A Dram Come True: Finding the Perfect Scotch for Your Home Bar

A Dram Come True: Finding the Perfect Scotch for Your Home Bar

By Author

Published on October 22, 2023

Dipping your toes into the legendary Scotch whisky waters can be a bit like stepping into a grand old library. So many stories, so much history - where the heck do you start? But, just like the librarian who knows exactly which spine to pull from a sea of books, I’m here to guide your sips - and trust me, every dram’s a chapter of its own.

Scotch has more rules than a strict headmaster with a ruler in hand. Remember 2009? No, not the tail-end of cringe-worthy fashion trends, but the grand debut of The Scotch Whisky Regulations. The law laid out the red carpet for those golden liquids which could proudly flaunt the ‘Scotch’ title.

Now, let’s talk neighbourhoods. Scotland’s split into five whisky regions, each echoing the local vibe - from the soft whispers of Lowland to the bold statements of Islay’s peat-packed potions. And styles? You’ve got single malt to blended grain, each with its own charming tales.

Now, for the main act, let's pour out those enigmatic bottles that have Scotch aficionados singing ballads.

Bruichladdich Octomore

An Islay masterpiece, it’s for the brave hearts who swear by peat. Octomore isn’t just a drink; it’s a smoky sonnet, a narrative of Islay’s untamed spirit. Every sip is like a passionate kiss from the wild, stormy shores of Scotland.

Compass Box Glasgow Blend

Full-bodied with a classic sherry finish, it’s the unsung hero that pops, fizzes, and sets your soul alight. Crafted for cocktails, every sip’s a spicy serenade, a zesty zest that screams ‘Scotch’ with every note.

Glen Scotia Victoriana

Campbeltown’s charm bottled with notes of caramelized fruit and sea spray, Victoriana is your golden ticket to Scotch’s regional extravaganza. It’s a hearty handshake with the Scottish shores - robust, sweet, and salty.

Glenfarclas 12 Year

A melody of rich, bold, fruity tones, harking back to the unspoiled beauty of mid-1800s Speyside. It’s tradition, elegance, and a dash of sherry fantasy, all poured into a crystal-clear glass.

Highland Park 12 Year

From Orkney Island, where the peat sings ballads of earthy, organic wonders. Each sip is a blend of heather honey and spices, as poetic as a moonlit night amidst Scotland’s wild, untamed meadows.

And there you are, stepping out from the grand library of Scotch, a bottle of liquid gold in hand, ready to transform any gathering into a spirited Scottish saga. Each pour, a tale; every sip, a sonnet echoing through the windswept highlands and misty isles of Scotland. Now, pour yourself a dram and let the whisky work its magic - Sláinte!

In the whirlwind world of Scotch, where history and artistry are as complex as they are charming, these bottles are your companions. They’re not just drams but keys unlocking the enigmatic allure of a land sculpted by tradition and kissed by the mystic Scottish mists. Enjoy the journey, one mesmerizing sip at a time.


Monkey Shoulder & Ospree Duty-Free Create Buzz with ‘Liquid On Lips’ Travel Retail Activation

Monkey Shoulder & Ospree Duty-Free Create Buzz with ‘Liquid On Lips’ Travel Retail Activation

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 20, 2025

In a bold and spirited collaboration, Ospree Duty-Free and Monkey Shoulder have stirred up excitement across airport terminals with their latest experiential campaign — “Liquid On Lips.” Designed to break the monotony of traditional airport shopping, this activation turned duty-free into a vibrant playground for travelers.

The journey began the moment passengers were chauffeured to the store in Monkey Shoulder-branded buggies, making a bold first impression. On arrival, they were welcomed with a complimentary shot of Monkey Shoulder, setting the tone for an immersive in-store experience.

Inside the Ospree Duty-Free departure outlets, tent cards, branded communication, and voucher distribution helped guide customers through each touchpoint. The business assistance team further enhanced the engagement by educating guests about the activation, ensuring every traveller got the full Monkey Shoulder experience.

Adding to the buzz was a giant mixer truck stationed at the terminal, where a live DJ spun a specially curated Monkey Shoulder playlist. The festive vibe spilled across the space, complemented by exclusive giveaways like branded coasters that added a memorable takeaway for shoppers.

The “Liquid On Lips” campaign is more than just a product promotion—it’s a clever reimagination of how lifestyle brands can create storytelling-led engagement at high-traffic travel hubs. By turning routine shopping into a sensory celebration, Monkey Shoulder and Ospree Duty-Free have successfully tapped into the modern traveler’s desire for experiences over transactions.

A spokesperson from Ospree Duty Free shared, “This collaboration with Monkey Shoulder is truly one-of-a-kind, and we're proud to bring something so fresh and engaging. The DJ setup, the larger-than-life truck, branded golf carts, and the whole Liquid On Lips vibe creates a fun, experiential moment for travellers ensuring to cover each touch point. At Ospree Duty Free, we're always looking to create new ways for travellers to pause, engage, and take back a unique memory, and this one checks all the boxes.”

