Tag Archives: whisky launch

Amrut Unveils “Mumbai Chi Maaya,” Its Landmark Mumbai City Edition

  • Discover “Mumbai Chi Maaya,” a limited-edition single malt whisky
  • Captures the vibrant spirit of Mumbai

Amrut Distilleries has unveiled “Mumbai Chi Maaya,” a radiant single malt whisky. This limited-edition expression is an ode to Mumbai’s restless spirit, where crashing waves meet neon nights, and every soul carries a story waiting to be written.

Amrut chose Mumbai as the muse for “Mumbai Chi Maaya” because no other city holds together such intense resilience, ambition, and everyday joy under one bewitching spell. It is a city that has stood tall through some of the toughest chapters in recent history; the Gateway of India on the pack is not just a monument, but a symbol of a spirit that refuses to be broken, it’s very silhouette shimmering with the quiet maaya of survival and renewal.

The Bombay Stock Exchange embodies the electric magic of risk and reward, a daily high-wire act where fortunes turn in seconds, yet confidence endures, as if guided by an unseen hand. Wankhede Stadium recalls the unforgettable 2011 Cricket World Cup win, when an entire nation’s hope converged in Mumbai and burst into a moment so euphoric it felt almost unreal. The dabbawalas, rendered with pride, bring their own brand of maaya to the city—precision and hustle without error, moving thousands of tiffins flawlessly through chaos, as if by some invisible choreography.

“Mumbai Chi Maaya” salutes the quieter rituals defining the Mumbaikar’s life: dilemmas debated over vada pav, friendships renewed on station platforms, and calm found gazing at the Arabian Sea sunset. Mumbai’s local trains, the city’s lifeline, ferry over 7.5 million daily across 450 km, stitching suburbs to core and turning chaos into shared rhythm.​

At its heart is the liquid: 48% ABV—a rarity for Indian consumers,mirroring Mumbai’s intensity with bold depth, structure, and palate length, yet refined and approachable. Each pour travels Mumbai’s bewitching maaya and magic 

“The ‘Mumbai Chi Maaya’ Edition is a tribute to Mumbai’s extraordinary spirit—its aspiration, endurance, and everyday grace. From iconic landmarks and shared memories to quiet, personal moments, every detail in the pack and every sip honors our bond with a city where dreaming big is a way of life and reflects Amrut’s commitment to celebrating India’s roots and its remarkable cities through every handcrafted expression,” said Rakshit N Jagdale, MD Amrut Distilleries.

Indri Single Malt Unveils Mumbai City Series Duty-Free Exclusive

Indri Single Malt Indian Whisky has expanded its City Series with a new limited-edition expression crafted exclusively for Ospree Duty Free – Mumbai: The Hand-Selected Red Wine Cask. With this release, Indri continues to redefine how India’s cultural stories—its cities, its people, its spirit—can be captured through world-class single malt craftsmanship. Each bottle is a tribute to the soul of its city, shaped by distinctive character, complexity and emotion. Available exclusively through travel retail, this edition offers global travelers a unique expression created solely for Mumbai Duty Free. It is priced at USD120.

Indri City Series – Duty Free, Mumbai:  

This Red Wine Cask single malt, bottled at 48% ABV, reflects the city’s unforgettable vibrancy. From the ocean breeze along Marine Drive to the golden silhouette of the Gateway of India, this edition channels Mumbai’s cinematic charm and unstoppable energy. Intricate artwork inspired by the city’s iconic landmarks complements a whisky rich in depth, texture, and fruity opulence—an immersive sensory ode to a city that never slows down and never stops dreaming. 

Madhu Kanna, Head – International Business, Piccadily Distilleries, said, “With Indri City Series, we are not just crafting limited-edition whiskies—we are bottling the heartbeat of India’s most iconic cities. The new duty-free exclusive for Mumbai reflects our ambition to take Indian single malt to new creative and cultural heights. Each expression is a story, a memory, a moment of the city itself. We’re proud to continue leading India’s whisky renaissance with innovation rooted in authenticity and world-class craftsmanship.” 

