Beam Suntory unveils exclusive whisky for Indian market

When Stranger & Sons Gin was named one of the top 8 gins in the world and won a Gold Outstanding medal at the 2020 IWSC (UK), it was evident that the time had come for Indian spirits to become the main attraction on the world spirits scene. Additionally, the year saw a significant "gin revolution" and a push for the premiumization of spirits in India, with Stranger & Sons leading the charge. Third Eye Distillery is aiming after whiskey, the biggest spirits category in India, after spearheading the growth of gin in the country with the launch of 'Otherside Whiskey.'

Otherside Whiskey embraces the extremes of the country, where unrelenting heat, monsoons, and changing seasons produce a whiskey with depth, intensity, and a distinct identity. It was born in the center of the subcontinent and aged throughout India's tropical belt. The Solera Finish, a painstaking procedure that adds depth and complexity to a single expression, elevates this whiskey's unique taste in charred ex-bourbon barrels. 

Using malts that are produced and aged solely in India, Otherside whiskey is a blended Indian whiskey. It offers a fresh take on an ageless spirit and breaks the monotony of scotch and scotch-like products by capturing the robust character of this terrain. This isn't Bourbon, it's not Scotch, and it's definitely not normal.

"Whiskey is a crowded room," says Rahul Mehra, CEO and Co-founder of Third Eye Distillery. “The impact of our climate, geography, and aging environment makes this a whiskey that can only come from here, redefining India's provenance in whiskey making. For too long, Scots have set rules for whiskey and it's about time India starts writing its own story. We have taken the time to create a whiskey that truly puts India front and centre—not just in name, but in representation. Otherside Whiskey isn't about labels or legacy—India isn’t just ready to lead in whiskey, it’s time we stopped following altogether.” he added. 

Bushmills Irish Whiskey GTR Exclusive Range, introduced by Proximo Spirits and Monika Alcobev Limited, made its official debut at GMR Hyderabad Duty Free. Both Delhi and Mumbai will have the Bushmills Irish Whiskey GTR Exclusive Range. Irish single malts aged 10, 12, 15, and 21 years are among the exclusive selection offered by Bushmills Global Travel Retail. These malts are from the well-known Bushmills "World Wood Series."

Crafted in carefully chosen barrels from throughout the globe and painstakingly matured at the Old Bushmills Distillery, the World Wood Series is a selection of unique, small-batch Irish single malt whiskeys. They all provide a fantastic tasting experience and are bottled at 46% alcohol by volume. Bushmills that are 10 years old, 12 years old, 15 years old, 21 years old, and the Black variety.

Soon, the renowned Bushmills Black Bush 80/20 GTR Exclusive blended Irish whiskey will be offered alongside the World Wood Series single malt whiskeys. Monika Alcobev Limited, Proximo Spirits, and GTR (Head - Hyderabad) have partnered to create this exciting introduction of the Bushmills GTR special whiskey range. The introduction marks a critical turning point in the business's ongoing expansion and dedication to providing upscale, premium spirits to discriminating consumers.

Roy Summers, Head of Global Travel Retail at Proximo Spirits, expressed his enthusiasm about the launch, stating, “We are delighted to be launching Bushmills across GTR in India, working closely with our colleagues in Monika and GMR Hyderabad Airport Duty Free in Hyderabad, Delhi and Mumbai. Our travel retail exclusive range of Bushmills single malt Irish whiskeys from the oldest licensed working distillery in the world, has been specially designed with the travel retail shopper in mind. We are now offering a range that has something for both whiskey explorers and enthusiasts, and for gifting. We’re excited to bring the Bushmills brand to life in these airport locations from February 14th."
 
Kunal Patel, Managing Director & CEO, Monika Alcobev Limited expressed his pride in the launch, stating, “We are proud to bring the exceptional and exclusive travel retail Bushmills Irish Whiskies range to our customers. This launch is an extension of our commitment to delivering #onlyTheBest and premium experiences for our customers. The GTR Exclusive range underscores our vision of introducing the finest international brands to the Indian market.”

Following Hyderabad, the second launch will take place in Delhi Duty-Free, and later the GTR Exclusive range will be introduced in Mumbai Duty-Free. 

Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a renowned wheated bourbon, has officially entered the Indian market with a launch event in Mumbai. Produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery, one of the most awarded and oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States, Weller introduces its two premium expressions, Weller Special Reserve and Weller 12 Years Old, to India’s growing premium spirits market.

