Loading...
You have Successfully logged In !
Already have an account? Login
By clicking Register you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Don't have an account?Register
Enter your E-mail address below, We will send the verification code
Please enter the code send to
Didn't receive the email?Click to resend
Your password has been successfully reset!.
Please login again to access your account.
An OTP has been sent to
Enter the 4-digit code
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.
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."
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.
Soyarich Redefines Plant-Based Eating with Innovative Vegan ...
In today’s evolving culinary world, growing concerns around ...
CaratLane Brings Treasure Chest Jewellery Savings Plan to Ph...
CaratLane, A TATA Product and one of India’s leading omnicha...
UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Arrives in India, Holds Talk...
UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in India o...
Palaniappa’s Hepi TV Turns Guest Room TVs into Smart Revenue...
In today’s hospitality landscape, guest experience goes far ...
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on January 25, 2026
Air India, India’s leading global airline, has unveiled a refreshed beverage collection for its international routes, bringing together a wide range of celebrated wines and spirits from across the world. Curated to enhance the inflight experience, the new selection is designed to offer depth, variety, and thoughtful pairing at 35,000 feet.
The updated collection balances classic wines, new-world labels, and rare, aged spirits to suit the preferences of today’s global traveller. A key highlight of this refresh is the introduction of the ‘Regional Wine Programme’, which presents wine selections tailored to key international routes in Business and Premium Economy. To support this initiative, cabin crew have received specialised training to guide guests with personalised beverage recommendations during their journey.
In a category-first for Indian aviation, Air India has introduced tequila as part of its inflight offering, serving 1800 Reserva Añejo from Mexico in First and Business Class. The spirits portfolio also features India’s Rampur Double Cask single malt, reflecting the airline’s focus on showcasing Indian craftsmanship alongside international labels.
In First Class, the beverage experience is centred on exclusivity and heritage. Guests can enjoy a selection of ultra-premium labels, including Aberfeldy 21 YO Single Malt from Scotland, Hennessy VSOP Cognac, Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs Champagne, Pian della Vigne Brunello di Montalcino by Marchesi Antinori from Italy, and Classic Burgundy Chardonnay. These selections are reserved exclusively for the flagship cabin and are supported by an extended premium portfolio.
Business Class guests are offered an elevated wine and spirits programme with a global focus. The selection includes Roku Gin from Japan, Charles Heidsieck Brut Champagne, Bottega Gold Prosecco, Albert Bichot Moulin-à-Vent, Château Teyssier Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, and Birra Moretti beer from Italy, among other international labels.
Premium Economy sees a notable enhancement with the introduction of Prosecco. For the first time, guests in this cabin will be welcomed with a glass of Villa Sandi Il Fresco Prosecco shortly after take-off, adding a celebratory element to the experience.
In Economy Class, guests can choose from a thoughtfully curated range that includes classic Bordeaux white and red wines, Dewar’s Blended Scotch, Bombay Sapphire Gin from England, Absolut Vodka from Sweden, Caribbean Rum, Heineken beer from the Netherlands, and India’s Kingfisher Ultra lager.
Commenting on the refreshed offering, Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer, Air India, said, “The thoughtfully curated beverage portfolio brings together some of the finest wines and spirits to appeal to global travellers as Air India continues its focus on driving service excellence and customer-centricity. Paired with the newly revamped international menu, the newly curated beverage menu seeks to provide guests with a dining journey crafted with care and passion, elevating the overall inflight experience.”
To complement the beverage selection, Air India has introduced a new food and wine pairing menu. Each pairing has been selected for balance and harmony across cuisines. Highlights include a Napa Valley Chardonnay paired with Chicken Roulade layered with goat cheese and caramelised onion, and a German Riesling matched with Seoul flamed prawns. A selection of red wines, including Merlot, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, and Sangiovese, is paired with dishes such as Indian Nawabi Paneer, Gucchi Kofta, Murgh Musallam, and Chicken Bolognese Lasagne.
The refreshed beverage collection forms part of Air India’s ongoing transformation journey. Alongside the induction of the Boeing 787-9 and the launch of a revamped international menu, the new beverage programme reflects the airline’s continued focus on improving service standards and enhancing the overall customer experience. The newly curated beverage menu is only available on flights to and from international destinations.
Cocktail culture in India has grown confident, but it has also settled into familiar patterns. Most guests walk into a bar knowing exactly what they want, whether it is a Margarita ordered a certain way or a Negroni that tastes just like the last one. Naked & Famous was created to gently shift that comfort zone, offering a new way to approach familiar drink styles without asking guests to give up what they already love.
