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.


Yazu Launches “Thursday Rituals” to Redefine Midweek Dining in Bengaluru

Yazu Launches “Thursday Rituals” to Redefine Midweek Dining in Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on May 26, 2026

Bengaluru’s dining scene gets a midweek boost with the launch of Thursday Rituals at Yazu, a new weekly dining IP designed to turn Thursdays into a high-energy Pan Asian culinary and cocktail experience.

Positioned as more than just a dining offer, Thursday Rituals brings together Yazu’s signature flavour-led approach with a curated set menu and handcrafted cocktails, aimed at guests looking to unwind before the weekend rush.

The food experience spans across Yazu’s Pan Asian favourites including sushi, dim sums, small plates, large plates, rice, noodles, and desserts. The menu features dishes such as Truffle Edamame Dumpling, Cream Cheese and Truffle Dumpling, Yazu Signature Chicken, Fish in Dark Sichuan Sauce, Butter Garlic Sichuan Prawns, Burnt Garlic Fried Rice, Spicy Korean Ramyun Noodles, Prawn Tempura Roll, and Classic Prawn Hargao.

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The experience concludes with desserts like Salted Caramel Tart and Blueberry Cheesecake, designed to balance indulgence with familiarity.

Complementing the food is Yazu’s cocktail programme inspired by Asian flavour profiles. With its blend of curated dining, cocktails, and social energy, Thursday Rituals is positioned as a midweek escape for after-work gatherings, casual celebrations, and spontaneous dining plans.

The concept reflects Yazu’s continued focus on evolving experiential dining formats that extend beyond weekends and position midweek as a lifestyle moment in itself.


Torii Introduces Chef’s Tasting Menu for a Premium Pan-Asian Dining Experience

Torii Introduces Chef’s Tasting Menu for a Premium Pan-Asian Dining Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on May 26, 2026

Torii has introduced a newly curated Chef’s Tasting Menu, designed to offer guests a premium, multi-course exploration of contemporary Asian cuisine in Mumbai’s evolving dining landscape.

Known for its immersive interiors and bold Pan-Asian flavours, the restaurant continues to focus on experiential dining, and this new offering reflects a more structured and elevated way to experience its culinary identity.

The tasting menu takes diners through a progressive journey of sushi, dim sums, small plates, mains, and desserts, carefully curated to balance flavour, texture, and presentation. The concept is designed for guests who prefer a deeper exploration of the menu rather than individual ordering, offering a more holistic dining experience.

Key highlights include the Truffle Edamame Mushi-Gyoza with cream cheese and the Katsu Chicken Roll featuring confit garlic, egg salad, and tobiko. The experience concludes with a Honey Almond Crunch Sundae, rounding off the meal with a sweet and textured finish.

Positioned as an intimate yet energetic dining experience, the Chef’s Tasting Menu is ideal for long dinners, date nights, and relaxed midweek gatherings. It reflects Torii’s continued effort to evolve its guest experience while maintaining its signature bold and flavour-forward culinary style.

The tasting menu will be available every Tuesday and Wednesday, exclusively for dinner service at the Mumbai restaurant.


Kiran’s Houston Introduces ‘Punjabi By Nature’ Cocktail Experience Inspired by India

Kiran’s Houston Introduces ‘Punjabi By Nature’ Cocktail Experience Inspired by India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 25, 2026

Kiran’s Houston has introduced its latest beverage programme, Punjabi By Nature, a new cocktail experience that brings together Indian nostalgia and contemporary mixology. Conceptualised and designed by Prrateek Chaudhary, Director of Beverages, the menu reflects a thoughtful mix of cultural storytelling, regional flavours and modern drink-making techniques.

Designed around the idea of turning familiar Indian flavours into refined cocktail experiences, the programme takes inspiration from memories, traditions and ingredients deeply rooted in Indian culture. Each drink aims to create an experience that goes beyond taste by bringing together emotion, creativity and a strong sense of place.

The menu features a wide range of signature cocktails including Jahangir Lassi, Chai Old Fashioned, Kashmiri Margarita, Summer In Shimla, TNT Sour, Nolet’s 75, East India Negroni, Malabar Martini, Rosé Martini, Lychee Martini, CB G&T, Old Wives’ Tale, Mezcal Is My Pal, Delhi Glitterati, Smoky Isle and Mumbai Miracle.

The creations combine premium spirits with ingredients and flavours inspired by India, including chai blends, mango lassi, pistachio, Kashmiri mirch, tamarind, saffron bitters, cardamom, rose, masala pin and nimbu pani.

Adding a luxury touch to the offering is a dedicated segment titled Kaun Banega Crorepati featuring the Millionaire Martini, crafted using Nolet’s Reserve Gin.

Speaking about the concept behind the menu, Prrateek Chaudhary said: "With Punjabi By Nature, our intention was to take familiar Indian flavors and reimagine them through a global cocktail lens. Each drink is designed to evoke emotion, memory, and a sense of place, while maintaining elegance, balance, and innovation. It’s not just a cocktail menu, it’s a storytelling experience in a glass."

With a modern visual identity and a strong narrative approach, the menu aims to create a seamless connection between Indian heritage and contemporary beverage culture.

Through this latest launch, Kiran’s Houston continues to strengthen its positioning as a destination where Indian culinary experiences and modern beverage craftsmanship come together with global standards of creativity and sophistication.

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