Tag Archives: New Launch

Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin launches Meghalayan Mountain Berry Gin

Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin has released its newest expression, Mountain Berry Gin with Cherry Blossom. What makes its special is that it is distilled from rainwater and built on unsweetened, uncoloured foundation based on the character from the high-altitude terrains of Cherrapunji and Mawsynram.

The makers have shaped the profile by an interplay of cherry blossom petals and the sweet-tart Khasi Sohiong berry, which together create a natural pink hue. The gin doesn’t include any sweeteners, colouring or additives – making it a natural product from its place of origin.

The botanical includes Sohiong berries (Meghalayan mountain berries), Cherry blossom petals, Taro root, Chamomile, Eastern Himalayan juniper berries, Khasi mandarin and Kaji Nemu.

The gin can be enjoyed with ice or lengthened with tonic or soda and the gin is expected to taste:

Palette: lush, silken, sweet-tart

Nose: floral, citrus, juniper

Finish: lingering, floral, berry-led

The gin is also paired with a integrated pour-measuring cap — a patent-applied jigger mechanism built into the bottle to ensure precision with every serve. The packaging continues the brand’s stainless-steel architecture, with selectively applied deep-gold embossing that behaves like metalwork rather than decoration. The result is a form that advances the original design language while remaining unmistakably itself.

United Breweries launches Kingfisher Smooth

United Breweries Limited (UBL), part of the HEINEKEN Company, has launched Kingfisher Smooth. Brewed using imported hops and containing no added sugar, it delivers a smooth, balanced taste while retaining the strength consumers expect.

While Kingfisher Strong remains the benchmark for a classic, full-bodied beer, Kingfisher Smooth expands the flagship brand’s portfolio, reinforcing UBL’s commitment to innovation and consumer centricity. Kingfisher Smooth is now available across Rajasthan. It is priced at Rs. 100 for a 330 ml bottle, Rs. 145 for a 500 ml can, and Rs. 185 for a 650 ml bottle.

L-R: Mohit Raina, Category Director & Vivek Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, United Breweries Limited

Speaking on the launch, Vivek Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, United Breweries Limited, said, “Kingfisher has played a pioneering role in shaping India’s beer category, and we are a key recruiter to the segment, bringing young legal-age consumers into beer. With Kingfisher Smooth, we are introducing a first-ever game-changing innovation in the mainstream strong beer segment, designed for next-generation consumers. We’ve put intensive research, design and consumer testing into this launch, resulting in a winning combination of superior brew and packaging that reflects our commitment to innovation and our brand investments.”

“The strong beer segment continues to dominate beer consumption in India, and as drinking occasions diversify, we are seeing more consumers seek smoother, more approachable strong beers that are easier to enjoy without compromising the familiar taste they value. These insights are backed by extensive consumer testing, and Kingfisher Smooth addresses this shift by delivering a more balanced strong beer experience aligned with contemporary consumption occasions.”, added Vikram Bahl, Chief Marketing Officer, United Breweries Limited.

ABD Maestro Expands Portfolio with New YELLO Designer Whisky

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.

Globus Spirits Launches DŌAAB Expression 02: The Old Man & The Blossom

Globus Spirits has launched DŌAAB Expression 02: The Old Man & The Blossom is a limited release Indian Single Malt whisky. Crafted at the India Craft Spirits Co. distillery in Behror, Rajasthan, it is made from sustainably sourced Indian six-row barley and matured in Mizunara oak casks from Hokkaido, Japan, a fusion between Indian distilling mastery and Japan’s revered cask-making tradition.

This is an industry first – Indian Single Malt Whisky matured in the legendary Japanese Mizunara Oak Cask limited to only 500 casks.

Shekhar Swarup, Joint Managing Director, Globus Spirits Ltd., said, “With DŌAAB Expression 02, we continue to explore the art of storytelling through whisky. This expression represents a dialogue between two cultures, India and Japan, and between two philosophies, heritage and innovation. Each bottle is a meditation on time, patience, and craftsmanship, brought together by our belief that great spirits are born when tradition meets curiosity.”

P.S. Gill, CEO, Consumer Division, Globus Spirits Ltd., added, “India’s single malt category is growing in double digits, driven by evolving tastes and an increasing sense of pride among consumers. With DŌAAB, our vision is to redefine what an Indian single malt can stand for, globally relevant, deeply authentic, and unmistakably crafted.”

DŌAAB Expression 02: The Old Man & The Blossom debuted in Gurugram priced at ₹3500 – ₹3800 and will soon be available in premium outlets in select markets across India. On the nose it offers delicate fresh florals layered with the warmth of vanilla. The palate is smooth with a velvety mouthfeel with a long and elegant finish.

Indri takes ‘City Series’ Global, Launches in Dubai Duty Free

After a successful debut in India, Indri Single Malt Indian Whisky has launched its limited edition ‘City Series’ global with the Dubai Duty Free Series. This special edition features two distinct and exclusively crafted Single Cask expressions — Sauternes Cask and Oloroso Sherry Cask — each bottled at a bold 58.5% ABV, created specifically for discerning global travellers, whisky connoisseurs and collectors at one of the world’s busiest international airports.