 Tasting Notes 

Nose: Mixed sweet fruit jam with raspberry highlights, tropical pineapple, floral notes, caramel, chocolate, and delicate toffee. 
Palate: Full-bodied and expressive, with candied sweetness, Christmas cake richness, dried fruits, fig, and gently warming spice. Balanced oak and vanilla add structure. 
Finish: Smooth, bold, and lingering with layered complexity. 

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.

Tilaknagar Industries Debuting Seven Islands Pure Malt Whisky

  • Launch marks entry into whisky for India’s largest brandy producer 
  • Seven Islands is an Indo-Scottish 100% Pure Malt Whisky, made with four distinct single malts 

Tilaknagar Industries Ltd. (TI) has recently enterd into the premium whisky category with the launch of Seven Islands Pure Malt Whisky. Crafted from select Indian and Scottish malts, it is a distinct 100% pure malt expression.  

The launch marks a significant strategic expansion for TI, best known for building India’s brandy market with icons like Mansion House and more recently, Monarch Legacy Edition, and comes on the heels of its announcement of the acquisition of Imperial Blue, the world’s third largest-selling whisky brand. With this, the 90-year-old company establishes whisky as its second major growth pillar alongside its long-standing leadership in brandy. 

“India’s whisky story is evolving faster than ever, with growing consumer demand for premium and luxury expressions. Seven Islands marks TI’s entry into this dynamic category, bringing together Indian craftsmanship and global expertise to create a whisky that is both distinctly Indian and globally competitive. With whisky commanding over 60% of India’s spirits market, expanding into this category was the next natural step for us,” said Amit Dahanukar, Chairman and Managing Director, Tilaknagar Industries.

A New Style of Whisky 

Seven Islands introduces a style that moves beyond the single-malt focus that has shaped recent conversations around Indian whisky. As a pure malt, it blends four single malts—two from India and two from Scotland, allowing it to draw unique characteristics from multiple distilleries, regions and maturation styles. 

The Indian malts are sourced from the Himalayan foothills and the Vindhyan ranges, bringing the influence of high-altitude and tropical ageing. These are paired with malts from Speyside and the Lowlands, two of Scotland’s most recognised whisky regions. This Indo-Scottish duality creates a profile not possible through a single-region malt. With single malts driving recent premium growth, Seven Islands offers a new direction: a pure malt style shaped by two climates, two traditions, and a more complex blending philosophy. 

A Tribute to Mumbai’s Seven Islands 

Seven Islands takes its name from the archipelago of seven islands that once formed the city of Mumbai—the long-time home of Tilaknagar Industries and the backdrop to much of its growth. This connection is built into the bottle design. Two converging lines create the V-cut neck, hinting at the Indian and Scottish malts coming together, while fine cartographic lines reference the contours of the original islands. At the centre sits an anchor motif, a nod to Mumbai’s maritime heritage. The palette of sage, cream and gold keeps the design crisp, contemporary and quietly premium. 

“Seven Islands reflects our vision for House of TI, our new vertical which includes our premium portfolio and investments arm. House of TI was created to shape our premium and craft-led portfolio, beginning with Monarch Legacy Edition. With Seven Islands, we wanted to bring a new perspective and style to Indian whisky. It felt like the right way to introduce something distinctive, and a meaningful step forward for us as we expand into the whisky category,” said Sanaya Dahanukar, Marketing Manager, Tilaknagar Industries. 

 The Whisky Opportunity in India 

Whisky remains India’s most loved and aspirational spirits category, accounting for about 66% of total consumption in 2024 according to IWSR. By volume, Indian whisky grew 7% year-on-year in H1 2025, crossing 130 million cases and showing continued premiumisation. Exports are expanding as well, signalling rising global interest in Indian-made whiskies and premium expressions. For TI, a company that has built scale and expertise through long-standing leadership in brandy, the opportunity in whisky presents a clear and timely growth avenue. 

