Blisswater Industries Launches Yaksha Blue Moon: A Limited-Edition Whisky

Uppal Brewers & Distillers (UBD) has announced that they will be launching their first product, SOORAHI Finest Blended Indian Whisky, is scheduled to go on sale in January 2025.

The brand was founded by Ankur Sachdeva, a veteran of the Alco beverage industry, Kanhav Uppal, the Uppal Group, and Manish Uppal, the Chairman and Managing Director of the Uppal Group, with the goal of revolutionizing the premium spirits market.

The business, which is currently only available in Delhi, has ambitious aspirations to expand throughout India and into other markets in the upcoming years. SOORAHI, which costs INR 1700 in Delhi, provides an alluring blend of high quality and affordability.

SOORAHI is the epitome of adventure, expertly fusing the knowledge of an experienced blender with carefully chosen ingredients. SOORAHI, which takes its name from the Hindi terms "soo," which means good, and "rahi," which means traveler, is notable for its ability to blend modern appeal with reverence for history. The name represents the period of exploration and exploration that the Indian alcoholic beverage industry has gone through in recent years. Symbols of direction and aspiration, like a compass and North Star, are also included in the package.

 “This entrepreneurial leap is an exciting challenge. Our focus is on creating brands that resonate with discerning consumers and SOORAHI is our first step. Our vision with SOORAHI is to introduce an Indian whisky that goes beyond expectations while celebrating our cultural roots. This venture denotes a commitment to excellence at every level; be it blending, packaging, or the overall experience. We aim to create a product that resonates with consumers who value quality, elegance, and a sense of pride. SOORAHIis a representation of evolution, discovery, and aspiration for modern India,” said Ankur Sachdeva, CEO and Co-Founder of Uppal Brewers & Distillers (UBD).

The debut of Uppal Brewers & Distillers into the high-end whisky industry comes as Indian customers' need for product that balance authenticity with international standards of quality is increasing. With a whisky that honors sophistication and Indian craftmanship, SOORAHI promises to start a new era for the industry.

With the launch of Dram Bell, a high-end blended whisky, Ardent Alcobev, a newcomer to the Indian premium alcobev industry, is poised to revolutionize the Scotch whisky experience. Each bottle, which costs for Rs. 1750 for the premium variant and Rs. 2450 for the Reserve edition, offers whisky connoisseurs an opulent experience that perfectly combines tradition and contemporary sophistication.

Dram Bell, which is expertly made utilizing Scotland's best whisky-making traditions, combines particular malts and grains to create a flavor profile that is rich and complex. Under stringent quality control procedures, Dram Bell is bottled in Scotland before being shipped into India. 

Ardent Alcobev is dedicated to providing "bottled-in-origin" goods that satisfy international craftsmanship requirements, establishing a new standard for premium spirits in India, with an emphasis on the country's changing customer preferences.

Commenting on the investment, Kevin Pietersen, Investor and former England Cricket Captain, Ardent Alcobev Pvt Ltd, said, “I’m truly honored to be a part of Ardent Alcobev as an investor. Ardent’s unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship resonates with my personal values in both life as well as cricket. Dram Bell stands as a luxurious and distinguished blend which reflects the same level of dedication and excellence that I’ve always strived for in my career. We also encourage drinking responsibly, for enjoyment, and not for excessive consumption, ensuring that everyone can savour the experience in moderation.”

“With the introduction of Dram Bell, we are redefining standards in India’s premium whisky market, as this blend highlights our strong commitment to quality and craftsmanship. With Kevin Pietersen as both an investor and brand ambassador, we are confident it will appeal to whisky enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. As the Indian market increasingly leans towards premiumization, we strive to transform the whisky category by presenting a blend that merges international standards with local tastes while tapping into the growing base of IMFL drinkers,” added Debashish Shyam, Co-Founder & Director at Ardent Alcobev Pvt Ltd. 

In Maharashtra, Dram Bell was introduced in November 2024 and will be sold at a few retail and on-trade establishments. The business plans to progressively extend its reach into additional important markets in both North and South India.

Himmaleh Spirits, the visionary craft distiller behind the acclaimed Kumaon & I gin, has announced a new malt distillery in the picturesque Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. 

Featuring Forsyths pot stills from Scotland, the state-of-the-art distillery will now produce artisanal Himalayan Single Malt whisky.

