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.


All Things Breakfast Launches ‘Darcy & Company’, a Jane Austen–Inspired Artisanal Granola Brand from Pondicherry

All Things Breakfast Launches ‘Darcy & Company’, a Jane Austen–Inspired Artisanal Granola Brand from Pondicherry

By Hariharan U

Published on December 23, 2025

All Things Breakfast Pvt. Ltd. (ATB), a new-age food venture focused on reconnecting food with happiness, has announced the launch of its first flagship brand, Darcy & Company. Based in Pondicherry, the micro-bakery introduces a thoughtfully crafted range of artisanal, small-batch breakfast essentials, beginning with protein- and fibre-enriched granolas.

Marking the brand’s debut is The Jane Austen Anthology, a limited-edition granola collection launched to celebrate the 250th birth anniversary of the legendary author. The collection draws inspiration from the timeless charm, romance, and refined simplicity of Jane Austen’s literary world, translating it into flavours designed for modern Indian mornings.

Darcy & Company is founded by Rashmi Naik, who brings over two decades of corporate experience into a purpose-driven food venture. Inspired by a personal journey towards better nutrition and meaningful work, Rashmi, along with a close group of friends, set out to address a familiar dilemma—choosing between food that is healthy but dull or indulgent but unhealthy.

Darcy & Company was born from the belief that food should bring joy, not guilt,” says Rashmi Naik. “Our aim is to create breakfast options that are clean, nourishing, and genuinely enjoyable. Using activated seeds, local grains, and single-origin Indian ingredients allows us to strike that balance.”

The Jane Austen Anthology features four distinctive granola blends, each inspired by settings and themes from Austen’s novels. From the buttery comfort of Pride and Prejudice to the refined elegance of Emma, the blends marry global flavour inspirations with locally sourced Indian ingredients. Oats are sourced from Kerala, nuts and seeds from Auroville, and single-origin chocolate from Pondicherry and Wayanad, reinforcing the brand’s strong local sourcing philosophy.

At its core, Darcy & Company is built on principles of quality, trust, and sustainability. Each batch is mixed and slow-baked only after an order is placed, ensuring freshness. Nuts and seeds are activated through traditional soaking methods to enhance nutrition and digestibility, while ethical sourcing and responsible production remain central to the brand’s ethos.

More than a food brand, Darcy & Company positions itself as a mindful lifestyle choice—one that celebrates slow mornings, thoughtful eating, and simple pleasures. With its literary inspiration and ingredient-led approach, the brand aims to make breakfast the most anticipated meal of the day.

Darcy & Company’s granola range, including the Jane Austen Anthology, is now available for nationwide orders.


Christmas Must-Try Menus and Festive Events to Explore in Mumbai This December 2025

Christmas Must-Try Menus and Festive Events to Explore in Mumbai This December 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 23, 2025

Mumbai’s festive season dining gets a vibrant lift this Christmas 2025, with restaurants and breweries across the city curating special menus, themed décor, and celebratory events that bring together food, drinks, and music. From elegant brunches to high-energy brewery nights, here are some must-try Christmas menus and events to experience this December.

Amelia, located in Bandra Kurla Complex, sets the festive tone with a beautifully decked Christmas setting and curated celebrations spread across 24th and 25th December 2025. The restaurant hosts a special Christmas Eve celebration on 24th December, followed by a relaxed and celebratory Christmas brunch on 25th December. Known for its warm ambience, Amelia pairs elegant Christmas décor with signature dishes and seasonal cocktails, creating an inviting space for gatherings with friends, family, or colleagues. The experience focuses on a brunch-led celebration that blends comfort, festive flavours, and a joyful holiday spirit.

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In Andheri, Sthamba Brewery brings festive cheer with its Barrels & Bells Christmas theme, rolling out a special lineup of festive beers throughout December 2025. The seasonal selection includes Holy Mistletoe Lager, Snowman Cookie Stout, Rudolf’s Red Nose Cider, Smoked Rauchbier, Whiskey Ale, and Strawberry Cider. Alongside the drinks, the brewery has planned a lively festive calendar with a new band performing live on 20th December, a drum circle on 24th December, and live music on 27th December 2025. Adding to the excitement, Sthamba hosts high-energy Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve celebrations, with the brewery staying open until 5 AM on both nights, making it a go-to destination for late-night festive revelry.