Tasting notes:   

  • Colour: Natural, brilliant, golden yellow.  
  • Aroma: Smooth and inviting, with tropical fruits, dried nuts, and hints of French and American oak layered with Indian spice.  
  • Taste: Full-bodied and balanced, with sweet, dried fruits, soft spice, creamy texture, and a touch of smoke.  
  • Finish: Long, smooth, and warm, with lingering notes of oak, spice, and dried fruits.

Product Details:

  • Size: 750 ml  
  • ABV: 42.8% 
  • Price & Availability: `5,200 (Maharashtra) 

Allied Blenders and Distillers Launch ICONiQ Winter Whisky in New Territories

Allied Blenders and Distillers (ABD) has announced the expansion of its successful brand ICONiQ with the launch of ICONiQ Winter International Grain Whisky in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Building on the consumer response in Maharashtra, this launch marks the next chapter in ABD’s journey.  

ICONiQ continues to deliver growth, doubling both its volumes and market share this year in the prestige whisky category. In Uttar Pradesh, ICONiQ is now the No. 2 brand, having crossed 1 million cases in just the first five months of this financial year. The brand witnessed significant improvement in market share in both the states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, according to an ABD press release. 

ICONiQ Winter is India’s first whisky designed specifically for the winter months. The blend combines real spices such as cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, pepper, cardamom, and ginger with select Scotch malts and Indian grain spirits. Aged in Bourbon Oak Casks, the whisky delivers a rich, smooth profile with toasted notes and a lingering, cozy finish. It captures the essence of winter through a perfect balance of warmth, comfort, and celebration, appealing to discerning consumers seeking something new yet familiar.

Alok Gupta, Managing Director at ABD, added, “ICONiQ Winter reflects our belief in innovation and understanding consumer preferences. Northern India, with its vibrant festive culture and appreciation for fine spirits, provides the ideal setting for this seasonal creation. We aim to keep the whisky experience dynamic and exciting for evolving consumers. With ICONiQ Winter, we bring warmth and craftsmanship together in a bottle that truly celebrates the season.”

 In Uttar Pradesh the brand makes its debut and is  priced at ₹620 for 750 ml and ₹160 for 180 ml. In Haryana, it will be available at ₹570 for 750 ml and ₹170 for 180 ml.

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.

Glenmorangie Introduces an evolved version of its classic flagship

Glenmorangie – a name that is famed with Highland Single Malt has released an evolved version of its classic original – Glenmorangie The Original 12 Years Old. The new release is priced at INR 6,602 in Mumbai and INR 5,190 in Delhi, Glenmorangie Original 12 Years Old will be available across select outlets in India from October 27, 2025.

The new variant extends maturation from 10 to 12 years and the makers suggest that these added 2 years if maturation makes the malt truly unique. It adds smoothness, depth and complexity to Glenmorangie’s signature notes of orange, honey, vanilla and peach. The launch also marks the India visit of Dr. Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks at The Glenmorangie Company.

The 12-year expression comes hot on the heels of the recognition with a gold medal at the World Whiskies Awards 2024. 

Dr. Bill Lumsden shared, “When we explored the idea of extending maturation, our goal was to bring added balance and dimension to The Original. The 12-year-old release builds on the familiar foundation while introducing subtle richness and complexity that naturally emerged over time.”Adding to this, Smriti Sekhsaria, Marketing Director, Moët Hennessy India, said, “Consumers in India are increasingly exploring aged single malts and nuanced flavour profiles. The introduction of Glenmorangie Original 12-Year-Old reflects this growing appreciation and aligns with the evolving preferences of discerning whisky drinkers.”

Paul John Whisky Launches Limited Edition Single Malt at Bengaluru Airport

Paul John Whisky, Indian single malt whisky, in partnership with Avolta Duty Free has launched its second Limited Edition Bengaluru Duty Free Exclusive – The Bengaluru Habba.

