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.


Olivia Creamery Expands to Delhi NCR, Bringing Its Artisanal Ice Creams Beyond Kolkata

Olivia Creamery Expands to Delhi NCR, Bringing Its Artisanal Ice Creams Beyond Kolkata

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 6, 2026

Olivia Creamery, the Kolkata-based artisanal ice cream brand founded by Malika Chawla Batra and Srishti Chawla, has entered the Delhi NCR market, marking its first expansion beyond Kolkata. Known for its handcrafted small-batch ice creams, the brand is now serving customers across Delhi NCR through direct ordering and its website.

Since its launch in 2021, Olivia Creamery has built a strong presence in Kolkata’s premium dessert segment by focusing on quality ingredients, thoughtful craftsmanship and distinctive flavour profiles. The brand’s ice creams are prepared in limited batches using seasonal fruits, premium chocolate, fine cocoa, carefully sourced dairy products and natural ingredients.

Its menu features a mix of classic favourites and innovative creations inspired by travel experiences, personal memories and culinary influences. Alongside its signature offerings, the brand also provides sugar-free and vegan options, as well as luxury ice cream gifting hampers designed to meet evolving consumer preferences.

Over the years, Olivia Creamery has developed a loyal customer base in Kolkata by positioning itself within the premium artisanal category rather than the mass-market dessert segment. The brand’s #LoveAtFirstBite philosophy reflects its focus on creating memorable flavour experiences that leave a lasting impression from the very first spoonful.

Speaking about the expansion, Co-Founder and Head Chef Malika Chawla Batra said, “Olivia Creamery started with a simple intent: to create ice creams that people remember not just for taste, but for feeling. Many of our flavours come from lived experiences, whether something we tasted while travelling, a childhood favourite, or a moment tied to a place or memory. Kolkata gave us the space to build that language slowly and honestly.”

Co-Founder Srishti Chawla said the move into Delhi NCR represents a natural progression for the brand. “We’ve always believed that ice cream is not just a product, it’s an emotion-led category. Delhi NCR has a mature and evolving sweet treats culture, where consumers are actively seeking authenticity, craftsmanship, and brands with a point of view. We see strong alignment with that mindset,” she said.

The expansion comes at a time when India’s premium ice cream segment is witnessing growing demand for artisanal products, clean-label offerings and experience-driven indulgence. Olivia Creamery aims to cater to this evolving market with its emphasis on small-batch production, ingredient integrity and carefully curated flavours.

Founded in Kolkata in 2021, the brand is recognised for its artisanal ice creams, luxury gifting hampers and inclusive offerings such as vegan and sugar-free options. Customers across Delhi NCR can now access the brand’s products with delivery available in approximately four hours.


Jyran at Sofitel Mumbai BKC Unveils a Revitalised North-West Frontier Culinary Experience

Jyran at Sofitel Mumbai BKC Unveils a Revitalised North-West Frontier Culinary Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on June 5, 2026

Jyran, the signature Tandoor Dining & Lounge at Sofitel Mumbai BKC, has unveiled a refreshed culinary experience that celebrates the rich heritage of North-West Frontier cuisine while introducing modern elements of storytelling, presentation, and mixology.

Inspired by the tale of a young boy and his bond with an elephant, symbolising love, hope, and belonging, Jyran continues to build its identity around warmth, connection, and authentic frontier-inspired flavours. The latest menu enhancement offers guests greater flexibility through both set-menu and à la carte dining options while introducing thoughtfully curated small plates, signature mains, and inventive desserts.

Leading the culinary transformation is Master Chef Waris Qureshi, whose expertise draws from the royal culinary traditions of Awadhi, Peshawari, and Hyderabadi cuisines. Known for preserving heritage recipes while presenting them with contemporary flair, Chef Qureshi has crafted a menu that blends time-honoured techniques with refined modern execution.

The new menu showcases robust tandoor-led preparations that reflect the depth and character of frontier cuisine. Signature dishes include Namak Mandi Gosht Ki Chaap, featuring succulent lamb chops marinated in malt vinegar and aromatic spices, and Murgh Al Qureshi, a delicately flavoured chicken preparation enriched with saffron, cashews, and traditional Lucknowi influences.

Guests can also savour the Raan-E-Khushk Pardah, a slow-cooked leg of lamb encased in a delicate pastry crust, alongside the restaurant’s signature Dal-E-Qureshi, which is simmered for 48 hours to achieve its distinctive richness and depth of flavour.

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The dessert menu introduces contemporary interpretations of beloved classics. Highlights include the Gulab Jamun Kunafa Nest, which combines traditional Indian sweetness with Middle Eastern textures, and the indulgent Jyran Signature Kulfi Falooda, offering a refined take on a nostalgic favourite.

Complementing the culinary offerings is a reimagined cocktail programme featuring eight signature creations. Designed as chapters within an unfolding story, each cocktail is paired with a theatrical presentation that transforms the drinking experience into an immersive narrative. From colour-changing concoctions and fire-and-smoke reveals to interactive “Lost Letter” moments, the beverages are crafted to evoke themes of longing, memory, discovery, and reunion.

Together, the refreshed food and beverage programme transforms dining at Jyran into a multi-sensory journey that celebrates both culinary heritage and creative innovation. Through its combination of authentic flavours, storytelling elements, and experiential hospitality, Jyran continues to strengthen its position as one of Mumbai’s distinctive luxury dining destinations.

Located within Sofitel Mumbai BKC, the restaurant reflects the hotel’s broader philosophy of combining French sophistication with warm Indian hospitality, offering guests memorable experiences rooted in culture, craftsmanship, and contemporary luxury.

Restaurant Details:

Venue: Jyran, Sofitel Mumbai BKC
Lunch: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Dinner: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Dining Options: Set Menu and À la Carte Available
Reservations: +91 91673 91130


Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Introduces Mediterranean Nights at The Square

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Introduces Mediterranean Nights at The Square

By Hariharan U

Published on June 4, 2026

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach has introduced a new dining experience titled “Mediterranean Nights” at its signature restaurant, The Square, bringing together the vibrant culinary traditions of the Mediterranean coastline and Middle Eastern regions.

Designed as an immersive and elegant evening experience, Mediterranean Nights focuses on fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, handcrafted mezze, and interactive live cooking stations that highlight the richness and diversity of Mediterranean cuisine.

The ambience at The Square has been thoughtfully curated to reflect coastal European charm, featuring soft lighting, Mediterranean-inspired décor elements, and soothing background music. The setting aims to create a relaxed yet premium atmosphere ideal for an elevated dining experience by the sea.

Guests can explore an elaborate buffet spread featuring a wide selection of mezze, artisan breads and dips, seafood preparations, roasted meats, and signature Mediterranean desserts. The live cooking stations further enhance the experience by offering freshly prepared dishes that bring an interactive and engaging dimension to the evening.

Mediterranean Nights is designed as a social dining experience suitable for gatherings with friends, family, and colleagues. The concept focuses on offering guests a flavourful escape that captures the essence of Mediterranean hospitality, known for its warmth, simplicity, and celebration of shared meals.

Through this initiative, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach continues to expand its culinary programming, offering curated dining experiences that blend global flavours with immersive hospitality settings.

Event Details:

Venue: The Square, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, Balraj Sahni Road, Juhu, Mumbai – 400049
Days: Every Friday & Sunday
Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

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