Indri Dru Wins Top Honor at 2024 World Whiskies Awards

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.

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.

Éntisi Chocolatier Opens First Flagship Store in Pune, Bringing Artisanal Chocolate to Life

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on October 14, 2024

Éntisi Chocolatier, founded by Nikki Thakker, has opened its first store outside of Mumbai in Pune's Koregaon Park. This new outlet is the seventh store for Éntisi, offering a luxurious and immersive chocolate experience for its customers. The 2000 sq. ft. space is designed to delight chocolate lovers, with warm, earthy tones and modern decor that reflect the craftsmanship behind every product.

As customers step inside, they are greeted by the rich aroma of fine chocolate. The store features a gifting station for personalized chocolate gifts, making it an ideal place to find something special for any occasion. Signature bonbons, displayed like jewels, are handcrafted with care, offering a visual treat as well as a decadent taste.

Éntisi introduces the first-ever dragee silos, allowing customers to choose from a variety of chocolate-coated nuts and fruits. This unique feature lets visitors create their own customized indulgences. The highlight of the store is the chocolate spread fountain, where smooth, velvety chocolate flows, inviting customers to dip and enjoy the sweet experience.

For those interested in the chocolate-making process, the live chocolate tempering station provides a close-up view. Éntisi’s in-house chef expertly tempers chocolate in real-time, making the visit interactive and engaging. The store also houses a glass-enclosed tempering room equipped with advanced machinery, ensuring that every piece of chocolate is crafted to perfection.

Nikki Thakker, Founder, Éntisi Chocolatier

The design of the store mirrors the richness of chocolate, using materials like wood, terrazzo, and micro concrete to create a space that feels both luxurious and comfortable. Every detail, from the layout to the decor, is carefully designed to immerse visitors in the world of Éntisi, where tradition and innovation blend seamlessly.

Nikki Thakker, founder of Éntisi Chocolatier, shared her excitement about the new store, saying, “Our new store in Koregaon Park, Pune, is more than just a place to buy chocolates; it's a celebration of the craft, passion, and creativity that goes into every piece we create. We invite our customers to step into a world where they can see, taste, and feel the magic of chocolate making. Expect a journey of indulgence, discovery, and a whole lot of fun!”

BeeYoung Launches Their New Variant Beer 'BeeYoung Beyond’

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 14, 2024

In a bold move to redefine the craft beer landscape in India, BeeYoung, the nation's first handcrafted strong beer, has unveiled its latest creation: BeeYoung Beyond. This "Crafted International Style Pilsner" merges traditional regional flavors with international brewing standards, delivering a premium beer that is proudly Indian and aimed at exceeding consumer expectations.

Crafted with a distinctive blend of Doon Basmati rice from Uttarakhand and Belgian specialty malt, BeeYoung Beyond pays homage to India's rich agricultural heritage while offering a smooth, velvety mouthfeel. The use of this locally sourced rice reflects the Himalayas' beauty—the birthplace of Kimaya Himalayan Beverages—capturing the essence of local life and culture. The result is a robust and smooth beer infused with subtle earthy, spicy, and floral aromas from carefully selected hops.

“At BeeYoung, we've always believed in pushing the boundaries of what craft beer can be. BeeYoung Beyond is a testament to our commitment to craft excellence,” said Abhinav Jindal, Founder & CEO of Kimaya Himalayan Beverages LLP. “The inclusion of Doon Basmati rice in our brew speaks to the unique flavor profile and reflects our dedication to sourcing local, high-quality ingredients that celebrate India's provenance. We are thrilled to offer our consumers something that goes beyond just beer—a true experience in every sip.”

With BeeYoung Beyond, the brand aims to provide a refreshing and versatile beer that can be enjoyed in various settings, promising an unforgettable experience with each sip.

Éntisi Chocolatier Launches First Flagship Store in Pune

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 13, 2024

Éntisi Chocolatier has officially launched its first flagship store in Koregaon Park, Pune, making it the brand's seventh location and its first venture outside Mumbai. Founded by Nikki Thakker, this outlet promises a chocolate lover's paradise, offering an immersive, multi-sensory experience that invites patrons to indulge in the magic of artisanal chocolate making.

As customers step through the doors, they are greeted by the irresistible aroma of fine chocolate wafting through the expansive 2000 sq. ft. space. The warm, earthy tones and modern design elements create a luxurious yet inviting atmosphere, reflecting the craftsmanship behind every exquisite piece of chocolate.

To the right of the entrance, a gifting station awaits, providing elegant packaging and personalized gifts—ideal for celebrating special occasions with something truly unique. On the left, Éntisi’s signature bonbons glisten like jewels, each handcrafted with meticulous care. As guests explore further, they’ll find the store's first-ever dragee silos, where they can select chocolate-coated nuts and fruits, tailoring their own sweet indulgence.

The highlight of the store is undoubtedly the chocolate spread fountain, inviting visitors to dip into a smooth, velvety river of chocolate, ready to be taken home and savored. For true chocolate connoisseurs, the live chocolate tempering station offers an intimate view of the chocolate-making process. Here, Éntisi’s in-house chef expertly tempers chocolate, transforming each visit into an engaging and interactive experience.

Adjacent to this area, a glass-enclosed tempering room houses state-of-the-art machinery, ensuring every piece of chocolate is crafted to perfection. The store's design serves as an extension of the chocolate experience, with a soothing palette of warm browns, golds, and earthy tones mirroring the rich hues of chocolate. Materials like wood, terrazzo, and micro-concrete evoke a sense of both luxury and comfort.

Speaking about the experience center, Nikki Thakker says, “Our new store in Koregaon Park, Pune, is more than just a place to buy chocolates; it's a celebration of the craft, passion, and creativity that goes into every piece we create. We invite our customers to step into a world where they can see, taste, and feel the magic of chocolate making. Expect a journey of indulgence, discovery, and a whole lot of fun!”

Éntisi Chocolatier's new flagship store is poised to become a must-visit destination for chocolate lovers in Pune, offering a unique blend of tradition and modern innovation in the world of chocolate artistry.

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

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Éntisi Chocolatier Opens First Flagship Store in Pune, Bringing Artisanal Chocolate to Life

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BeeYoung Launches Their New Variant Beer 'BeeYoung Beyond’

Most Read In News

Éntisi Chocolatier Launches First Flagship Store in Pune

Most Read In News