This exclusive bottling with just 192 bottles is available only at the Kempegowda International Airport’s Duty Free from 19th September 2025 and is priced at ₹13,150. A collectible rarity, the whisky’s rich vibrant flavour profile and thoughtful packaging design captures the spirit of Bengaluru’s festivities, giving travellers and collectors a rare opportunity to experience the unique tropical character that defines Paul John’s legacy, while taking home the joyous celebrations of the city’s popular festivals.

Crafted in Goa, the Bengaluru Habba is a Master Distiller’s Special Selection, and is non chill-filtered, bottled at a robust 56.4% ABV and drawn from a single cask, with no additives and retaining its natural colour.

Tasting Notes

● Colour: Deep amber with glimmers of old oak

● Nose: A delightful burst of ripe tropical fruits laced with hints of cocoa and soft berry

notes

● Palate: Bright layers of baked citrus and toasted caramel unfold gracefully, balanced

with a gentle wisp of peat smoke

● Finish: Long, silky, and honeyed with an elegant touch of oak that lingers beautifully

Oaksmith Introduces Nagomi: A New Benchmark in Indian Whisky Craftsmanship

Oaksmith has unveiled its most premium expression yet – Oaksmith Nagomi. With this launch, the brand blends Japanese craftsmanship and global whisky making expertise, setting a new benchmark for modern Indian whisky.

This expression brings together the richness of aged Scotch malts, smoothness of American Bourbons, and the precision of Japanese blending techniques to craft a whisky that is rich, smooth, and harmoniously balanced. Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of ‘Nagomi,’ which represents harmony and balance–this whisky is a testament to the art of bringing diverse elements together in perfect sync. Oaksmith Nagomi has been crafted by Shinji Fukuyo, Chief Blender at Suntory, who was recently honoured as Master Blender of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge 2024.

 “With Oaksmith Nagomi, we are not just introducing a new expression; we are reaffirming our commitment to elevate the Indian whisky segment,” said Rishi Walli, Senior Director – Marketing & IMFL Brands, Suntory Global Spirits. “Nagomi, inspired by the Japanese ethos of harmony and balance, is a whisky crafted for those who seek a fresh expression of aspiration. It also represents our dedication to blending global excellence, heritage, and authenticity, creating distinctive, high-quality whiskies that offer a premium experience with a truly international spirit. This launch marks the next chapter of Oaksmith’s journey where our Japanese legacy creates something more elevated for the evolving tastes of India,” he added.

 Oaksmith Nagomi is a sensorial celebration crafted for the Indian palate. From its intense rich gold appearance to smoky, spicy, and fruity aromas, it offers a full-bodied experience with woody undertones from oak casks, finishing bright, smooth, and surprisingly long. Inspired by Japanese aesthetics, the bottle design reflects strength, simplicity, and timeless elegance, resonating with modern Indian consumers who value authenticity and character.

Currently launched in Goa and West Bengal, Oaksmith will soon expand to more cities. With Nagomi – its most premium expression yet, joining Oaksmith International and Gold, the brand continues to bring Japanese craftsmanship and modern whisky-making expertise to India.

Paul John Whisky Unveils Exclusive Limited Edition Whisky

Paul John Whisky has announced the launch of its Limited Edition Peated Port Cask, available exclusively at Cochin International Airport Duty Free starting July 16, 2025. This marks the brand’s second exclusive release at an international airport.

Crafted in Goa by John Distilleries, the limited-edition single malt highlights the brand’s signature coastal maturation. Bottled at 55.3% ABV, only 402 bottles are available. The whisky is non-chill filtered, contains no additives, and is initially matured in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in Port casks.

Tasting Notes

  • Colour: Old oak
  • Nose: Rich aromas of blackberries, prunes, dried fruit, and a hint of dark chocolate
  • Palate: Baked orange layered with smoky, dark caramel
  • Finish: Smooth, with honeyed sweetness and elegant oak undertones

“This exclusive release at Cochin Duty Free is not only a special experience for global travellers, but also a personal milestone for me,” said Paul P. John, Chairman of John Distilleries. “Launching this in my home state is a proud moment for the entire Paul John Whisky team.”