Category: Food & Drinks

India on the rocks: How homegrown single malts have outpaced global giants with 53% market dominance

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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In recent years, India has witnessed a transformative wave in its whisky landscape, redefining what it means to savour a glass of elite Indian single malts. We are in the era where the likes of Indri, Amrut, Rampur, and Paul John are not just names on bottles, but are symbols of pride and craftsmanship.

As 2023 ended, figures from the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies suggest a tipping point, where Indian single malts hold over 53% share in the domestic market.

Around 345,000 cases of the  675,000 cases sold in India in 2023, came from Indian distilleries.

One highlight of Indian whisky brands skyrocketing is that the Indian liquor scene has put the names of small towns on the global map. Imagine Rampur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Indri, all the small towns of India are now competing with global giants like Pernod Ricard, Diageo and Macallan that have long dominated the global liquor segment.

Also read: Goa-distilled Kadamba whisky wins best Indian single malt award

The story of Indri, which alone commands a 30% market share in India, encapsulates this seismic shift. With an astounding growth rate of 599%, Indri’s ascent is not just a business success; it’s a cultural phenomenon reflecting a broader surge in national confidence and a newfound appreciation for homegrown excellence.

The rise of these brands is part of a larger cultural renaissance. The bottles themselves tell a story of India’s heritage and aspirations. Indri’s labels, adorned with gold Devanagari script, and Paul John’s bottles, embellished with elephant motifs, speak of a land rich in history and artistry.

Rampur’s logo, framed by two swords, evokes images of regal Rajput traditions. And the sentiment is not just for Indian brands. Take for example, the Jodhpur Gin by Spanish group- Beveland Distillers, that has a blue bottle that perfectly represents the city it is named after.

This surge aligns with the emergence of a more affluent, globally aware Indian consumer. Surinder Kumar, a whiskey enthusiast and industry veteran who has sniffed whiskeys like Amrut to Indri to perfection notes that its not just the whiskey that’s evolving in India, the pallates of the consumers and their lifestyles are also evolving. They’re well-traveled, informed, and passionate about their choices and proud of their Indian roots.”

Also read: Top Indian single malt whiskies to celebrate special occasions: Check price and more

Long before Indri poured its first dram, Amrut Distilleries set the stage in 2004, challenging the notion that fine single malts could only come from Scotland. Though initially launched abroad, Amrut found its footing back home, paving the way for others like Paul John, which tapped into the same vein of quality and authenticity. Piccadili’s launch of Indri in 2021 marked a strategic shift—targeting the Indian consumer first. This home-first approach paid dividends, securing a base of loyal supporters charmed by its quality and unabashed Indianness.

Surinder Kumar, now the master distiller at Indri, says that the shift in single malt industry is a proud moment for India but the growth has just started. “I believe the market has enough room for global and domestic brands and a 30% YOY growth is easily possible in the segment,” Kumar said.

This trend extends beyond aesthetics. The whiskies themselves offer complex, spicy, and uniquely Indian profiles that were once unfamiliar to the local palate but have now become a point of pride. This evolution reflects a deeper societal change, where premiumization isn’t just a trend but a shift in lifestyle and values.

As Indian single malts continue to outpace their international counterparts, the future seems as rich and promising as a well-aged whiskey. The 144% surge in market growth from 2021 to 2022 is just the beginning. With each pour, Indian distillers are not only capturing market share but also hearts, crafting spirits that stand tall on the world stage while firmly rooted in Indian soil.

The world’s eyes are on India and this sentiment is totally echoed in the single-malt and premium alcohol space. Pernord Ricard, the brand that dominates the global alcohol space with beverages like Chivas Regal, Absolute and Beefeater, recently launched their first Indian Single Malt called the Longitude 77, named after the meridian 77° that goes through India.

With each passing year, it becomes increasingly clear that Indian single malts are here not just to compete, but to lead. This isn’t just a shift in consumer preference—it’s a cultural shift, a statement of identity, and a celebration of Indian craftsmanship coming into its own.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Fasting for Navratri? Avoid these six food groups while you abstain from eating

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Chaitra Navratri is celebrated with much fervour and devotion, marked by fasting and abstinence from certain foods for the devotees. While fasting during Navratri can be a spiritually enriching experience, it’s essential to prioritise your health by making informed dietary choices.

Being mindful of food choices during fasting is crucial for maintaining nutritional balance, stable energy levels, and digestive health. It helps prevent abrupt changes in diet that can lead to digestive discomfort and supports weight management goals by avoiding overeating.

Additionally, mindful eating promotes overall health, supporting immune function, gut health, and vitality. For many, fasting is accompanied by spiritual or mental practices, and mindful food choices can enhance these benefits, promoting a sense of mindfulness and awareness.

By avoiding certain food groups and opting for healthier alternatives, you can ensure that your Navratri fasting is spiritually uplifting and beneficial for your overall well-being.