The Weller brand, named after bourbon pioneer William Larue Weller, is recognized for replacing rye with wheat in its recipe, resulting in a softer and more refined flavor profile. Known globally for its craftsmanship and history, Weller has received numerous accolades and is anticipated to appeal to Indian whiskey enthusiasts looking for a distinct bourbon experience.

Diego Bianchi, GM, Emerging Markets and Barrel Select, Sazerac Company said, “India is one of the world’s leading whisky markets and until now it has not had the opportunity to round out its category with a super-premium wheated bourbon. Weller offers a unique and premium drink experience that stands apart from typical bourbons and whiskies available today. As India continues to embrace varied premium spirit offerings, we believe Weller will resonate with those seeking an unparalleled drinking experience—one that reflects quality, craftsmanship, and distinction.”

Vijay Kauthekar, Executive Vice President at John Distilleries Ltd, part of the Sazerac Company said, “India is the largest whiskey market in the world, and we believe the country is ready for high-end, luxury spirits like ultra-aged bourbons. Weller provides a new, unique, and expertly crafted American whiskey for consumers to enjoy. Its smoothness, complexity, and rich history will appeal to modern Indian spirits enthusiasts who value tradition and innovation.”

The Weller 12-Year-Old bourbon, the oldest age-stated bourbon distributed in India, is aged for an extended period, delivering a smooth and balanced profile best enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Weller Special Reserve, characterized by its subtle sweetness and burnt orange color, is ideal for cocktails, including the classic Paper Plane.

Bourbon, known as America’s Native Spirit, adheres to strict production standards, requiring a minimum of 51 percent corn in the mash, aging in new charred oak barrels, and a minimum aging period of two years. Weller enhances this experience by substituting rye with wheat as the secondary grain and extending the aging process, offering a robust yet smooth flavor.

With its entry into India, Weller seeks to cater to consumers exploring high-quality bourbons and expanding their appreciation for American whiskey traditions.

Globus Spirits Limited has introduced its first single malt whisky under the DŌAAB India Craft Whisky brand, marking the company’s entry into India’s luxury whisky segment. The brand aims to cater to the country's evolving whisky market, where consumer preferences are increasingly shifting towards premium craft spirits.  

The name DŌAAB is inspired by the Hindi words "dō" (two) and "aab" (water), representing the fertile land between two rivers. This symbolizes the merging of perspectives and influences, which forms the core philosophy of the brand. The first limited-edition release, *01 Six Blind Men and the Elephant*, draws inspiration from the Indian fable and features whisky aged in 100 percent ex-bourbon barrels. This release is limited to 500 casks and showcases meticulous craftsmanship and collaboration.  

The packaging incorporates motifs inspired by Rajasthan's mandana art, combining tradition with a modern aesthetic. This aligns with DŌAAB’s focus on blending traditional and contemporary elements to appeal to whisky enthusiasts looking for innovative and unique experiences.  

Shekhar Swarup, Joint Managing Director of Globus Spirits Limited said, “Within two years, the company has innovated into various segments in the drinks industry of India, and we are proud to raise the standards with the launch of DŌAAB. As a company, we continue to aspire for more and will offer the best offerings cutting across all segments.”  

DŌAAB India Craft Whisky, *01 Six Blind Men and the Elephant*, is being launched in a 750 ml bottle priced between Rs 4,500 and Rs 5,500, depending on state pricing norms. The product will initially be available in Delhi, Gurgaon, Lucknow, and Jaipur, with plans for gradual expansion to other markets.  

The introduction of DŌAAB reflects Globus Spirits' ambition to elevate the Indian whisky market with offerings that combine tradition, innovation, and premium craftsmanship.

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."

Indri Single Malt Whisky, the pioneering triple cask single malt from Piccadily Distilleries, has bolstered India’s narrative of growth with Indri-Trini achieving the distinction of being the 'fastest growing single malt whisky worldwide'.

No other single malt, whether from Scotland, Japan, Taiwan, or any other region, has achieved the milestone of surpassing 100,000 cases within just two years of its introduction.

This achievement places Indri-Trini among the elite ranks of the world's best-selling single malt whiskies, defying all expectations.

Indri is rewriting the rulebook with an unparalleled growth surge of 599% from the previous year, setting new benchmarks in the industry.

Securing a remarkable 30% market share in India, Indri has established itself as a frontrunner.

With ambitious expansion strategies, Piccadily Distilleries aims to position itself among the top 5 best-selling single malt whiskies globally.

