The latest new liquor launches

From premium spiced rums to barrel-aged spirits and artisanal aperitifs, we explored the diverse flavours and cultural inspirations behind exciting new launches in the liquor industry. Delve into the world of craft distilling and uncover the stories behind these distinctive spirits, each offering a unique taste of tradition and innovation.

The Macallan

The Macallan and Bentley Motors introduce The Macallan Horizon, an exclusive single malt Scotch whisky born from a groundbreaking collaboration. Celebrating The Macallan’s 200th anniversary, this limited edition release features a visionary 180-degree twist vessel, symbolizing the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge engineering technology. Crafted through extensive collaboration, The Macallan Horizon incorporates six materials integral to both brands, presented in a bespoke glass vessel enveloped by an aluminium ribbon precision engineered to Bentley’s standards. Master Whisky Maker Kirsteen Campbell meticulously blends rich dried fruit and spice notes with oak and leather, mirroring Bentley’s timeless quality and design. Jaume Ferras, Creative Director at The Macallan, describes The Macallan Horizon as a visionary project resulting from a profound exchange of expertise with Bentley Motors.

Woodnote

ADS Group, a leading Indian alcoholic beverages company, has entered the ultra-premium whisky market in Delhi and Haryana with the launch of Woodnote Premium Blended Select Cask Whisky. Marketed as ‘Serenity Uncasked,’ Woodnote blends top-notch Scotch malts and Indian grain spirits, offering a flavorful experience inspired by nature’s tranquility. Positioned in the competitive premium whisky segment, Woodnote boasts light peat and maritime aromas, with hints of vanilla and fruit. Its palate features a balanced blend of peat, vanilla, pepper, and oak, culminating in a smooth, spice-infused finish.

Chambal Gin

Enter the captivating realm of Chambal Gin, a tribute to the mystical Chambal Valley embodied in every sip. Crafted by Bapuna Alcobrew, Chambal Gin is a blend of hand-selected botanicals, promising an exquisite flavor journey inspired by the valley’s untamed beauty. Infused with juniper berries, wild cinnamon bark, black and green cardamom, dried lemon peel, and almonds, each sip offers a harmonious and refined taste reminiscent of Chambal’s allure. Hailing from Madhya Pradesh, Chambal Gin pays homage to the region’s rugged landscape with its bold flavor profile. Available in Delhi and Mumbai initially, with plans for expansion to Pune and Nagpur, the elegantly designed Amber-colored bottle reflects the valley’s rustic charm, adorned with motifs of crossed rifles and indigenous fauna. Traditional Mandana art elements further connect the gin to its roots, making each bottle a symbol of Chambal’s untamed spirit.

Glenmorangie

Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest is a lush and herbaceous whisky, marking Glenmorangie’s first venture into using woodland botanicals. Inspired by Dr. Bill Lumsden’s woodland explorations, this limited-edition release captures the essence of the forest with flavors of pine, juniper, and woodsmoke, beautifully illustrated by Pomme Chan on the packaging. Dr. Bill’s quest for innovation led him to experiment with barley kilned with juniper berries, birch bark, and heather flowers, resulting in a whisky with rare aromas and flavors reminiscent of the forest. Partnering with illustrator Pomme Chan, whose fantastical forest illustrations adorn the packaging, further enhances the whisky’s botanical essence.

Ms. Smriti Sekhsaria, Marketing Director at Moët Hennessy India, praises the release, anticipating its appeal to both connoisseurs and collectors alike. Available in select locations, including World of Wines at Nariman Point and Mansionz in Lower Parel, Mumbai, and Gurgaon starting September 2023, Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest promises a unique and captivating drinking experience.

Price:

Mumbai – ₹11,500/-

Gurgaon –  ₹7,500/-

Amrut

Celebrating its 75th year in the industry, Amrut Distilleries introduces two exclusive limited edition whiskies for the Gurgaon market: Amrut Bagheera (46% finish) and Amrut Portonova (48% finish). Launched by renowned whisky expert Jim Murray and Mr. Rakshit Jagdale, MD of Amrut Distilleries, these single malts are meticulously crafted with distinct tastes and characteristics. Amrut Bagheera, inspired by the Black Panthers of Kabini River, Mysore, is made from six-row barley aged in ex-bourbon and oloroso sherry casks, offering vibrant fruity notes with hints of dried fruits, peaches, and mild orangey citrus. On the other hand, Amrut Portonova, crafted from barley grown at the foot of the Himalayas and distilled in small batches in Bangalore, boasts toffee sweetness, tropical spices, and fruity flavors reminiscent of homemade red berry jam and banana fritters. With both whiskies promising unique and exceptional tasting experiences, whisky enthusiasts are in for a treat with these limited editions.

