Amrut Distilleries Marks 75th Anniversary with Limited Edition Whiskies for Gurgaon

Amrut Distilleries Marks 75th Anniversary with Limited Edition Whiskies for Gurgaon

By Author

Published on March 13, 2024

Amrut Distilleries, renowned for its Indian single malt whisky, celebrates its 75th year by unveiling two limited edition whiskies exclusively for Gurgaon. The launch event, graced by whisky connoisseur Jim Murray and Rakshit Jagdale, MD of Amrut Distilleries, marked the debut of Amrut Bagheera and Amrut Portonova in the Indian market.

Inspired by the mystical Black Panthers of Kabini River in Mysore, Amrut Bagheera embodies exclusivity. Crafted from six-row barley and aged in ex-bourbon and oloroso sherry casks, Bagheera boasts vibrant fruity notes with hints of dried fruits and peaches, complemented by mild orange citrus, vanilla, and toffee.

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Crafted from Indian barley grown at the foot of the Himalayas, Amrut Portonova reflects India's rich heritage. Mashed and distilled in small batches, Portonova matures in oak barrels in Bangalore's tropical climate. Offering notes of toffee sweetness, tropical spices, coconut, and cracked black pepper, it promises a rich and complex flavor profile.

Rakshit Jagdale, MD of Amrut Distilleries, shares his vision of offering unique experiences to whisky lovers. Limited to 300 bottles in Haryana, these whiskies are prized for their premium quality and versatility. Bagheera, priced at ₹23,000, and Portonova, approximately ₹15,000, are set to redefine whisky appreciation in India.

Jim Murray commends Amrut's commitment to quality and innovation, emphasizing their exceptional craftsmanship. He acknowledges the unparalleled dedication of the team, foreseeing immense potential in Bagheera and Portonova.

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Amrut aims to expand its reach to 100 countries by 2030, introducing special edition releases exclusively for the Indian market. With strategic partnerships and a focus on quality, Amrut continues to elevate the single malt whisky experience.

Gurmeet S. Johal, MD of GD Group, expresses confidence in Amrut's quality and passion. Collaborating with Amrut, GD Group plans to introduce limited editions annually, ensuring a diverse range of expressions for whisky aficionados.

Amrut's commitment to innovation and quality ensures a promising future for Indian single malt whisky. With each expression crafted to perfection, Amrut invites whisky enthusiasts on a journey of discovery and delight.


Hermitage Red One Glass at a Time: How Coravin Timeless Six Plus Is Transforming Luxury Wine Service in Indian Hotels

Hermitage Red One Glass at a Time: How Coravin Timeless Six Plus Is Transforming Luxury Wine Service in Indian Hotels

By Author

Published on January 4, 2026

Luxury hospitality in India is entering a new era of refined wine service where precision, preservation, and profitability go hand in hand. At the centre of this evolution is the Coravin Timeless Six Plus Limited Edition Hermitage Red, now available in India through Chenab Impex Private Limited. Designed for premium hotels, fine dining restaurants, and sophisticated wine programs, Coravin is redefining how the world’s finest wines are served one glass at a time.

Across five star hotels and destination restaurants in India, wine service has long faced a critical challenge. While guests increasingly seek access to rare and ultra premium labels by the glass, hoteliers have had to balance experience with economics. Once a bottle is opened, oxidation begins and wastage becomes inevitable. Coravin changes this equation entirely.

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A Smarter Way to Serve Fine Wine

The Coravin Timeless Six Plus uses a medical grade needle that gently passes through the cork, allowing wine to be poured while replacing the displaced liquid with one hundred percent pure argon gas. This inert gas protects the remaining wine from oxidation. Once the needle is removed, the cork reseals naturally, keeping the bottle preserved for weeks or even months.

For hotels, this means unprecedented flexibility. Premium wines can now be served by the glass without pressure to finish the bottle. Wine programs can expand confidently. Guests can explore prestigious vintages without committing to an entire bottle, enhancing both satisfaction and spend.