Spread across 9 acres the distillery’s malt unit boasts a production capacity of 900,000 LPA positioning it as one of India’s most ambitious artisanal distilleries. Made with 100% Indian barley, sourced from local farms, and distilled after a long fermentation process of over 90 hours, enhancing flavour depth and complexity. 

To make a truly world-class elixir, Shivaji Chandekar, Distillery General Manager, Himmaleh Spirits has collaborated with Christian Perez Solar, a celebrated whisky distiller and production manager at Scotland’s renowned Arbikie Distillery. Christian is an expert in sustainable distilling and producing unique spirits with a sense of place. 

“Our vision has always been to create spirits that are a true reflection of the land they come from. With the commencement of our Himalayan single malt whisky production, we are redefining what Indian single malts can achieve—rooted in tradition, yet progressive in craft,” said Samarth Prasad, Co- Founder, Himmaleh Spirits. 

Marking another significant milestone in the company’s journey to craft world-class spirits, each whisky bottle will capture the spirit of the region, from the harvesting of indigenous barley to malting, fermentation, distillation in Forsyths pot stills, maturation, and bottling. Aged in the pristine Himalayan climate, the whisky will reflect the inimitable terroir and artistry of the region. 

Situated close to Corbett National Park, the distillery offers a truly immersive experience. From its farm-to-bottle philosophy to its artisanal production methods, Himmaleh Spirits is reimagining India’s alco-bev landscape while inviting savants to be part of its journey.

The first launch of Malt Plant Phase II at John Distilleries in Goa marks a major expansion of operations for the company, which produces Paul John Single Malt Whisky. This significant growth opens a new chapter in the company's international journey and is a significant turning point in India's craft distilling history.

The Goa facility's production capacity will be tripled from 1.3 million to 3 million liters per year as a result of the development, satisfying the rising demand for Paul John's premium whiskies across the globe.

With an investment of INR 500 crores, this development has increased the distillery's production and storage capacities. The Honorable Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, graced the inauguration and joined us in commemorating this historic event.

“The expansion of our distillery in Goa is more than just a milestone in increasing the capacity of production but is a forward-thinking investment in the future of global whisky. With the commission of Malt Plant Phase II, we hope to set the stage for long term growth and meet the rising global demand for our single malts,” said Paul P John, Chairman, John Distilleries.

 

Blisswater Industries (House of Blisswater), a homegrown alcobev and lifestyle company, headquartered in Bengaluru, has announced its foray into the Karnataka market. Their award-winning Yaksha Whisky will now be available in liquor stores across Karnataka. It will be available at liquor retail stores and outlets across Karnataka; the 750 ML bottle of Yaksha Whisky is priced at INR 2,380.

Yaksha Whisky, which combines the best Indian grain spirits with malts from Scotland's Highlands, takes you to a world of classic sophistication with each taste. Its incorporation of botanicals inspired by Soma, an ancient elixir and emblem of life, is what really makes it unique. A layer of richness is added by the Soma botanicals, which turn each glass into a symphony of tastes.

 “We are thrilled to introduce Yaksha Whisky to the discerning palates of Karnataka," said Varna Bhat, Master Blender and Founder of Blisswater Industries.

He added, "Karnataka is an important market for us, and we are confident that our unique blend, inspired by rich Indian heritage, will resonate with enthusiasts here. We have been encouraged by the positive market acceptance over the past 25-30 months in markets such as Goa, Maharashtra, Rajasthan in India as well as in international markets including USA, Japan, Singapore and in Duty-free stores at multiple airports. We are happy to share with you that Yaksha is now available in Karnataka. We look forward to sharing the Yaksha experience and creating lasting connections with our patrons here."

Indian home-grown beverage maker United Spirits Ltd. announced a quarterly profit decline of 64.4% on Tuesday due to rising input costs, declining sales, and a one-time charge.

The distiller of Johnnie Walker whisky reported a profit of 1.11 billion rupees ($13.61 million) for the quarter that ended on December 31, a decrease from 3.11 billion rupees the year before.

The industry has struggled with the high price of additional neutral alcohol and soda ash. In the meantime, bottle costs have increased as a result of rising natural gas costs needed to produce glass.

The Bengaluru-based scotch producer's quarterly revenue dropped by 25% to 66.12 billion rupees, while net sales dropped by about 10% to 2.78 billion rupees.

The business claimed a one-time cost of 1.51 billion rupees, while input costs increased by 4.6%.

