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.


The Hazelnut Factory Opens THF Lakehouse in Nainital

The Hazelnut Factory Opens THF Lakehouse in Nainital

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 21, 2026

The Hazelnut Factory (THF) has marked its entry into Uttarakhand with the opening of THF Lakehouse on the iconic Mall Road in Nainital. Inaugurated on 10th August 2026, the new destination is the brand’s 23rd edition, bringing together its signature artisanal mithai, handcrafted desserts, specialty coffee, fresh bakery and all-day dining.

Set against the scenic beauty of Nainital Lake, THF Lakehouse has been designed to blend with the character of the hill destination. The space combines contemporary touches with the old-world charm of Nainital, creating a warm setting for travellers, families and locals to spend time over food and coffee.

The launch was celebrated in the presence of Smt. Sarita Arya, MLA of the Nainital Assembly Constituency.

For Ankit Sahni, Founder & CEO of The Hazelnut Factory, the opening also carries a personal connection, as he spent his school years in Nainital.

“Nainital has always held a very special place in my heart. I spent my school years here, and to return to the city with something we have built from the ground up is an incredibly meaningful feeling. With THF Lakehouse, we wanted to create a space that feels connected to Nainital - warm, welcoming and rooted in its character, while bringing the quality, craftsmanship and hospitality that define The Hazelnut Factory. It is wonderful to see locals and travellers come together over good food, coffee and the simple joy of being in a beautiful place.”

The Nainital launch is also an important step in THF’s growth journey. Starting from Lucknow, the brand has grown into one of North India’s fastest-growing premium food and beverage brands, bringing together artisanal mithai, specialty coffee, bakery, patisserie and contemporary hospitality.

With THF Lakehouse, the brand continues its approach of presenting familiar Indian flavours in a contemporary way while creating spaces that connect with their surroundings.

In Nainital, this connection comes together through the setting itself, where mountains, coffee, conversations and memories meet against the backdrop of Nainital Lake.


Oro Specialty Coffee Cafe Opens Flagship Outlet in Gurugram

Oro Specialty Coffee Cafe Opens Flagship Outlet in Gurugram

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 21, 2026

Oro, a new specialty coffee café, has opened its flagship outlet in Gurugram, bringing together specialty coffee, an all-day dining menu and a warm neighbourhood café experience.

Founded by Tisha Aggarwal, Oro has been designed as a space that fits into different parts of the day, whether it is a quick morning coffee, a work meeting, a relaxed meal or an evening catch-up with friends.

The name Oro, which means gold in Spanish and Italian, reflects the café’s focus on quality across the guest experience. From its coffee and food to service and interiors, the café aims to create a comfortable space where guests can return through the day to work, meet, eat or simply take a break.

The food menu brings together globally inspired flavours with dishes such as the Italian Job, a burrata sandwich served in crisp schiacciata bread, along with Japanese konbini-inspired Chili Crisp Tamago Sando and Katsu Chicken Sando. The bakery selection includes everyday favourites such as Butter Croissants, Almond Croissants and Miso Chocolate Chunk Cookies. For those looking for something sweet, the dessert menu features Basque Cheesecake, Tiramisu and slow-baked Chocolate Cake.

Coffee remains at the heart of Oro, with a specialty coffee programme featuring beans from North East, Goa and Tamil Nadu. Guests can explore different pour-over options along with classic coffee preparations and signature drinks such as Tiramisu Latte, Chocolate & Berry Cold Brew and Coconut Iced Latte. The beverage menu also includes matcha drinks, teas and coolers.

The café is designed to welcome a mix of guests, including professionals, entrepreneurs, remote workers, families and coffee enthusiasts. The space can accommodate everything from quick coffee visits and informal business meetings to relaxed meals and small celebrations.

Speaking on the launch, Tisha Aggarwal, Founder, Oro, said, "I've always believed cafés have the power to bring people together. With Oro, we wanted to create a neighbourhood café where people feel comfortable walking in at any time of the day, for a morning coffee, a working lunch or an evening catch-up. Our focus has always been on serving good coffee, honest food and creating a place that people look forward to coming back to."

The Gurugram outlet will serve as Oro’s flagship location as the brand focuses on building a strong local community before expanding across Delhi NCR. The café also plans to introduce seasonal food and beverage menus, new coffee offerings, wellness-focused additions and collaborations with artists, creators and lifestyle brands.


Wendy’s India Expands Pune Presence with New Outlet at Elpro City Square Mall

Wendy’s India Expands Pune Presence with New Outlet at Elpro City Square Mall

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 20, 2026

Wendy’s India has strengthened its presence in Pune with the opening of a new outlet at the food court of Elpro City Square Mall in Pimpri-Chinchwad. The outlet has been launched by Rebel Foods, the world’s largest internet restaurant company and master franchise holder for Wendy’s in India.

Located at one of Pimpri-Chinchwad’s prominent retail and entertainment destinations, the new outlet brings Wendy’s signature burgers, fries and desserts to shoppers, families and young consumers visiting the mall.

Speaking about the expansion, Ankush Grover, Co-founder and Global CEO, Rebel Foods, said, “Pune has a strong consumer base that is open to exploring new food experiences, making it an important market for Wendy’s India. As we continue to grow, we remain focused on choosing locations that allow us to be accessible to our consumers while bringing the Wendy’s experience to more parts of the city. With the new outlet at Elpro City Square Mall, we look forward to serving consumers with quality, flavour and an experience that makes every visit memorable.”

The menu offers Wendy’s range of globally inspired flavours, giving Indian consumers an opportunity to explore burgers influenced by different cuisines. The selection includes Argentina’s Chimichurri, Louisiana’s Cajun, Korea’s fiery Buldak, American BBQ, India’s Tandoori and Mexico’s Nachoburg.

The recently introduced Teriyaki Burger range also adds Japanese-inspired sweet and savoury flavours to the menu, further expanding the brand’s international flavour selection in India.

Wendy’s India continues to focus on flavour-led innovation within the gourmet QSR segment, combining global inspirations with contemporary formats and flavours that appeal to Gen Z and Millennial consumers. The new Elpro City Square Mall outlet further expands Wendy’s reach across Pune and its surrounding areas, while giving more consumers access to the brand’s evolving menu and global flavour offerings.

Store Address:

Unit No TF FD-07, Third Floor, "Elpro City Square", Survey No 280, Hissa No 1 to 8, CTS No 4270, Chinchwad, Pune PCMC Ward No-7, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, Maharashtra - 411033.

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