1. Highly processed foods

Foods like instant juices, packaged snacks, and sugary beverages should be avoided during Navratri fasting. These foods are high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and additives, which can harm health. Instead, focus on whole, unprocessed foods to support your overall well-being.

2. Deep-fried foods

Lots of deep-fried foods like chips, puris, and more should be avoided during Navratri fasts due to their high-fat content. Consuming too many fried foods can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of heart disease. Choose baked or roasted alternatives to reduce the amount of fat in your diet.

3. Food with excessive Himalayan pink salt

While a moderate amount of salt is essential for health and Himalayan pink salt or Sendha namak comes to the rescue in this situation, an excessive amount of it should be avoided. Large amounts of any kind of salt, including the Himalayan pink salt, should be avoided, especially during fasting. High salt intake can lead to bloating, blood pressure fluctuation, and other health issues. Use rock salt in moderation to flavour your food during Navratri.

4. Artificial Sweetener

While it’s important to limit refined sugar intake during Navratri, it’s also wise to avoid artificial sweeteners. These sweeteners can disrupt the gut microbiota and may have negative long-term health effects. Instead, opt for natural sweeteners like honey, or jaggery in the sweets you’re planning to consume.

4. Heavy dairy products

While dairy products like milk, yoghurt, and paneer are allowed during Navratri fasts, it is advisable to consume them in moderation. Heavy dairy products can be difficult to digest, especially during fasting when the digestive system may be more sensitive. Always opt for lighter dairy foods or dairy alternatives if you experience digestive discomfort.

6. Excessive tea or coffee

When you are changing your eating pattern, you’re likely to consume more tea or coffee to retain your energy and fill the gaps between two meals. However, too much tea, coffee, or any caffeinated beverages can have dehydrating effects on the body. During fasting, it’s essential to stay hydrated and avoid beverages that can further deplete water levels. So, choose herbal teas or infused water to stay hydrated and support detoxification.

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The world’s most popular coffee may be over 600,000 years old

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The latest study published in Nature Genetics reportedly showed that Coffee Arabica, the most commonly consumed variety of coffee, developed in Ethiopia between 600,000 years and a million years ago.

The University of Bufffalo study of the coffee genome, which was funded by Nestle, has shown that the crop grew in the wild, without any role for humans, and that it can survive climate change.

Why are the findings significant?

Poor genetic diversity has led to a shrinking population size of Arabica, which is used by popular coffee chains like Starbucks and Tim Hortons, and made the crop vulnerable to pests and illnesses.

For instance, one of the other variants of coffee, the Robusta (used primarily in the making of instant coffee), is born out of mating between Arabica and Canephora. Robusta is relatively more resistant to diseases than Arabica.

“These results (of the study) suggest a novel target locus for potentially improving pathogen resistance in Arabica,” Jarkko Salojärvi, assistant professor at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, and one of the authors of the latest study, reportedly said.

History of coffee

Coffee is believed to have originated in the forests of Ethiopia in pre-historic times. But it wasn’t a global phenomenon until the 15th century when its cultivation began in Yemen and other parts of the Arabian peninsula.

America’s National Coffee Association says that coffee made it to Europe in the 17th century, thanks to the merchants from Venice travelling to the Ottoman empire.

The coffee may have reached India around the same time. Legend goes that a Sufi saint Baba Budan was so in awe of the ‘magical beverage’, he smuggled seven beans of coffee in his beard, on his way back from Mecca.

The saint is supposed to have planted them on the hills in modern day Chikkamagaluru in Karnataka, giving rise to the name Baba Budangiri, where his tomb is situated.

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Indri maker says the whisky is the fastest growing single malt ever

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Piccadily Distilleries said that it has sold over 100,000  cases within two years of its launch. This, the company claims, makes it the fastest growing single malt whisky ever.

“No other single malt whisky from Scotland, Japan, Taiwan or anywhere else in the world has ever been able to cross the 1,00,000 cases mark within two years of its launch,” the company said in its press release.

Launched in November 2021, Indri is one of the single malt whisky brands from India — where whisky is more popular than beer — which have shot to global fame. Amrut Fusion and Rampur are other prominent names in the space.

In February this year, Indri won the Best ‘New World’ Whiskey award from alco-bev platform VinePair. Earlier in 2023, Indri got counted among the best at the Whiskies Of The World award ceremony.

After a seven-fold growth in sales in the second year, Indri says it has captured 30% of India’s whisky demand, and wants to become the one of the top five selling whisky brands in the world.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

With nearly 6 million orders, biryani tops Ramadan food charts on Swiggy report

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Indian food enthusiasts’ love for biryani knows no bounds is something we already knew, and now a report by Swiggy, the online food delivery platform, has made it official. Swiggy unveiled its Ramadan order analysis, proving the nation’s continued love affair with the most popular delicacy, biryani. Offering a glimpse of some of the most popular Iftar foods ordered by its customers, this analysis sheds light on unique food trends based on orders placed on Swiggy from March 12 to April 8, 2024.

