Alcobrew Distilleries Joins IMWA; Gamber Valley Indian Single Malt Marks Category Milestone

Alcobrew Distilleries Joins IMWA; Gamber Valley Indian Single Malt Marks Category Milestone

By Hariharan U

Published on June 19, 2026

Alcobrew Distilleries India Limited has officially joined the Indian Malt Whisky Association (IMWA), marking a significant step in the company’s entry into India’s fast-growing premium whisky segment. The announcement coincides with the launch of Gamber Valley Indian Single Malt Whisky, the company’s debut single malt expression crafted entirely at its Solan facility in Himachal Pradesh.

With this move, Alcobrew becomes part of a select group of Indian single malt producers under IMWA, an association established to define and uphold strict standards for authenticity, production, and quality in India’s malt whisky category. These standards require the use of 100% malted barley, copper pot distillation, and a minimum three-year maturation in oak barrels within India.

Gamber Valley Indian Single Malt Whisky, available in Private Edition 1 and Vault Series expressions—has been developed in full compliance with these guidelines, reinforcing its positioning as a provenance-driven Himalayan spirit.

Maj Gen (Dr) Rajesh Chopra, Director General of IMWA, welcomed the new member, noting that Alcobrew’s commitment to craft and authenticity aligns with the association’s mission to elevate Indian single malts on the global stage. He highlighted that the category is witnessing strong momentum, with Indian single malts increasingly gaining recognition both domestically and internationally.

Alcobrew joins established names such as Amrut Distilleries, John Distilleries, Radico Khaitan, Piccadily Agro Industries, and Diageo India within IMWA’s membership. Collectively, these producers represent a majority share of India’s single malt market, reflecting the rapid maturation of the segment.

The company’s Chairman and Managing Director, Romesh Pandita, described the IMWA membership as a commitment to quality and global ambition. He emphasised that Gamber Valley is rooted in Himalayan terroir and designed to meet international expectations of premium whisky craftsmanship.

Industry data indicates that Indian single malts have gained strong traction in recent years, with domestic brands surpassing imported Scotch in volume terms in 2024, accounting for more than half of total single malt case sales in India.

Alongside its commercial ambitions, Alcobrew reaffirmed its focus on responsible consumption and consumer education, aligning with IMWA’s broader advocacy for transparency and ethical practices in the spirits industry.

With its entry into IMWA and the launch of Gamber Valley, Alcobrew Distilleries positions itself within a rapidly evolving segment that is reshaping India’s identity in the global whisky landscape


The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula, a Vignette Collection Hotel by IHG, Opens in North India

The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula, a Vignette Collection Hotel by IHG, Opens in North India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 29, 2026

SSIEL Group has announced the opening of The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula, the first Vignette Collection hotel by IHG Hotels & Resorts. Owned and developed by SSIEL Hotels & Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Shiv Shakti Inter Globe Exports Pvt. Ltd., the hotel marks a key milestone in the group's expansion into the hospitality sector.

Nestled in the scenic Shivalik Hills within the Chandigarh Tricity region, The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula offers a luxury lifestyle experience that combines contemporary design with the cultural essence of the destination. As part of IHG Hotels & Resorts' growing luxury lifestyle portfolio, the property embraces the Vignette Collection philosophy of celebrating the unique identity of each destination while delivering globally recognised hospitality standards.

The hotel features 145 guestrooms, including 11 suites, along with over 2,200 square metres of flexible meeting and event space. Guests also have access to a luxury spa, fitness centre, swimming pool and premium retail experiences.

Designed to cater to both business and leisure travellers, the hotel aims to become a preferred venue for luxury stays, corporate events, destination weddings and social celebrations across North India.

The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula also offers a range of curated dining and social experiences. These include Sapio, the all-day dining restaurant; Cabinet V (Luxury PDR), an exclusive private dining venue serving contemporary Indian and European cuisine; Wakerie, an artisanal café and patisserie; Jigger, a cocktail bar; and Sky VI, a rooftop destination overlooking the Shivalik Hills, which is scheduled to open in September.

With this launch, SSIEL Group strengthens its presence in the hospitality sector while bringing IHG Hotels & Resorts' Vignette Collection brand to North India for the first time.


Faasos Opens Its First Airport Store at Mumbai T2, Expanding Retail Presence

Faasos Opens Its First Airport Store at Mumbai T2, Expanding Retail Presence

By Author

Published on July 29, 2026

Faasos, the wraps brand from Rebel Foods, has expanded its retail footprint with the launch of its first-ever airport store at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) Terminal 2, Gate 45, Mumbai. The opening marks the brand's entry into the airport dining segment as it looks to strengthen its presence across high-footfall travel destinations.

The new outlet offers travellers access to Faasos' signature wraps and quick-service menu, catering to passengers seeking convenient dining options before departure or during transit. The menu includes the brand's Classic Wraps, Signature Wraps, Burger Wraps, Shawarmas, sides, and beverages.

Having served customers across India for more than two decades through its delivery-led business, Faasos continues to expand its omnichannel presence by bringing its offerings to offline retail locations. The Mumbai airport store represents a strategic step in extending the brand beyond home delivery and into travel-focused environments.

Commenting on the launch, Ankush Grover, Co-founder & Global CEO, Rebel Foods, said, "Every journey comes with its own moments, and we wanted Faasos to be part of those memories. Our first store at Mumbai T2 airport brings together everything our consumers love about us: bold flavours, convenience, and food designed for life on the move. Airports are places where experiences begin, and we are excited to bring the Faasos experience into this dynamic environment. From a quick pre-flight meal to a familiar favourite during a layover, this launch is about creating more opportunities for consumers to connect with the brand wherever their journeys take them."

The store has been designed to reflect the brand's identity through vibrant interiors, bold graphics, neon elements, and contemporary design, creating an engaging retail experience for travellers.

The launch forms part of Faasos' broader retail expansion strategy, strengthening its omnichannel presence while creating additional touchpoints for consumers beyond its established delivery network.


Amrit Bhawan to Host 'A Week of Wellness by the Ganga' This Monsoon

Amrit Bhawan to Host 'A Week of Wellness by the Ganga' This Monsoon

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 26, 2026

Haridwar's heritage riverside retreat, Amrit Bhawan, is set to host 'A Week of Wellness by the Ganga' from 25 July to 1 August 2026, inviting guests to embrace a slower and more mindful way of travelling this monsoon. Open to all guests regardless of the length of their stay, the week-long programme combines wellness, relaxation, and meaningful riverside experiences in a peaceful setting.

The programme features a thoughtfully curated schedule of daily yoga sessions, personalised nutrition consultations with wellness expert Srishti Chatlani, massage therapies, wellness-focused meals, and interactive sessions covering Ayurveda, fermentation, gut health, herbal infusions, and everyday wellness practices.

Evenings will centre around the property's private ghat, where guests can take part in Ganga Aarti, heritage walks, documentary screenings, sound healing, meditation, and Yoga Nidra. These experiences are designed to help visitors reconnect with nature, local traditions, and themselves.

Speaking about the initiative, Varun Bajaj, Founder & Managing Partner, Ekat Travel & Lodging, said, "Wellness isn't something we wanted to package as a retreat or an escape. It already exists in the rhythm of this house, in the river, the slower pace of the day, shared meals and quiet moments by the Ganga. This programme simply creates more opportunities for guests to experience that rhythm with intention."

Guests can also choose from curated wellness packages based on the duration of their stay. The packages, available per night for up to two adults, include a range of wellness benefits such as massage therapies and personalised nutrition consultations.

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