“In a market once dominated by imported labels, Indri stands tall as a beacon of Indian excellence. It's not just a brand; it's a symbol of national pride, elevating the status of Indian spirits to unparalleled heights. Indri isn't just leading the charge; it's leading a revolution”, said Praveen Malviya, CEO, Piccadily Distilleries.

According to industry data, Indian single malt whiskies have experienced a remarkable surge, surpassing Scottish counterparts with a remarkable 144% increase in sales during 2021-22, and this momentum continues to grow.

Initial projections by the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) suggest that Indian single malts captured an impressive 53% share of total sales in 2023, outpacing imported brands.

Amrut Distilleries marks its 75th anniversary in the industry with the exciting announcement of two exclusive limited edition whiskies tailored specifically for the discerning palates of Gurgaon.

Amrut Bagheera (46% ABV) and Amrut Portonova (48% ABV) have been developed through extensive research into single malt whisky, showcasing distinctive flavors and characteristics.

These new additions were unveiled  in Gurgaon by the whisky expert Jim Murray, alongside Mr. Rakshit Jagdale, Managing Director of Amrut Distilleries.

"Amrut Bagheera and Amrut Portonova are exclusive and premium expressions from our single malt whiskies portfolio, as these are limited edition and are launched here in Haryana. Our objective in releasing these two expressions in India is to offer a unique experience for whisky lovers. We see a rising demand in the premium and luxury categories of single malt whiskies as current Indian consumers have a wide knowledge of their choice of drinks. This is one of the driving factors that inspires us to craft limited editions of expressions. said Rakshit Jagdale, Managing Director of Amrut Distilleries.

Amrut Bagheera single malt whisky draws inspiration from the Black Panthers that roam the lush forests along the Kabini River in Mysore. Crafted from six-row barley and aged in ex-bourbon and oloroso sherry casks, this limited edition pays homage to Rudyard Kipling's iconic character, Bagheera, from the Jungle Book. Exhibiting vibrant fruity aromas with hints of dried fruits and peaches, it is accentuated by subtle notes of orange citrus, vanilla, and toffee.

Amrut Portonova single malt whisky is crafted from chosen Indian barley, cultivated at the base of the Himalayas, where it benefits from the nourishing flow of water and traditional farming methods. The barley undergoes a careful mashing and distillation process in small batches to retain its natural essence. Following this, it is matured in oak barrels under unique tropical conditions at an elevation of 3,000 feet above sea level in Bangalore, renowned as India's garden city.

Ginglani Distillers introduces Woodsmen Mountain Whiskey, a locally crafted whisky originating from the Himalayas.

Whiskey is crafted using mountain water and rich Himalayan malts, this Indian whiskey aims to revolutionize the industry by departing from conventional practices and encapsulating the spirit of the Himalayas in each taste.

Woodsmen represent not just a whiskey, but a venture into establishing a novel category of Indian whiskey known as "Mountain Whiskey." While the global whiskey landscape has well-established categories like Scotch, Bourbon, Irish, and Japanese, India, despite its status as the largest whiskey consumer globally, remains confined to the traditional "IMFL - Indian Made Foreign Liquor" classification.

With the introduction of this innovative origin-driven category, Woodsmen Mountain Whiskey seeks to ignite a fresh, domestically produced whiskey trend.

Woodsmen Mountain Whiskey selects the Himalayas as its origin, acknowledging the significance of water in the whiskey production process.

Infused with matured Himalayan Malts, the flavors of aged oak seamlessly blend with hints of Himalayan apples and sweetened apricots, offering a journey through the Himalayan terrain with every sip.

"Our vision is to create a whiskey that resonates with the young, vibrant spirit of India. We've witnessed foreign giants dominate the industry, now, it's time for Indian brands to shine. With Woodsmen, we're not just selling any whiskey but telling the tale of the Himalayas and representing the bold new voice of young India.” said Shivam Ginglani, CEO, Ginglani Distillers.

As the brand evolves and expands, it establishes a benchmark for excellence, eco-consciousness, and the unique flavors of the Himalayan region.

South Seas Distilleries and Breweries Pvt. Ltd. is an esteemed Alcobev company with a legacy, introduces 'Crazy Cock' as their inaugural whisky brand for direct consumer sales.

Crazy Cock emerges as a single malt whisky, derived from 6-row Indian barley meticulously sourced from the pristine plains of North India.

This barley undergoes traditional malting and distillation in copper pots, resulting in a fusion of tones and a delightful medley of subtle fragrances.