Price:

Amrut Bagheera – ₹25,000/- and Amrut Portonova – ₹15,000/-

Nomad

Nomad Oscuro Dark Rum, leading the spirits revolution, embodies a fusion of cultures and flavours. Crafted by Victor De Benito, a seasoned distiller with a background in engineering, the rum is a unique blend of aged rum, Japanese Hinoki, and Jamaican barrel finishing. The deep amber hue from wooden cask maturation sets the stage for a sensory journey.

With pronounced aromas of toffee, caramelised bananas, palo santo, vanilla, and Hinoki cypress wood, Nomad Oscuro captivates from the first sip. Warm flavors of marzipan, raisin cake, and cypress wood, coupled with a delicate sweetness and full body, create a smoky, spicy, and smooth profile. Ideal for sipping or as the star in various rum cocktails, this exceptional spirit transcends traditional boundaries.

Price:

Mumbai – ₹1700/-

Goa – ₹675/-

SĪTÄRĀ Rum series

Introducing The Maiden Voyage, the inaugural collection of SĪTÄRĀ Rum series, featuring two exceptional releases distilled along the Indian Peninsula. The first, a barrel-aged white rum, offers a clear sight with caramel and ripe banana notes, transitioning into a palate of buttery caramel, coconut, and toasted almonds, finishing smoothly with coconut, figs, and toffee. The second release, Botanical Spiced Rum, boasts rich golden-brown hues and a floral nose with hints of honey and ripe mangoes. The palate features a soft, round mouthfeel with notes of vanilla, ginger, molasses, and chocolate, finishing warmly with toffee, orange, and subtle spice.

Price:

Haryana – Sitara Barrel Aged Rum ₹1000/- and Sitara Botanical Spiced Rum ₹1100/-

Goa – Sitara Barrel Aged Rum  ₹1200/- and Sitara Botanical Spiced Rum  ₹1350/-

Maharashtra – Sitara Barrel Aged Rum ₹2300/- and Sitara Botanical Spiced Rum  ₹2700/-

Pipa Rum

Nao Spirits proudly presents “Pipa – Rum de Goa,” a premium spiced rum commemorating 450 years of cultural fusion between the Portuguese and Goa’s locals. Crafted in Goa, the rum undergoes meticulous distillation from Jaggery spirit, maturing for a year in Ruby Port Wine casks imported from Portugal. The heart of Pipa lies in a delicate blend of Black Pepper, Cinnamon, and Clove, paying homage to the spices that captivated Portuguese explorers on the Malabar Coast.

Anand Virmani, Nao Spirits’ co-founder, expresses excitement about venturing into the premium Rum category, underscoring four years of refining the recipe. Tasting notes reveal a rich and delicate spirit with hazelnuts and figs on the nose, a smooth palate reminiscent of dark chocolate with sea salt, and a balanced finish with hints of black pepper and clove. This limited-quantity rum, striking a perfect balance between sweetness and spice, is ideal for sipping or as a cocktail base. Exclusive to the Goa market, Pipa reflects Nao Spirits’ unwavering commitment to quality and heritage.

Price:

Goa – 3000/-

Lillet

Lillet’s arrival ushers in a new era of aperitif culture in India, presenting a diverse range of Blanc, Rose, and Rouge variants crafted to resonate with the discerning Indian consumer. This introduction marks a significant expansion in India’s beverage landscape, introducing a sophisticated category that harmonizes French heritage with local preferences. Lillet’s diverse offerings promise an exciting journey for Indian consumers, inviting them to explore a novel drinking culture while indulging in the rich heritage of this esteemed aperitif. Pernod Ricard India’s strategic move to introduce Lillet showcases a vision for growth in a burgeoning market, catering to the evolving tastes of India’s vibrant and dynamic consumers.

Lillet in its Blanc, Rose, and Rouge variants will be available at select retailers and premium establishments across India, allowing consumers to savour and appreciate the diversity within Lillet, elevating moments of conviviality and celebration.

Price:

Haryana 1500++

Maharashtra 2000++