Named after the modern classic cocktail built on equal measures of ingredients, Naked & Famous takes a clear stance. Drinks should be understood by how they are made, not by trends or labels. The bar is structured around four expressions of drinking, Built, Stirred, Shaken, and Neat, allowing technique to become the language through which flavour is explored.
Behind Naked & Famous are two distinct yet complementary visions. Karthik Kumar, Co-Founder & Beverage Director, brings deep industry experience and a long-held belief that the bar setup itself can be the star. Priyesh Busetty, Co-Founder, adds a food-focused and well-travelled perspective, grounding the experience in how people eat, drink, and return. His journey into the F&B world began in 2017 with Brooks & Bonds, followed by the launch of five outlets of Yuki, his food-led venture.
At the heart of the space sits India’s first octagonal bar. Designed as a working structure rather than a visual statement, the eight-sided counter is divided into four stations, each organised by technique instead of spirit. Two seats sit between every station, placing guests alongside the bartender and encouraging conversation rather than distance.
As guests move around the bar, the logic becomes clear. The way a drink is built, stirred, or shaken directly shapes how it tastes and feels. The Built station focuses on tall, effervescent highballs assembled in the glass, bright, easy, and approachable. The Stirred station leans into slower, spirit-forward cocktails where balance and dilution quietly lead. The Shaken station brings energy through aeration, citrus, and texture. The Neat station strips things back completely, serving spirits without intervention and letting purity speak for itself.
Within this framework, familiar spirits reveal new sides. Curtain Raiser pairs Campari aperitivo with Amalfi lemon and bubbles, while Little Mermaid offers a clean Tanqueray No. Ten serve shaped by cucumber and vermouth.
Throughout the experience, bartenders stand with the guest rather than performing across the bar. Karthik Kumar says, "Guests are free to ask questions, explore the menu, or return to what they already love. And, most importantly, classics are never discouraged; they are only respected."
The food menu follows the same thoughtful approach, blending global flavours with a modern touch. Dishes range from Truffle & Cheese Popcorn and Crab and Lychee Wonton Cups to comforting Mushroom Risotto and the bolder Ground Chicken Mapo Tofu. Desserts like the Chocolate Mandarin Orange Cake offer a sweet finish. The menu is designed for sharing and easy enjoyment.
The octagonal bar remains the visual and emotional centre of the room. Priyesh Busetty says, "The interiors echo the same clarity as the drinks, muted tones, deep blues, and a calm, considered palette that allows the bar to lead. Subtle details reveal themselves slowly: an offbeat chandelier, rustic textures, and a quiet, subtle cat theme (reflecting our love for cats) that adds warmth and character."
As the evening comes to a close, Naked & Famous adds a thoughtful final touch. Guests are offered a small takeaway cup of chicken or mushroom soup, ensuring no one leaves too hungry or too boozy, and the night ends on a gentle note.
Address: Second Floor, 4, 100 Feet Rd, KHB Block Koramangala, 5th Block, Koramangala, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560095.
Published on January 24, 2026
In a city that is always on the move, Autm at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar is bringing a refreshing pause with the launch of Matcha Moments, starting 21st January 2026. The new experience invites guests to slow down, reset, and enjoy a sense of calm through carefully prepared matcha-based beverages.
Blending age-old tradition with modern tastes, Matcha Moments goes beyond being just a trend. The menu highlights matcha’s natural energy boost, antioxidant benefits, and its distinctive umami flavour. Guests can choose from hand-whisked ceremonial Matcha Tea, creamy Matcha Lattes, and cooling iced options. Signature creations include the Strawberry Iced Matcha Latte, Coconut Matcha Cloud, and the zesty Matcha Yuzu Spritz, each designed to offer a balance of taste, ritual, and refreshment.
Available throughout the day at Autm, Matcha Moments presents a thoughtfully curated menu that brings together tradition and contemporary flavours. Positioned as both a mindful treat and an everyday essential, the experience reflects a modern approach to wellness-led dining in Mumbai.
Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!
Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.
By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Advertise With Us
We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.
A platform dedicated to showcase the skills and creativity of hospitality professionals. Share your articles, videos and other content related to the industry and get recognized for your unique perspective and expertise. By posting your content and gaining likes from your own community, we'll categorize your talents and expose them to the hospitality world. Join our community of passionate hospitality professionals and let your talent shine!.
Already have an account?Login
By clicking you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Subscribe for ₹2,000 and receive our monthly magazine for one year (12 months) from the coming month and save 2 months cost.