From interactive buggies and in-store activations to curated music and clever branding, this campaign highlights the rising relevance of experiential travel retail, making "Liquid On Lips" not just an event, but a moment travelers will remember long after takeoff.


Stone Wood Hosts Goa Travel Agents at Aralea Beach Resort to Strengthen Tourism Ties

Stone Wood Hosts Goa Travel Agents at Aralea Beach Resort to Strengthen Tourism Ties

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 20, 2025

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts recently brought together over 60 travel professionals from across Goa for an exclusive meet-up at its stunning Aralea Beach Resort, Morjim. The scenic gathering set the stage for a meaningful afternoon of connection, collaboration, and conversation—focused on enhancing Goa’s presence as a leading destination for travellers.

Hosted with a blend of relaxed charm and business purpose, the event underscored Stone Wood’s continued commitment to strengthening partnerships within the travel ecosystem. From industry insights to discussions on guest experience enhancement, the meet-up served as a platform for open dialogue and mutual growth.

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We are delighted to have brought together such a vibrant community of travel professionals under one roof,” said Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director of Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts. “This gathering represents our ongoing commitment to building stronger partnerships that will ultimately benefit travelers seeking exceptional experiences in Goa. The enthusiasm and expertise shared by our guests reinforces our belief in the collaborative spirit that drives our industry forward.”

Set against Morjim’s serene shoreline, Aralea Beach Resort offered the perfect venue—providing not only breathtaking views and premium hospitality but also a real-time showcase of what Stone Wood stands for: quality, comfort, and thoughtful service.

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Abhijit Dey, Vice President of Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, added: “The meet-up exemplifies the power of bringing together diverse perspectives from across the travel ecosystem. The insights shared by our esteemed travel agent partners will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and enhance our offerings. These collaborative efforts ensure that we remain at the forefront of delivering seamless and memorable experiences for every guest.”

From immersive conversations to first-hand property experiences, every detail of the event reflected the brand’s guest-first approach and forward-looking vision. As Goa’s tourism landscape continues to evolve, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts is actively shaping that future—focusing on sustainable growth, stronger collaborations, and exceptional hospitality.


AHP Hospitality Challenge & Awards 2025 Returns with Focus on Skill, Scale & Inclusion

AHP Hospitality Challenge & Awards 2025 Returns with Focus on Skill, Scale & Inclusion

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 19, 2025

The Association of Hospitality Professionals (AHP) is gearing up for the 8th edition of its flagship event, the AHP Hospitality Challenge & Awards 2025, bringing together the best of India’s hospitality talent this July. Known for its nationwide impact and industry relevance, this year’s edition raises the bar once again with a sharp focus on skill development, scale, and inclusivity.

Running from 3rd to 9th July, with the grand awards night on 30th July at The Suryaa, New Delhi, the event offers a dynamic blend of competitions and recognitions across hospitality domains—culinary arts, front office, F&B service, and housekeeping. With over 300 participants, judged by 50 distinguished jury members across 20+ competition categories, the platform reflects the depth and dedication of India’s hospitality sector.

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AHP has carefully curated a multi-venue format to provide a professional, real-world setting for each skill category:

  • Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management (3–5 July): Culinary Challenges

  • Indian Hotel Academy (8 July): Front Office Master

  • Radisson Blu, Paschim Vihar (9 July): Art of Bed Making & Towel Folding

  • The Suryaa, New Delhi (7 & 30 July): War of Spirits, Table Setting, and Awards Ceremony

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Vinod Gulati, President of the AHP Executive Committee, shares:
"Hospitality is a deeply human profession. This platform recognises the unseen excellence of those who shape guest experiences every day. It’s their moment to shine."

A cornerstone of the 2025 edition is “Sashakt – Empowering Special Ability Professionals”. This initiative invites specially-abled individuals to participate in the same categories as their peers, without separate judging criteria. By offering equal opportunity and thoughtful accommodations, AHP champions inclusion and celebrates skill over limitations, pushing forward a hospitality culture that’s accessible to all.

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From live cooking showdowns and F&B innovation to bed-making artistry, towel folding, and front office simulations, every contest is designed to challenge and celebrate the multidimensional nature of hospitality.

Devipshita Gautam, Founder and General Secretary of AHP, adds:

"This isn’t just a competition—it’s a tribute to intent and craftsmanship. As we host the 8th edition, we reaffirm that hospitality is more than service—it’s a calling, deserving pride and visibility."

The event culminates in a grand recognition ceremony on 30th July, where AHP will present the Hospitality Excellence Awards 2025, Tourism Excellence Awards, and Food Awards. The honours will celebrate individuals and institutions alike—from chefs and housekeepers to boutique hotels and sustainable dining brands—that define excellence in India’s hospitality industry.

As a not-for-profit organisation registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860, AHP continues to elevate India’s hospitality community through skill competitions, award platforms, training initiatives, and industry collaborations—fueling pride, performance, and progress in one of the world’s most human-centric professions.

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