Indri Dru Crowned 'Best Indian Single Malt' at World Whiskies Awards 2024

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 1, 2024

In a landmark moment for the Indian whisky industry, Piccadily Distilleries' Indri Dru has been awarded the prestigious title of 'Best Indian Single Malt' at the World Whiskies Awards 2024. This accolade comes on the heels of the success of Indri-Trini, India's first triple cask single malt, which also received international recognition. Indri Dru's triumph is a testament to India's burgeoning reputation in the global whisky scene, less than a year after its market introduction in 2023.

The name 'Dru' is derived from Sanskrit, meaning wood, and pays homage to the ancient Indian mythological drink “soma”. Matured in the subtropical climate of northern India, Indri Dru is a meticulously crafted whisky, blending the richness of Ex-Bourbon barrels to achieve a unique flavour profile, characterised by its impressive 57.2% alcohol by volume.

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Indri Dru delights the senses from the first whiff, offering a rich aroma of mixed fruits, underpinned by vanilla, spice, chocolate, and honey notes. The palate is treated to a symphony of sweet fruits, soft spice, and vanilla, with undertones of chocolate and wood lactones, enriched by citrus notes that lend the whisky its depth and complexity. The finish is both full-bodied and intricate, leaving a lingering fruitiness that is both tantalising and satisfying.

"This award for 'Best Indian Single Malt' is a recognition of India's exceptional skill in whisky making and underscores our commitment to excellence," remarked Siddhartha Sharma, Founder of Piccadily Distilleries. "Indri Dru not only brings honour to our distillery but also marks India's rising stature in the global whisky industry."

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The World Whiskies Awards, known for its rigorous judging process, involves three rounds of scrutiny by an esteemed panel, including international journalists, industry experts, and specialist drink retailers. The competition celebrates the finest in whisky making from around the globe, with participants from the United Kingdom, the United States, Denmark, Australia, and beyond.

Indri Dru's recognition at the World Whiskies Awards 2024 adds to its growing list of accolades, including high praise from the International Wine and Spirits Competition of 2023. Lauded for its balance and richness in flavour, Indri Dru is celebrated as a standout addition to the whisky world, promising a memorable experience for connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.


Midweek, Reimagined: Lyla Bombay Launches Candlelight Singalong Wednesdays

Midweek, Reimagined: Lyla Bombay Launches Candlelight Singalong Wednesdays

By Hariharan U

Published on April 3, 2026

Two years since opening its doors, Lyla Bombay continues to evolve its identity, this time by turning its focus to something more intimate and experience-driven. Marking its second anniversary, the restaurant introduces Candlelight Singalong Wednesdays, a weekly ritual designed to transform the rhythm of midweek evenings.

Set against the backdrop of Mumbai’s bustling business district, Lyla shifts gears as the sun sets. Lights dim, candlelight takes over, and the space transitions into a setting that feels personal and unstructured. The experience moves beyond the format of a traditional performance, creating an environment where the line between artist and audience softens, allowing guests to become a part of the moment.

The concept sits somewhere between a live music session and a singalong, not quite a concert, not quite karaoke. Instead, it leans into a shared, easy energy where familiar songs fill the room and strangers find connection through music. The result is an atmosphere that feels spontaneous, warm, and quietly electric.

Complementing the experience is Lyla’s thoughtfully curated menu, featuring dishes that balance comfort with indulgence. Standout offerings such as Prawns Moilee, truffle mushroom risotto, and the restaurant’s signature stuffed ravioli add depth to the evening, aligning seamlessly with the relaxed yet elevated tone of the event.

Candlelight Singalong Wednesdays form part of a larger anniversary chapter for Lyla, which also introduces a refreshed, globally inspired all-day dining menu alongside an expanded lineup of weekend experiences. The idea is simple yet intentional, to create a space that adapts to the pace of its guests, whether they arrive for a quiet morning or stay through a lively evening.

With this new offering, Lyla Bombay positions itself not just as a dining destination, but as a space where moments unfold naturally, turning an ordinary Wednesday into something worth returning for.


Commune Launches Sunday Brunch Series with Easter Kick-Off

Commune Launches Sunday Brunch Series with Easter Kick-Off

By Hariharan U

Published on April 1, 2026

Commune is set to elevate weekend dining with the launch of its much-anticipated Sunday Brunch series, kicking off on April 5, 2026, with a specially curated Easter edition. Envisioned as a recurring weekly experience, the brunch blends indulgent food, live entertainment, and a relaxed, social atmosphere.

The Easter launch sets the tone with a thoughtfully curated spread that balances freshness and comfort. Guests can explore a variety of salads including Mediterranean couscous and quinoa avocado, alongside small plates such as herb and cheese stuffed mushrooms and tempura vegetables. The mains bring together global and regional flavours, featuring dishes like Ratatouille vegetable steak, Thai Panang curry, Laal Maas, and slow-roasted chicken.

Enhancing the experience further are a dedicated live counter and a grazing table, offering guests an interactive and immersive way to enjoy the meal.

In keeping with the festive spirit, the dessert selection introduces playful Easter-inspired highlights. From hot cross buns pudding and carrot cake with cream cheese frosting to golden Easter eggs with mango-coconut ganache and Royal Kunafa, the menu adds a celebratory finish to the afternoon.

Beyond the food, the brunch experience is designed to encourage guests to slow down and connect. Live singing performances every Sunday add a vibrant yet easy-going energy, transforming the brunch into a leisurely social gathering rather than just a meal.

Commune’s Sunday Brunch aims to become a go-to weekend ritual, offering a space where guests can unwind, indulge, and enjoy a thoughtfully curated dining experience


Barista Coffee Launches ‘Main Hoon Mango’ Summer Menu

Barista Coffee Launches ‘Main Hoon Mango’ Summer Menu

By Hariharan U

Published on April 1, 2026

Barista Coffee Company is welcoming the summer season with the launch of its much-anticipated mango campaign, ‘Main Hoon Mango’, starting April 1, 2026. The initiative celebrates the timeless appeal of mango, often regarded as the heart of Indian summers, through a vibrant and indulgent in-café experience.

Deeply rooted in Indian culture, mango carries strong emotional and nostalgic value, evoking memories of childhood, seasonal rituals, and simple joys. With this campaign, Barista aims to bring that familiarity to life while adding a contemporary twist through innovative flavours and formats.

At the centre of the campaign is a specially curated menu that blends the richness of mango with the brand’s signature coffee expertise. The lineup features a mix of beverages and desserts, including Dirty Mango Latte, Chilli Mango Tango, Mango Iced Espresso, Mango Matcha, Mango Affair, and a Mango Cheesecake Slice. Each creation is designed to balance freshness with indulgence, offering guests a new way to experience the season’s most loved fruit.

Speaking about the launch, Rajat Agrawal said, “As the mango season approaches, Barista has once again introduced a summer menu built around the king of fruits. ‘Main Hoon Mango’ celebrates the essence of Indian summers through a flavour that resonates with everyone. This campaign brings together nostalgia and indulgence in a refreshing experience, and we look forward to offering our customers a unique mango journey across all Barista outlets.”

Available across Barista cafés and online platforms, the ‘Main Hoon Mango’ range is priced starting at INR 275, making it accessible for customers looking to enjoy a seasonal indulgence.

With this launch, Barista Coffee Company continues to tap into seasonal preferences, creating experiences that go beyond beverages and connect with consumers through flavour, memory, and innovation.

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