Hina Nagarajan, CEO of United Spirits, stated that she expects inflationary challenges to persist in the near future.

Haywards and Old Tavern were among 32 brands sold to Inbrew Beverages by the Diageo PLC-backed firm in May of last year.

Ahead of the quarterly results on Tuesday, shares decreased by around 1.5%.

DEWAR'S® Scotch Whisky has launched the DEWAR'S Japanese Smooth -- a new scotch whisky innovation that flawlessly combines the finest elements of the whisky-making traditions and cultures of Scotland and Japan in a bottle, at The Great Eastern Mills in Mumbai.

This latest edition of the DEWAR’S Cask Series features DEWAR’S double-aged Scotch whisky which is finished in Japanese Mizunara Oak casks.

The resulting whisky is unique and features subtle floral honey and heather notes along with complex sandalwood aromas on the nose followed by cinnamon spice on the palette – a result of the porous qualities of the rare 200-year-old Mizunara oak tree variety, also known as the “water oak”, which is used for the DEWAR’S Japanese Smooth Cask Series.

DEWAR’S Japanese Smooth Whisky was launched at an experiential event, that blended the best of two diverse cultures, featuring exciting popups by visual artist Santanu Hazarika and clothing brand Walking Verticals.

The experience brought to life various elements of Japanese and Scottish lifestyle and culture including fashion, art, music, culinary, mixology, and more.

“Over the past few years, the choices of Indian consumers have evolved significantly, with more consumers being drawn towards refined tastes. These discerning preferences for premium, combined with an open and evolved palette have made them more open to experimenting, exploring, and dabbling with new drinking experiences, making DEWAR’S Japanese Smooth Whisky a perfectly timed unique offering,” shared Vijay Dev, Category Lead – Global Whiskies, Bacardi.

DEWAR’s also recently introduced the DEWAR’S Double Double series in India, which features an innovative four-stage ageing process and is available in three limited-edition liquids: 21 YO, 27 YO, and a 32 YO blend. Best known for its iconic DEWAR'S WHITE LABEL, it has expanded its family to create a portfolio of premium and super premium whiskies including DEWAR'S 12-Year-Old, DEWAR'S 15-Year-Old, DEWAR'S 18-Year-Old, DEWAR’S Double Double Series, and the exclusive DEWAR'S 25 years old.

The DEWAR’S Japanese Smooth is the latest innovation in the DEWAR’S premium range and has already hit the shelves in Delhi, Gurgaon, and Mumbai in 700 ml bottles and will be available in the remnant cities next year. 

Whiskey startup Ginglani Distillers has raised ₹6.6 crores (~$0.9 million) in its Pre-Series-A round led by Supermorpheus, Eagle10 Ventures (via LV Angel Fund) & Grand Anicut Angel Fund.

The round saw participation from a diverse set of investors including startup founders Nitin Kaushal & Chakradhar Gade (Country Delight), Rohan Mirchandani & Epigamia Founding Team, Prashant Pansare (Business Head India & MEA, Airmeet), Mohit Srivastava (Ex-MD Airbnb India) & Sameer Guglani (Co-founder, Supermorpheus), among others.

“When one thinks of whiskey, the usual names that come to mind are Scotch, Bourbon or even Japanese. Considering Indians are actually the largest consumers of whiskey in the world, it is surprising that there is no noteworthy Indian whiskey category in India or globally. The only existing Indian category is IMFL or Indian Made Foreign Liquor which is confusing and inaccurate to say the least. It is this gap and under-representation of Indian whiskies that led to the birth of Black Bow - India’s 1st Himalayan Whiskey,” shared Shivam Ginglani, the founder & young 30 year old 1st generation whiskey entrepreneur.

With the funds infusion, Ginglani Distillers has launched their brands in the Delhi market, plans to strengthen their core team and ramp up their marketing initiatives both in-retail and on social media.

The whiskey startup aims to kickstart the homegrown whiskey movement by making honest, authentic and accessible brands, moving away from the old & serious connotations of whiskey and make the category a lot more fun and exciting for the younger consumers of India.

The Delhi-based brand has already created a substantial impact in the state of Himachal Pradesh and the brands are available at over 200 retail stores within a month of launch in Delhi. They aim to close March 2022 with a $3 million ARR and plan to enter Chandigarh and Mumbai markets soon.