Hermitage Red A Design Inspired by Legacy

The Hermitage Red Limited Edition is more than a functional tool. It is a statement of elegance and heritage. Inspired by Coravin founder Greg Lambrecht’s experience tasting a legendary nineteen eighty five Hermitage by Jean Louis Chave, the deep burgundy finish reflects timeless craftsmanship and innovation.

The Timeless Six Plus Hermitage Red comes equipped with Coravin Pure capsules, a Timeless Aerator for enhanced aromas during pouring, and screw caps for compatibility with non cork closures. Its refined design fits seamlessly into luxury hotel bars, Michelin level restaurants, and private wine lounges.

Driving Profitability for Hotel Wine Programs

From a commercial standpoint, Coravin delivers measurable impact. Reduced wastage directly improves margins. The ability to offer rare labels by the glass increases average check values. Curated wine flights become possible, encouraging exploration and repeat visits.

According to Anmol Chandhok, Vice President at Chenab Impex Private Limited, Coravin allows hospitality partners to elevate guest experience while protecting their investment. Hotels can now showcase exceptional wines confidently, knowing that every bottle maintains its integrity long after the first pour.

Sommeliers across leading Indian hotels describe Coravin as a game changer. It enables side by side tastings of vintages and regions, enhances storytelling at the table, and introduces a new level of sophistication to wine service.

Chenab Impex Strengthening India’s Luxury Hospitality Ecosystem

Chenab Impex Private Limited has played a pivotal role in bringing global excellence to Indian hospitality. As one of the country’s leading importers of gourmet foods, premium wines, and professional bar equipment, Chenab represents internationally respected brands such as Luxardo, Ponti, and Yalumba.

With Coravin, Chenab is empowering hotels and restaurants with world class technology that aligns with the evolving expectations of Indian guests. The focus is not just on distribution but on elevating standards, knowledge, and service quality across the industry.

From Innovation to Industry Standard

Globally, Coravin has become an essential tool in luxury wine programs. In India, it is rapidly transitioning from niche innovation to hospitality necessity. High end hotels in Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, and Bengaluru are already adopting the system to enhance wine lists, tasting menus, and premium offerings.

As Indian consumers become more confident and curious about wine, access without compromise will define the next phase of hospitality excellence. The Coravin Timeless Six Plus Hermitage Red stands as a symbol of this shift where technology meets tradition, and luxury meets intelligence.

In the world of fine wine service, preservation is no longer optional. It is the new benchmark of sophistication. With Coravin, Indian hospitality is ready to serve the future one perfect glass at a time.

 


Sapphire Foods to Merge with Devyani International, Create Unified KFC and Pizza Hut Franchise

Sapphire Foods to Merge with Devyani International, Create Unified KFC and Pizza Hut Franchise

By Hariharan U

Published on January 3, 2026

Sapphire Foods India Ltd and Devyani International Ltd have received board approvals for a merger that will bring the two companies together under a single entity. The proposed consolidation marks a significant step in India’s quick service restaurant space and will create a unified Yum! Brands franchisee for KFC and Pizza Hut in the country.

Under the approved scheme of arrangement, Sapphire Foods will merge with and into Devyani International through a share-swap structure. The consolidation is expected to strengthen operational scale, streamline brand strategy, and position the merged entity for its next phase of growth and profitability.

In a joint statement, the companies said the merger will result in “a single unified Yum! India Franchisee for KFC and Pizza Hut,” bringing together operations that currently run parallel across multiple markets.

The transaction remains subject to customary regulatory and statutory approvals, including clearances from stock exchanges, the Competition Commission of India, the National Company Law Tribunal, and approvals from shareholders and creditors of both companies. Once these approvals are received, the merger will become effective.

As per the scheme, 177 equity shares of Devyani International will be issued for every 100 equity shares of Sapphire Foods. Additionally, Arctic International, a Devyani group company, will acquire approximately 18.5 percent of Sapphire Foods’ paid-up equity share capital from existing promoters, with an option to assign this stake to a mutually agreed financial investor.

Yum! Brands has approved the proposed consolidation. As part of the transaction, Devyani International will also acquire 19 KFC restaurants currently operated by Yum! India in Hyderabad. The company will pay a one-time charge to Yum! India towards merger approval and license fees for the additional territory.

The merger is expected to deliver meaningful synergies, including the creation of one of the largest QSR platforms in India with an expanded national footprint. The unified structure is also expected to unlock growth through a single brand strategy for both KFC and Pizza Hut. Devyani International expects annual synergy benefits in the range of Rs 210 to 225 crore from the second full year of integrated operations.

Commenting on the development, Ravi Jaipuria, Non-Executive Chairman of Devyani International, said, “The merger also adds a strong international presence in Sri Lanka, which complements our existing overseas operations.” He added, “This combination will allow DIL to realise meaningful economies of scale, leverage a unified technology platform, and strengthen our supply-chain capabilities. Together, these advantages will help unlock sustained value creation and long-term growth for our shareholders, customers, employees, and partners.”

Sumeet Narang, SFML nominee director of Sapphire Foods and Founder of Samara Capital, said, “We are extremely excited about this development, which brings together a single, unified franchisee for KFC and Pizza Hut in India through the merger with Devyani International Limited. This transaction reflects the shared long-term vision and strong partnership between Samara Capital Group and RJ Corp.”

Yum! Brands CFO Ranjith Roy said, “DIL and SFIL have been outstanding partners to Yum! for many years. We are pleased to support this proposed merger to unlock a new phase of accelerated growth in the region and to advance supply chain operations, leading to a stronger, more resilient partner in India.”

Devyani International is the largest franchisee for KFC and Pizza Hut in India and also operates Costa Coffee, Tea Live, New York Fries, Sanook Kitchen, and the South Indian vegetarian QSR brand Vaango. Sapphire Foods operates KFC and Pizza Hut outlets across multiple states in India and Sri Lanka and also runs Taco Bell restaurants in Sri Lanka. Together, the combined platform is expected to significantly strengthen India’s organised QSR landscape.


Café Delhi Heights Opens 49th Outlet at Unity One Eleganté, NSP

Café Delhi Heights Opens 49th Outlet at Unity One Eleganté, NSP

By Hariharan U

Published on January 3, 2026

Café Delhi Heights has launched its 49th outlet at Unity One Eleganté, Netaji Subhash Place, further strengthening its presence in the capital. The new opening marks another milestone for the popular casual dining brand as it continues to add flavour and character to West Delhi’s evolving food scene.

Situated in one of West Delhi’s busiest and well-connected neighbourhoods, the outlet is designed to welcome a wide mix of guests, from families and friends to working professionals. Spread across approximately 1,840 sq. ft., the café can seat 71 guests, with 57 indoor seats and 14 outdoor covers, offering a comfortable and relaxed dining setting.

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Staying true to the brand’s focus on food and ambience, the NSP outlet features an elegant Art Deco design. Clean lines, geometric elements, and rich textures give the space a refined yet warm feel, creating an inviting environment that suits both casual meet-ups and corporate gatherings.

Speaking about the launch, Vikrant Batra, Founder of Café Delhi Heights, said, "Every new outlet is a reflection of our commitment to creating spaces where people feel at home. NSP is one of Delhi's most energetic hubs, and we wanted to bring a fresh, thoughtfully designed Café Delhi Heights experience to this neighborhood. The Art Deco theme complements our vision of blending comfort with sophistication, while continuing to serve the flavors and hospitality that our guests love."

Founded by the Batra brothers, Café Delhi Heights began its journey with its first outlet at Crosspoint Mall in Gurgaon and has since grown into a nationally recognised brand with a presence across 17 cities. Its menu brings together global inspirations and comfort favourites, ranging from the popular Juicy Lucy Burger to European offerings and Indian classics, with a strong focus on quality ingredients and inventive flavours.

Beyond its flagship cafés, the brand continues to expand through Café Delhi Heights 2.0 and other concepts such as IKIGAI in Delhi and Sarava in Goa. With plans to scale up to nearly 120 locations, including international markets, Café Delhi Heights is steadily gearing up for its next phase of growth while staying rooted in warmth, connection, and comfort-driven dining.

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