As per the Swiggy report, the month of Ramadan recorded around 6 million plates of Biryani ordered via the platform, marking a 15% increase compared to regular months. Among the cities that placed the highest number of orders for biryani was Hyderabad with a staggering figure of over a million plates. Besides biryani, the city also placed a whopping order of 5.3 lakh plates of haleem during the holy month.

In addition to the number of biryani plates ordered, Swiggy’s reports also included the time during which the maximum orders were placed. It suggested a 34% increase in orders between 5:30 and 7 pm (the approximate time for Iftar) in comparison to the regular hours. Apart from that, it also claimed that chicken biryani, mutton haleem, samosa, falooda, and kheer were among the most ordered food items around this time nationwide, showcasing their enduring popularity among the masses.

There was a significant increase in orders for other dishes as well. While Haleem saw an increase of 1454.88 per cent, the orders for Phirni and Malpua went up by 80.97 per cent and 70.97 per cent respectively. Falooda saw an increase of 57.93 per cent while Dates’ orders rose by 48.40 per cent. According to the report, the sweet spots for Ramadan like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Bhopal, and Meerut placed the most number of orders for sweet dishes including Malpua and Phirni.

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Restaurant Review | The Swinton House brings an aesthetic fine dining experience to the Pink City

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Tucked away in the heart of Jaipur, Swinton House stands as a culinary haven that seamlessly blends history, luxury, and innovative gastronomy. This bar and kitchen pays homage to the legacy of British architect Swinton Jacob, offering guests a contemporary twist on hospitality.

Originally designed during the pre-independence era, the building boasts a rich history spanning over 150 years. Despite the challenges posed by its age, owners Sagar Nagpal and Mohit Gurnani undertook a year-long renovation project, with architects Abhigyan and Kanika lending their expertise to restore the building to its former glory, Nagpal told CNBC-TV18.

As guests step into the venue, they are enveloped by a lush green canopy. The Yard, featuring an open courtyard and inviting bar, serves as the heart of Swinton House. Whether opting for al fresco dining or the cosy ambience of the red or blue rooms, guests are treated to a feast for the senses.

The Albion, another distinguished section of Swinton House, offers a refined dining experience amidst opulent interiors inspired by Renaissance art.

Nagpal explained the rationale behind the creation of Yard and Albion, as they stand in their present form. According to him, the owners wanted to retain the historical ambience of the place. We imagined that two brothers, with distinct tastes, might have lived here, Nagpal said, adding that it was why both the levels were designed distinctively.

Led by Chef Beniwal, the culinary offerings at Swinton House are as diverse as they are innovative.

From reimagined Indian street-style favourites like Kurkuri Palak Fusion and Dabeli Wheels to international delights such as the chef-recommended English Spinach Bliss Salad, the menu has a vast range of dishes to choose from.

We asked Chef Beniwal and he recommended English Spinach Bliss Salad (₹525), Paneer Mousse Nest with Pickled Kataifi (₹515), and Dabeli Wheels (₹345). The salad consisted of spinach, cherry tomatoes, cashew nuts and burrata cheese in a chunky orange dressing. The cheese had a rich texture and tanginess. The dressing was flavourful and the nuts added crunch to each bite. Paneer Mousse Nest was worth the messiness.

Dabeli and fine dining do not usually go hand in hand. However, despite the modern plating and a play on the shape, the dish maintained its authenticity. “One thing that all of us had very clear since the start was retaining the authenticity of the dishes,” Nagpal said. He recalled how the two owners along with the chef travelled worldwide to create the menu. We also tried Nagpal’s favourite Saffron Spice Nutri Kulcha.

Other standout dishes include the Avocado Papdi Chaat, Saffron Spice Nutri Kulcha, and Moroccan Chicken Kebabs, each meticulously crafted to retain the authenticity of its flavours. Swinton House’s dessert offerings, including the decadent Dark Pearl Rasgulla Sundae, provide the perfect conclusion to a memorable meal.

Complementing the culinary delights is a meticulously curated bar menu. Their creative concoctions, such as the recommended Sassy Jamun, offer a tantalising blend of flavours. Priced at ₹645, the cocktail is a mix of gin, tropical liqueur, spiced jamun, citrus and yuzu foam. It’s both sweet and spicy, a great start to the evening. We also tried the bitter and fizzy Vetiver Coffee Highball ( ₹645), a perfect cocktail for coffee lovers. From the Albion, we also tried the turmeric-flavoured Golden Duck. With bold Asian flavours, this one was a little too sweet for our palette.

Average cost for two: ₹2,500

Address: B-20, New Colony, Scheme D, MI Road, Jaipur

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow