole-style approach adapted to Indian conditions. Its recognition at an international competition highlights a shift in how Indian rum is being perceived globally.
This win adds momentum to the emergence of more diverse and craft-driven spirits from India.