The whisky matures in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, delivering a rich, multifaceted flavor profile. Specifically smoked batches contribute a deep, peaty quality exclusive to Crazy Cock Dhua.

Crazy Cock Single Malt Whisky offers two variations which are Rare, aged in Double Oak casks, and Dhua, known as the Peated expression.

"In the dynamic landscape of global spirits, Indian whiskies are currently enjoying a spotlight. Our esteemed clientele includes some of the world's leading alcohol beverage giants, a testament to our longstanding partnerships. This initiative is a celebration of our enduring craftsmanship, as we joyfully continue our legacy by crafting a new array of exceptional whiskies under the banner of Crazy Cock.” said H.V. Chinoy.

Crazy Cock is set to captivate sophisticated tastes in both India and globally, aiming to carve a unique niche in the luxury segment.

Initially whiskey is accessible in Mumbai, Goa, and Haryana, the brand has intentions for wider expansion in the upcoming months.

Allied Blenders and Distillers Limited (“ABD”), is boosting its play in the Prestige and above segments in whisky with unique offerings built on core consumer insights. In its quest for this objective, ABD has launched a cool and stylish 180ML pack in ‘Hippy’. 

The Hippy is ABD’s re-imagination of the 180ml SKU, popularly known as the ‘quarter’, to a cool and stylish pack.

“Constantly innovating is one of ABD’s core values. The Hippy is a great example of this core value brought alive on the back of consumer-centric thinking. It is an offering that allows for widening of the occasions where consumers can engage with our brand on account of its style quotient and mobile form factor,” shared Alok Gupta, Managing Director, ABD.

The company was amongst the first to make this packaging format accessible to consumers of the semi-premium whisky for Sterling Reserve Whisky. The Hippy is a contemporary take on the ‘quarter’ and has appeal across all age groups. 

It is currently available in Maharashtra, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Daman and Tripura.

“For long, alcobev consumers have suffered from the ‘brown-bag syndrome’ where they would be hesitant to be seen with their humble ‘quarter’ or ‘pau-a’. The Hippy allows consumers to break free of inhibitions and flaunt their Sterling Reserve BX Whisky,” added Bikram Basu, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, ABD.

SLAB Ventures Netherlands and AB InBev India has launched D’yavol Inception, a blended malt Scotch whisky tailored for connoisseurs of authentic luxury and refined living.

Following the resounding success of D'yavol Single Estate Vodka and D'yavol X, the exclusive limited-edition luxury streetwear line, the first Scotch whisky expression from D'yavol – aptly named Inception – embodies excellence and sophistication.

"We are thrilled to present D’yavol Inception as we continue our journey alongside our esteemed partners at AB InBev India. We took upon ourselves the challenge of combining exceptional single malts from different regions in a blend that brings out the best of each component malt. Created by our Master Blender, Vic Cameron, Inception is indeed the beginning of something very special, and we are confident it will become an instant classic,” said Bunty Singh, Co-Founder of SLAB.

D’yavol Inception is a peerless, non-chill filtered blended malt Scotch whisky that perfectly balances gentle peat and indulgent sherry notes and is designed for discerning aficionados with a keen eye for detail. This extraordinary composition is meticulously crafted in the heart of Scotland, blending eight distinct single malts from the illustrious regions of the Highlands, Lowlands, Speyside, and Islands. Created in small batches, the launch edition is presented in a highly distinctive luxury packaging adorned in timeless black and gold aesthetics, making this contemporary masterpiece a crowning jewel in any discerning connoisseur's private bar collection.

“We are pleased to expand our continued engagement with SLAB Ventures, unveiling this luxury offering representing our unrelenting pursuit of innovation and connection with discerning consumers. The market for Scotch Whiskies in India is growing as demand for luxury and imported spirits increases. With the launch of INCEPTION, we target whisky enthusiasts and connoisseurs seeking a sophisticated drinking experience,” added Kartikeya Sharma, President - India AB InBev.

D’yavol Inception is currently available in Maharashtra for ₹9800, Goa for ₹9000 and Karnataka for ₹9500 and will soon be available in Delhi, West Bengal, UP, Haryana & Telangana.

SLAB was founded by Aryan Khan, Bunty Singh and Leti Blagoeva to provide a springboard for their idea of bringing a luxury lifestyle collective to the world. Based in The Netherlands, the company aims to establish strategic partnerships with leading industry outfits worldwide.

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. 

