India’s beverage scene is evolving at an exciting pace, with a wave of innovative and premium alcohol launches hitting the market. From traditional favourites infused with unique flavours to brand-new creations that push the boundaries of what a drink can be, there has never been a more thrilling time to explore the world of spirits. These new offerings not only cater to discerning palates but also showcase a confluence of cultures, bringing together the best of international and local traditions. Let’s dive into these amazing new drinks and discover what makes them truly exceptional.
New Alcohol Launches In India To Check Out
1. The Macallan M 2023
The Macallan’s reputation for excellence in whisky craftsmanship is on full display with its latest launch, The Macallan M 2023. A part of the renowned M Collection, this limited-edition release captures the essence of The Macallan’s legendary dedication to the art of whisky-making. Only 10 carefully selected bottles have been made available in India, making it a truly rare and exclusive offering. The Macallan M 2023’s rich and complex flavour profile includes sweet black cherry, demerara sugar, crème anglaise, chocolate orange, and subtle wood spices, all culminating in a dark chocolate finish.
Availability: The Taj Mahal Hotel and The Oberoi in Delhi
2.McDowell’s & Co Distiller’s Batch Indian Single Malt
McDowell’s & Co. Distiller’s Batch Indian Single Malt is an exceptional creation born in the scenic Sahyadri mountain range. Crafted in the Nashik Valley, this single-malt whisky is a tribute to Indian craftsmanship and provenance. Limited to 6,000 bottles, the whisky’s maturation process spans Ex-Bourbon, Virgin Oak, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz casks, giving it a distinct vintage character. The elegant packaging, inspired by the Nashik Distillery’s captivating landscape, further elevates the luxurious experience.
Availability: Limited-edition release of only 6000 bottles, currently available only in Haryana
Cost: Price On Request (priced in line with Godawan Artisanal Single Malt in Haryana)
3. Don Julio 1942
Don Julio 1942 is a distinguished tequila renowned for its association with high-profile individuals and lavish celebrations. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the tequila is made from hand-selected Blue Weber Agave grown in Mexico’s Jalisco highlands. Slow-roasted for 72 hours in traditional ovens, the tequila develops a complex profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and warm oak. Aged for at least two and a half years in American oak barrels, Don Julio 1942 offers unparalleled smoothness and depth.
4. Punk Gin
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Nao Spirits launched Punk Gin, a seasonal-edition alcohol that breaks the mould of conventional gin-making. Crafted with fresh strawberries from Mahabaleshwar, the gin captures the essence of the hill station’s finest produce. The addition of dried hibiscus flowers lends a touch of acidity and brightness, resulting in a champagne-pink gin that is both refreshing and vibrant. Punk Gin stands out for its commitment to using only natural ingredients and avoiding artificial colours, flavours, or sweeteners.
Availability: Goa and Karnataka; soon be available in Haryana.
5. Lillet
Introducing Lillet to India is like inviting a piece of French tradition into your summer evenings. This exquisite new alcohol is a wine-based aperitif that has long been celebrated in France for its refreshing and elegant character. Lillet is made from top-quality Bordeaux wines and is naturally flavoured with fruits and spices, creating a delightful balance of taste that elevates your drinking experience. Whether you enjoy it as part of a classic cocktail like the Vesper Martini or sip it chilled, Lillet Blanc and Rosé bring a touch of European sophistication to any gathering.
6. Nisaki
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Nisaki is one of the new alcohol lauches in India. It is set to change the way you think about spirits with its innovative approach to personalising your drinking experience. This colour-changing spirit offers a unique touch to every sip, reflecting your individuality through a mesmerising transformation of hues. Distilled and bottled in Goa, Nisaki undergoes a meticulous process, including triple distillation and small-batch production, to ensure a high-quality product. Infused with 16 organic botanicals, the spirit features a delightful blend of citrus, juniper, and tea flavours. The dynamic colours are a captivating feast for the eyes and a celebration of your unique tastes.
Cost: ₹1849 for 750ml (available in Goa)
7. Glenfiddich Grand Yozakura
Glenfiddich Grand Yozakura is an extraordinary fusion of Scottish and Japanese traditions, creating a one-of-a-kind single malt whisky experience. This limited-edition release from Glenfiddich’s Grand Series features a 29-year-old Scotch whisky matured in oak casks previously used for Awamori, the oldest distilled spirit in Japan. The result is a complex and unique finish that celebrates the cherry blossom festival, or “Hanami,” capturing the beauty and fleeting nature of the season. Grand Yozakura offers whisky connoisseurs a rare opportunity to experience a harmonious blend of cultures and flavours in a bottle.