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Harajuku Tokyo Café & Bakehouse in BKC adds a global twist to the season with the launch of its Tokyo-inspired Christmas cocktail menu, available throughout December 2025. The festive menu features winter-forward flavours with Japanese influences, including cocktails such as Jingle & Ginger Toddy, A Matcha Christmas, and Sansho Claus. Complementing the drinks are indulgent festive desserts like Frosty Bytes, Merry Mochi, and Oh My Deer!. Enhancing the overall experience, Harajuku also introduces The Drunch Club, which kicks off during the festive period and will continue every Sunday in the months ahead, offering guests a new way to unwind with food, drinks, and music.

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With thoughtfully crafted menus, festive décor, and engaging events, these destinations reflect Mumbai’s dynamic Christmas dining scene in 2025, offering something special for every kind of celebration, from laid-back brunches to spirited late-night gatherings.


Amrut Unveils “Mumbai Chi Maaya,” Its Landmark Mumbai City Edition

Amrut Unveils “Mumbai Chi Maaya,” Its Landmark Mumbai City Edition

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 22, 2025

Amrut Distilleries has unveiled “Mumbai Chi Maaya,” a radiant limited-edition single malt whisky inspired by the dreams, hopes and aspirations of India’s financial capital. Crafted as a tribute to a city that never truly sleeps, the expression captures Mumbai’s restless energy, where crashing waves meet neon nights and every individual carries a story shaped by ambition and endurance.

Mumbai was chosen as the muse for this special city edition for its rare ability to hold together resilience, aspiration and everyday joy in one compelling rhythm. The pack design reflects this spirit, featuring the Gateway of India as a powerful symbol of survival and renewal. More than a monument, its silhouette represents a city that has stood tall through challenging chapters, embodying a quiet yet enduring sense of maaya.

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Other iconic elements of Mumbai find thoughtful representation in the narrative of “Mumbai Chi Maaya.” The Bombay Stock Exchange reflects the city’s electric balance of risk and reward, where fortunes can change in moments but confidence remains unwavering. Wankhede Stadium evokes memories of collective triumph, recalling the historic 2011 Cricket World Cup victory that united a nation in a moment of shared euphoria. The dabbawalas are celebrated for their unmatched precision and discipline, moving thousands of tiffins daily through the city’s chaos with flawless efficiency.

The whisky also pays homage to the quieter rituals that define everyday life in Mumbai. From conversations over vada pav to friendships renewed on station platforms, and moments of calm found while watching the sunset over the Arabian Sea, these simple experiences form the emotional fabric of the city. Mumbai’s local trains, the lifeline of the metropolis, carry over 7.5 million commuters daily across 450 kilometres, transforming movement into a shared rhythm that binds the city together.

At the heart of “Mumbai Chi Maaya” is the liquid itself. Bottled at 48 percent ABV, a rarity for Indian consumers, the single malt mirrors Mumbai’s intensity through bold depth, structure and extended palate length, while remaining refined and approachable. Each dram is designed to reflect the city’s many moods, guiding drinkers through neighbourhoods, ambitions and moments of reinvention, from fast-paced professional lives to relaxed family evenings along the promenade.

Commenting on the launch, Rakshit N Jagdale, Managing Director, Amrut Distilleries, said, “The ‘Mumbai Chi Maaya’ Edition is a tribute to Mumbai’s extraordinary spirit, its aspiration, endurance, and everyday grace. From iconic landmarks and shared memories to quiet, personal moments, every detail in the pack and every sip honors our bond with a city where dreaming big is a way of life and reflects Amrut’s commitment to celebrating India’s roots and its remarkable cities through every handcrafted expression.”

With “Mumbai Chi Maaya,” Amrut continues its journey of celebrating India’s cultural essence through thoughtfully crafted expressions, offering whisky enthusiasts a sensorial experience that captures the magic and soul of one of the country’s most iconic cities.

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