Owners of Officer’s Choice Whisky, Allied Blenders & Distillers Pvt., is planning to raise $300 million next year.

The Mumbai-based spirits manufacturer has initiated talks with advisers and is seeking a valuation of at least $2.5 billion, shares a report published in Bloomberg.

The company is planning to file preliminary documents as soon as the first quarter of 2022, the people aware of the matter said.

No final decision has been reached regarding the valuation or timing of the potential IPO, and Allied Blenders could still decide against proceeding with the plan, they said.

Allied Blenders sells spirits ranging from whiskey and rum to brandy and vodka across 29 countries.

It owns nine bottling units, one distilling facility and over 20 outsourced manufacturing sites, added the company website.

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.

Alcobrew Distilleries India Pvt Ltd, one of India’s promising liquor manufacturers, has introduced a limited edition pack of Golfer's Shot Whisky, its premium whisky brand. This limited edition pack will be made available across all major markets in India from March 2019.

Golfer's Shot Whisky’s Limited Edition Pack is an extension of Good Life Experiences that Golfer's Shot targets to offer to its consumers.

Romesh Pandita, CMD of Alcobrew Distilleries, said, “Golfer's Shot Whisky is positioned in the market to offer people a chance to ‘Taste the Good Life’. The plan is to encourage young and affluent consumers to enjoy good things like Music, Food, Social gatherings, Lifestyle among others.”

“We are establishing the Good Life campaign with a 360-degree approach. A digital campaign has been executed on Facebook and Instagram recently and Good Life Experiential Evenings have been done at leading on-premise outlets in select markets. Limited Edition Pack is an extension of the campaign and aims at establishing Golfer' Shot in retail stores through packaging innovation. This is a thematic campaign which will highlight symbols of Good Life; beginning with Good Music,” he further stated.

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." 

डुप्लिकेट बारकोड के उपयोग के कारण दो साल तक वैट 69 व्हिस्की और सिमरनॉफ वोडका की बिक्री को राष्ट्रीय राजधानी में प्रतिबंधित कर दिया गया है। दो लोकप्रिय ब्रांडों के निर्माता यूनाइटेड स्पिरिट्स लिमिटेड (यूएसएल) को दिल्ली सरकार के वित्तीय आयुक्त द्वारा ब्लैकलिस्ट किया गया है।

वित्तीय आयुक्त अनन्दो मजूमदार ने कहा कि यूएसएल ने अनधिकृत और लूज़ बारकोड का इस्तेमाल किया था, जिसने दिल्ली उत्पाद शुल्क अधिनियम, 2009 और दिल्ली उत्पाद शुल्क नियम, 2010 के प्रावधानों का उल्लंघन किया था। प्रतिबंध से यूएसएल दो साल तक दिल्ली में अपनी शराब नहीं बेच पाएगा।

वित्तीय आयुक्त के आदेश में कहा गया, "मेरा मानना है कि अपीलकर्ता ने दिल्ली उत्पाद शुल्क अधिनियम, 2009, दिल्ली उत्पाद शुल्क नियम, 2010 के प्रावधानों का उल्लंघन किया। इसके लिए जारी किए गए लाइसेंस के नियम और शर्तें और मानक ऑपरेटिंग प्रक्रिया दिल्ली उत्पाद शुल्क विभाग और इसके परिणामस्वरूप विभाग ने यूनाइटेड स्पिरिट्स लिमिटेड (यूएसएल), औरंगाबाद पर दिल्ली उत्पाद शुल्क नियम, 2010 के नियम 70 के तहत ब्लैकलिस्टिंग का जुर्माना लगाया है।"

The sale of Vat 69 whiskey and Smirnoff vodka has been banned in the national capital for two years due to use of duplicate barcodes.

United Spirits Limited (USL), the manufacturer of the two popular brands, is blacklisted by the Delhi government financial commissioner.

Financial commissioner Anindo Majumdar said that USL had used unauthorised and loose barcodes which violated provisions of the Delhi Excise Act, 2009 and Delhi Excise Rules, 2010.

The ban will force USL not to sell its liquor in Delhi for two years.

The order of the financial commissioner stated, "I am of the view that the appellant violated provisions of the Delhi Excise Act, 2009, Delhi Excise Rules, 2010, the terms and conditions of the licence issued to it and the standard operating procedure framed by the Delhi Excise Department and that consequently the department has rightly imposed the penalty of blacklisting under Rule 70 of the Delhi Excise Rules, 2010 upon United Spirits LTD (USL), Aurangabad."

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.