Adding to the exclusivity, each bottle is individually numbered with only 210 bottles of the Sauternes Cask and 348 bottles of the Oloroso Sherry Cask available worldwide. These rare expressions are a true collector’s delight, showcasing Indri’s signature craftsmanship and India’s rising prominence in the world of fine single malts.

“Crafting the City Series has been a journey of storytelling through flavour. For the Dubai editions, we wanted to capture the city’s dual essence—its deep-rooted traditions and its modern, global outlook. Both the Oloroso Sherry and Sauternes cask expressions reflect that harmony through bold character, complexity and elegance. These are not just whiskies, they are our tribute to Dubai in a bottle,” said Surrinder Kumar, Master Blender, Piccadily Distilleries.

“With the City Series, we aim to create rare experiences through our whiskies by capturing the soul of great cities around the world. Dubai, with its global flair and cultural richness, was a natural choice for our first international release,” said Madhu Kanna, Head International Business, Piccadily Distilleries.

The Indri City Series Oloroso Sherry Cask expression opens with a rich nose of sweet caramel, subtle smoke, and hints of leather, vanilla, dried fruits, and roasted nuts. On the palate, it reveals a warm, fruit-forward character with layers of toffee, gentle spices, elegant nuttiness, and earthy undertones. The finish is long, sweet, and delicately smoky, leaving a refined and lingering impression.

The Indri City Series Sauternes Cask expression offers a rich nose of dried apricot, peach, honey, and roasted nuts, with soft vanilla and a sweet, fruity cupcake-like aroma. The palate unfolds with layers of honey, butterscotch, dry apricots, and roasted nuts, enhanced by notes of pineapple, gentle oak, and warm spice. The finish is medium to long, leaving a lingering sweetness balanced by subtle oak and a vibrant fruity lift.

Following the successful Bengaluru Duty Free edition, Indri continues to make bold strides in international markets, firmly establishing itself as one of the most exciting new names in global whisky. It is priced at about USD150.

Ajay Devgn and Cartel Bros Debut ‘The GlenJourneys’

  • 21-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch
  • Only 600 bottles released
  • Limited Cask Series to be launched in India in August

Actor and entrepreneur Ajay Devgn has partnered with luxury spirits house Cartel Bros to launch ‘The GlenJourneys Pioneer Edition’, a premium 21-year-old Highland single malt scotch whisky. This exclusive release marks a significant milestone in India’s luxury spirits’ landscape. The Pioneer Edition boasts a robust 48% ABV, presented in an elegantly crafted oak-finished cask with intricate inlay detailing.

This limited release will be available through select travel retail channels worldwide, catering to discerning connoisseurs and collectors. While travel retail prices for the 21-year-old single malt are forthcoming, The GlenJourneys will also offer three non-age statement expressions: Rum Cask, Bourbon Cask, and Sherry Cask. These variants will be priced between ₹7,500 and ₹9,000. This launch underscores Cartel Bros’ commitment to delivering exceptional luxury spirits experiences, further elevating India’s premium whisky segment.

On April 10, Mumbai witnessed the exclusive launch announcement of The GlenJourneys. The limited Pioneer’s Edition provides an exclusive chance for a select few to own a piece of whisky history before it arrives in India.

 India Launch – The Cask Series to Follow

While the flagship 21-year-old single malt debuts globally, Indian whisky lovers can look forward to the brand’s Cask Series, scheduled for release in August 2025. This special collection of cask-aged single malts will highlight the unique finishes and expressions designed specifically for the Indian market. Further details on the cask types, its expressions, tasting notes, and limited edition bottlings are expected to be revealed by the end of August.

 “The GlenJourneys is a culmination of passion and artistry, a tribute to the untamed spirit of the Highlands,” said Mokksh Sani, Founder of Living Liquidz, Mansionz, and Co-founder of Cartel Bros. “We’ve poured our hearts into creating a collection that transcends the ordinary, offering a truly exceptional tasting experience.”

 From the first sip to the lingering finish, each moment with The GlenJourneys is an expedition of flavour. Driven by the expertise of Cartel Bros, the makers of The Glenwalk Scotch Whisky and the leadership of co-founders Mokksh Sani, Jitin Merani, Rohan Nihalani, Manish Sani, and Chief Business Officer Neeraj Singh. The GlenJourneys, crafted in the Scottish Highlands, is a 21-year-old single malt aged exclusively in hand-selected American oak casks. It opens with velvety vanilla sweetness and ripe fruit, leading into a palate that is silky, layered, and luxuriously mellow. The journey concludes with a long, lingering finish, where subtle whispers of smoke remind you of the untamed wilderness from which it was born.

 “Bringing The Glen Journeys 21‑year‑old Highland single malt to life has been a journey of passion and precision,” said Ajay Devgn. “Every detail of the brand reflects our commitment to craftsmanship and excellence. With this collaboration with Cartel Bros, we offer an exceptional whisky to connoisseurs worldwide, starting with the introduction of the 21-year-old single malt whisky in travel retail channels across the world.”

Cartel Bros is force to reckon with in the world of fine spirits, pushing boundaries, redefining luxury, and elevating whisky culture. With the success of The Glenwalk, they have established themselves and have activated operations in over 50 cities across 12 Indian states, with a growing presence in the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, with rapid expansion plans in other international regions soon.