Availability: Limited-edition release
Cost: ₹2.85 lakhs in Mumbai
8. Glenmorangie Calvados Cask Finish
Glenmorangie introduces its first-ever whisky finished in French Calvados casks, bringing a fresh and elegant twist to its Highland single malt Scotch whisky. This limited-edition release is part of Glenmorangie’s Barrel Select Release series, which explores new dimensions of flavour through unique cask finishes. The Calvados Cask Finish entangles the classic fruity tones of Glenmorangie with the soft, orchard notes of Calvados, offering a sensory experience reminiscent of baked apples and pears, with hints of jasmine and vanilla.
Availability: Currently available in Mumbai
Cost: ₹7,050
Also Read: Celebrated Indian Whiskies, The Glenwalk And Godawan 100, Win Big at London Spirits Competition 2024
9. Monkey Shoulder Smokey Monkey
Monkey Shoulder introduces Smokey Monkey, a perfect marriage of sweet and peat that elevates the art of mixing cocktails. This blend offers a smooth and oaky smokiness balanced with dry peaty notes, creamy sweetness, and a hint of spice. While it tastes great neat or with a splash of water, Smokey Monkey shines when used in smoky twists on classic cocktails, giving your favourite drinks a rich and nuanced character.
10. Rock Paper Rum
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Rock Paper Rum, one of the new alcohol launches in India, is redefining the world of rum in India with its premium and innovative offerings. Founded by Lalit Kalani, this small-batch, handcrafted rum is created with a focus on quality and a passion for innovation. The brand has introduced two new distinct flavours: Roast Coffee and Tropical Coconut. Roast Coffee presents deep and elegant espresso notes, complemented by vanilla and secret spices for a rich and delightful experience. Tropical Coconut transports you to breezy beaches with its fusion of sweet and lively coconut flavours.
11. Nomad
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Nomad Oscuro Dark Rum stands out as a symbol of innovation within India’s rum industry, showcasing a unique blend of tradition and modern artistry. This dark rum is a sophisticated blend of aged rum with Japanese Hinoki, finishing its journey in Jamaican barrels. The meticulous process results in a versatile, refined spirit. It also boasts a rich amber hue indicative of its maturation in wooden casks. The complex nose offers enticing aromas of toffee, caramelised bananas, palo santo, vanilla, and Hinoki cypress wood.
12. Geist Brewing Co.
Geist Export Lager by Geist Brewing Co. is a summer indulgence that captures the essence of a German-style Helles Exportbier. Known for its higher alcohol content and balanced flavour profile, this lager offers a smooth, malty taste with floral hops that counterbalance its slight bitterness. It makes for a delightful sip, providing a crisp and clean finish that’s both refreshing and full of depth. With a medium body and an ABV of less than 8%, this lager is perfect for summer gatherings.
Availability: On Tap at all Geist Brewing Co. Outlets in Bangalore | On Tap at Select Partner locations, Bangalore | Takeaway only at Geist Brewing Co., Old Madras Road
13. Jin Jiji
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Jin Jiji brings the spirit of India to the world of gin with its innovative blend of botanicals inspired by the country’s beloved Masala Chai. This exquisite dry gin is available in two varieties: India Dry and Darjeeling. Jin Jiji stands out as the first gin to incorporate two distinct juniper and Goan cashews in its blend, alongside a unique mix of botanicals such as coriander seeds, black tea, tulsi, angelica root, chamomile, and ginger.
Jin Jiji’s India Dry Gin offers a well-balanced aroma with soft tones of juniper and sweet spices. Its Darjeeling variety introduces fragrant aromatics of juniper and mint with freshly picked tea. The brand’s commitment to quality is evident in its meticulous sourcing of the finest Darjeeling tea, grown at higher elevations to impart remarkable flavour characteristics.
Availability: Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Haryana
Cost: starting at ₹980
These exceptional alcohol launches in India offer connoisseurs a remarkable array of high-quality spirits to savour.
Cover Image Courtesy: Press Release