Domestic spirits company Allied Blenders & Distillers Private Limitet has appointed Shekhar Ramamurthy as the Executive Deputy Chairman of the company with effect from the 1^st of July 2021.

He replaces Nick Blasquez, who has left ABD Private Limited to pursue other professional interests.

Kishore Chhabria, Chairman has expressed his gratitude to Nick Blasquez for his contributions and the transformation journey that he had guided during his tenure.

Shekhar Ramamurthy, has spent over 3 decades with the UB Group in various leadership roles, the last of which was as the Managing Director of United Breweries Limited.

He is well recognised within the alcobev industry for his leadership skills, ability to identify opportunities and drive growth and value. As the country and the industry unlocks from the effects of the Covid 19 pandemic, ABD is poised to continue its growth through building successful brands, winning with consumers and creating value for all stakeholders. Shekhar Ramamurthy will spearhead this journey.

Allied Blenders and Distillers Private Limited is a Kishore R. Chhabria promoted company that owns brand like Officers Choice Whisky which is one of the largest selling whiskies in the World and Sterling Reserve Whisky which is one of the fastest growing brands in the country.

United Spirits has entered into craft spirits segment by launching Epitome Reserve that is at par with an imported whisky.

Owned by British Diageo Plc, United Spirits want to capitalise on growing demand for premium spirits and locally crafted spirits in India.

Epitome Reserve is available on request or in select premium outlets.

The whisky is a small batch, craft, artisanal whisky made of 100% rice.  It has been distilled in Punjab and matured in Goa. It is also the most premium Indian whisky sold by USL in the country and presently only 2,000 such bottles are available in the first batch.

“Over the last year and a half, we've seen that consumers in the absence of being able to travel or socialise or go out and have the best food and beverage experiences have been experimenting with premium spirits at home with do-it-yourself or DIY experiences. That has become part of small, intimate celebrations and they are just savouring and experiencing new kinds of liquids," shared Deepika Warrier, CMO, Diageo India.

She also added that there is a growing appetite for more domestically produced spirits.

“Consumer is of course looking for world-class experiences, which is why you see global brands and our premium offerings from around the world, seeing very rapid growth, particularly over the last year or so in India. There's also this growing desire for more local produce, local flavors and ingredients, and a sense of pride in the Indian craftsmanship," added Warrier.

Copper Dog Whisky, a golden liquid that encompasses the brazen ideas of Speyside launches in India with an aim to revolutionize the consumption of single malts in the new year.

Made with the purest blend of the eight single malt whiskies, this unadulterated drinking pleasure from Diageo India is here to capture real conversations in 2021.

Also Read: Scotch whisky reported double digit growth in 2018, says IWSR Report

Born out of the warm and mischievous atmosphere of the Copper Dog pub in the Craigellachie Hotel, Speyside, the liquid is a creation of a group of collaborators, connected by the original instigator Piers Adams, an entrepreneur and founder of some of the world’s most influential bars and clubs, including London’s Mahiki and Whisky Mist.

“We are happy to introduce Copper Dog in India, as a valuable new addition to our portfolio which is one of the finest blended malts scotch whisky, created in Scotland. It is a young liquid that exudes its own rugged style and perfectly personifies the kind of innovation we want to create for the new-age times,” shared Abhishek Shahabadi, VP and Portfolio Head, Premium & Luxury Brands at ‎Diageo India.

May Interest: Diageo’s stake raises to 55.9% in United Spirits

The liquid has attained a global ranking as it was awarded Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020. This prestigious ranking is awarded to those who receive a gold medal rating by all members of the judging panel.

Seagram's 100 Pipers, blended scotch whisky of French spirits giant Pernod Ricard, has touched 1 million cases in sales for 2018. This is the first ever scotch whisky brand in the country to reach the milestone.

The brand became part of Pernod Ricard India's portfolio after its acquisition of the Seagram India business in 2001. It has been growing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20%, helped by changing demographics and higher consumer spending power.

Kartik Mohindra, Chief Marketing Officer, Pernod Ricard India, said, "Consumers are gravitating towards global brands and there is an increased premiumisation in the spirits category. The scotch segment is still an urban phenomenon, but we are getting customers in smaller towns as well, which is boosting growth. We are hopeful of doubling sales in this brand in the next five years."

The 60-year old Macallan Valerio Adami 1926, the world's most expensive bottle of whisky, has been sold for a total £848,750 (about $1.09 million). It was sold at an auction at Bonhams in Edinburgh.

This bottle of whisky has been sold for a new world record, beating a previous bottle from the same cask that was sold in Hong Kong in May for £814,081. 

Richard Harvey, a drinks expert at Bonhams, said, "The buyer is from the Far East where there has been an enormous interest in whisky."

"Whisky bars are opening up in the Far East everywhere, so there is a huge interest. In general, about "a third to 40 percent of our sales go out to buyers in the Far East," he added.

Currently, Bonhams is holding the record for the three most valuable bottles of whisky ever sold at auction. 

Martin Green, a Bonhams whisky specialist in Edinburgh, said, "It is a great honour to have established a new world record, and particularly exciting to have done so here in Scotland, the home of whisky."

It is not known how many of Adami’s still exist but, one is said to have been destroyed in an earthquake in Japan in 2011. It is also believed that one of them has been opened and drunk.

Charles MacLean, a Scotch whisky expert, said, "Whisky is the third most popular alternative investment during periods of stock market uncertainty, behind vintage cars and fine art, and its appreciation value has been higher than gold in recent years." 

डाऐगो, एक अल्को-बेवरेज कंपनी, जो स्कॉच व्हिस्की ब्रांड, जॉनी वाकर के लिए भारत में सबसे बड़े ब्रांड अभियानों में से एक ला रही है। 'कीप वॉकिंग' अभियान 'मिशन मंगल: कीप वॉकिंग भारत'  नामक 20 मिनट की लघु फिल्म के साथ भारत के सफल मंगल मिशन का जश्न मना रहा है।

यह 20 सितंबर को लॉन्च की जाएगी। यह फ़िल्म, अभिनेता इमरान खान द्वारा लिखी और निर्देशित की गई है। यह करण जौहर के धर्मा प्रोडक्शंस की एक उत्पादन शाखा धर्म 2.0 द्वारा बनाई गई है।

लघु फिल्म का 60-सेकंड का ट्रेलर कंपनी द्वारा जारी किया गया है। यह पहली बार है, जब डाऐगो इस अभियान को भारत ला रहा है।

यह अभियान कई चैनलों पर शुरू किया जाएगा, जिसमें टीवी, डिजिटल, आउट-ऑफ-होम, मॉल और हवाई अड्डे शामिल हैं।

डाएगो इंडिया के वाईस प्रेसिडेंट, (विपणन) अभिषेक शाहबादी ने कहा, "जॉनी वॉकर-द जर्नी का पहले भारत अभियान के रूप में, हम प्रगति की इस प्रेरणादायक कहानी को बताने में सक्षम होने के लिए बेहद उत्साहित हैं, जो सभी भारतीयों में अत्यधिक गर्व की बात है। 'मिशन मंगल : कीप वॉकिंग भारत' मानव भावना में जीवन की सकारात्मकता लाता है और दिखाता है कि कैसे आशा और आशावाद लोगों को बेहतर भविष्य के लिए एक साथ जुड़ने के लिए प्रेरित कर सकता है।"

इमरान खान ने कहा, "मैं हमेशा से जब भी मौका मिले, तब निर्देशन और अभिनय करते रहना चाहता था। इसलिए जब पुनीत मल्होत्रा ​​(धर्मा 2.0 के निर्माता) ने मुझसे पूछा कि क्या मैं इस प्रोजेक्ट को निर्देशित करना चाहता हूं, तब मुझे पता था कि मैं ऐसा ही कुछ करना चाहता था। मुझे पता था कि मैं कहानी को सही ढंग से कर पाऊंगा। मिशन मंगल ने हम सभी को बहुत गर्व महसूस कराया है और मैंने उन सभी लोगों की भावना को समाहित करने की कोशिश की है, जिन्होंने इस उपलब्धि को संभव बनाया है।"

Diageo, an alco-beverage company, brings one of the largest brand campaigns in India for Johnnie Walker, its Scotch whisky brand. The ‘Keep Walking’ campaign is celebrating India’s successful Mars mission with a 20-minute short film, named ‘Mission Mars: Keep Walking India’.

Scheduled to be launched on September 20, the firm is written and directed by actor Imran Khan. It is produced by Dharma 2.0, a production arm of Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions.

A 60-second trailer of the short film has been released by the company. This is the first time when Diageo is bringing the campaign to India.

The campaign will be initiated over multiple channels, which includes TV, digital, out-of-home, malls and airports. 

Abhishek Shahabadi, Vice President (Marketing) at Diageo India, said, "As Johnnie Walker–The Journey’s first India campaign, we are extremely excited to be able to tell this inspiring story of progress which builds immense pride among all Indians. ‘Mission Mars: Keep Walking India’ brings to life positivity of the human spirit and shows how hope and optimism can motivate people to come together for a better future."

Imran Khan stated, "I always wanted to direct and acting happened by chance. So, when Puneet Malhotra (Producer of Dharma 2.0) asked me if I would like to direct this project, I knew I wanted to do this. I knew that I will be able to do full justice to the story. Mission Mars has made all of us so proud, and I've tried to encapsulate the spirit of all those who made this achievement possible."

United Spirits Ltd is planning to scale back its more than 150 brands and focus on the faster-growing top end, hoping to bolster its fortunes in a market dominated by cheaper, local names.

“The maker of Johnnie Walker whisky expects growth in top-end spirits to outpace the mass market over the next few years, as a growing class of wealthy young professionals demands better quality,” shared Anand Kripalu, chief executive of the unit of Britain's Diageo Plc, reported Reuters.

The group is planning to focus and promote around top 15 top brands and will de-emphasise or consolidate others.

Whisky-swigging India, where alcohol was frowned on until only recently for religious and cultural reasons, is now a battleground for global drinks makers, as groups like Diageo and rival Pernod Ricard SA tap emerging markets to offset sluggish growth in the developed world.

It is now Diageo's second-largest market by sales.

"Awareness, certainly, for premium brands is going up and affordability is going up," Kripalu told Reuters.

"We are focussing on select brands, which we believe are the critical ones, big drivers of growth," he said, adding only those brands would receive strategic investment.

India's alcoholic beverages market remains small compared with other large economies such as China and the United States. But drinks makers are betting on rapid urbanisation, a young population and a fast-growing middle class.

As India grows, Kripalu, a consumer goods industry veteran who joined the company two years ago, expects his company's contribution to Diageo's revenue going up in the coming years from about 9 percent now, but did not give a target.

"Our aim is certainly to grow faster than Diageo is growing globally, therefore our contribution will keep going up," he said. "I do see us becoming a significant growth driver to Diageo globally."

Cutty Sark, the British Scotch whisky maker Edrington group has forayed into Indian market by opening its first distillery in Goa.

This will be the brand’s first distillery outside its country.

"This is the first time Edrington group has opened any factory outside Scotland," said Siddharth Banerji, MD, Kyndal group.

Kyndal grou, which is an importer, manufacturer and distributor of premium spirits that cover the domestic and duty-free markets of the sub-continent and West Asia, has entered into a partnership with Edrington in India, where the former produces and markets their brand-owned products.

"No one can ignore the size of the Indian market, which consumes 2.8 million cases of whisky every year. With the market growing at a pace of 10 to 12 percent per annum, India is a huge market," added Banerji.

Since Goa possesses maritime weather and fluctuations are not extensive owing to its geographical location, the company selected the union territory as the preferred site.

The scotch maker used to export its brand Cutty Sark, a blended scotch whisky to India in the past that cost Rs 2,600 a bottle.

With home production commencing this year, prices would fall to Rs 1,400 for a bottle of 750 ml.

I-Brands Beverages, owned and managed by Lisa Srao is looking for strategic partners to expand her business.

Talking to Restaurant India, Lisa said, “We are currently looking at strategic partners to consolidate our business, driving our sales upwards. It is the right time for institutional funding and linking with strategic partners who see the potential in the $ 9 billion industry growing at 10% p.a. With 450 million people of drinking age and another 150 million joining in the next five years, it is a highly lucrative industry with few pan-India players.”

The company is presently present in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand in the North and Goa and Pondicherry in South India and across 5000 point of sales.

“We have just received our first paramilitary orders as well,” added Srao.

The company has four products in its portfolio - a premium whisky brand - Three Royals (MRP: INR 350 – 735 for 750 ml), a deluxe whisky brand – Granton (MRP: 230 – 495 for 750 ml), which has recently been awarded for its packaging at the INDSpirit 2014 Awards, Jamaican flavored dark rum - Rum 99 (MRP: 210 -330 for 750 ml) as well as a rare French brandy – Granton XO Brandy (MRP: 280 for 750 ml).