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.


Crowne Plaza Greater Noida Introduces New Awadhi and Mughlai Menu at Spice Art

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida Introduces New Awadhi and Mughlai Menu at Spice Art

By Hariharan U

Published on August 7, 2026

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida has announced the launch of an all-new menu at Spice Art, its signature Indian fine dining restaurant, bringing guests an immersive culinary experience inspired by the timeless flavours of Awadhi and Mughlai cuisine.

Curated by Chef Vijay, the refreshed menu celebrates the grandeur of India’s royal kitchens while presenting traditional recipes through a contemporary fine dining approach. The new offerings highlight authentic regional flavours, handcrafted spice blends, and refined culinary techniques, creating an elevated gastronomic journey for guests.

Known for its elegant ambience and soulful live ghazal performances, Spice Art continues its celebration of Indian culinary heritage with dishes inspired by the royal cuisines of Punjab, Delhi, and Lucknow.

The culinary experience begins with an extensive selection of starters, including Dahi Ke Kebab, Bhuna Masala Paneer Tikka, Badami Murgh Chandi Kebab, and Nimbu Neem Ki Tawa Fish, followed by comforting soups such as Tamatar Chakunder Shorba and Murgh Pudina Ka Ark.

The main course showcases the richness of Indian royal cuisine with signature dishes including Dal Spice Art, Martaban Ka Paneer, Subz Panchratan Masala, Nawabi Pasanda, Chaap-e-Awadh, Nalli Nihari, Dilli-6 Murgh Korma, Murgh Tikka Makhan Masala, Sarson Wali Macchi, and Saunfyani Kadhai Jhinga.

Highlighting traditional cooking techniques, the Murgh Tikka Makhan Masala features char-grilled chicken tikka prepared in a rich buttery tomato gravy, while Sarson Wali Macchi brings together mustard-marinated river sole with aromatic Indian spices. The Saunfyani Kadhai Jhinga combines succulent prawns with fennel and traditional spice flavours.

The menu also features aromatic biryanis including Murgh Dum Biryani, Lucknowi Gosht Biryani, and Subz Dum Biryani, paired with freshly baked Indian breads such as Roghni Naan, Sheermal, and Amritsari Kulcha. Guests can end their meal with classic desserts including Khubani Ka Meetha and Shahi Meetha.

Enhancing the dining experience, Spice Art has introduced handcrafted mocktails inspired by Indian flavours. Mehmaan Nawazi, featuring orange juice, sweet peach, and a subtle hint of house-made pickle, celebrates India's tradition of hospitality, while Jamun Jashn combines jamun, basil, lavender, black salt, and Sprite for a refreshing seasonal beverage.

Commenting on the launch, Sharad K. Upadhyay, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, said the new menu reflects the hotel’s commitment to celebrating India’s culinary heritage through authenticity, innovation, and exceptional hospitality.

Sharing his vision behind the menu, Chef Vijay said the new offerings aim to preserve the essence of Awadhi and Mughlai cuisine while introducing contemporary elements that allow guests to experience the stories, aromas, and emotions behind Indian food traditions.

With its new menu, refined ambience, and live ghazal performances, Spice Art continues to position itself as a destination for memorable dining experiences, whether for intimate dinners, family celebrations, or special occasions.

About Spice Art

Spice Art is the signature Indian fine dining restaurant at Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, offering an exceptional culinary experience inspired by the royal cuisines of Punjab, Delhi, and Lucknow. The restaurant combines authentic flavours, elegant interiors, and soulful live music to celebrate India’s rich gastronomic legacy.

Operational Timings: 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Reservations: +91 8527694313


Zydus Wellness Launches Complan Powerplay, Enters Ready-to-Drink Milkshake Segment

Zydus Wellness Launches Complan Powerplay, Enters Ready-to-Drink Milkshake Segment

By Hariharan U

Published on August 7, 2026

Zydus Wellness has announced the launch of Complan Powerplay, a ready-to-drink nutritional milkshake that marks the brand’s entry into India’s ready-to-drink dairy beverage segment.

Designed to cater to the nutritional needs of children aged 7 years and above, Complan Powerplay aims to create a new consumption occasion for the brand within the milkshake and flavoured milk category, which is estimated at ₹1,700 crore.

The launch comes at a time when children’s lifestyles are becoming increasingly active, creating demand for convenient and nutrient-rich options beyond traditional meal occasions. With parents seeking better nutritional choices that fit into busy routines, Complan Powerplay combines the brand’s nutritional expertise with the convenience of an on-the-go milkshake.

Alongside the product launch, Complan has introduced its integrated campaign “Har Passion Ko Do Poshan”, celebrating children’s diverse interests and encouraging parents to support their ambitions with the right nutrition.

Complan Powerplay provides 10g of high-quality milk protein in every 160 ml serving, along with calcium and 30% of the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin D2. The product also contains prebiotics and is formulated with no added sugar, preservatives, artificial colours, or artificial flavours.

Commenting on the launch, Tarun Arora, CEO & Whole Time Director, Zydus Wellness Ltd., said, “Children's lifestyles today are fundamentally different from what they were a decade ago, and nutrition solutions must evolve alongside them. At Zydus Wellness, our innovation strategy is centered on identifying emerging consumer behaviours and creating relevant formats that seamlessly fit into everyday life.”

He added, “Complan Powerplay is a natural extension of the brand's trusted nutrition heritage into a fast-growing adjacent category, allowing us to address new consumption occasions while remaining focused on delivering science-backed nutrition.”

The launch is supported by an integrated marketing campaign across platforms including Meta, YouTube, Snapchat, and other digital channels. The campaign is anchored by a television commercial that brings the message “Har Passion Ko Do Poshan” to life, showcasing children pursuing their interests across sports, music, dance, and other activities while highlighting the role of parents in supporting their journeys.

Available in Chocolate and Vanilla variants, Complan Powerplay is positioned as a convenient nutrition solution to support children during school, sports, and hobby-related activities.

About Zydus Wellness

Zydus Wellness is a consumer wellness company with an Indian heritage and global presence. With over 35 years of operational experience, the company’s portfolio includes brands such as RiteBite Max Protein, Complan, Sugar Free, Sugar Free D’lite, Glucon-D, Nutralite, I’m Lite, Everyuth, and Nycil.

Headquartered in Ahmedabad, Zydus Wellness operates four manufacturing facilities across Aligarh, Ahmedabad, and Sikkim, along with 18 co-packing facilities across India, New Zealand, Dubai, and Bangladesh.


The Supper Club Mumbai and Fairmont Mumbai Celebrate Karnataka's Culinary Heritage

The Supper Club Mumbai and Fairmont Mumbai Celebrate Karnataka's Culinary Heritage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 6, 2026

The Supper Club Mumbai, in collaboration with The Merchants, Fairmont Mumbai, recently hosted a specially curated dining experience celebrating the rich culinary traditions of Karnataka. The event brought together food lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and members of Mumbai's culinary community for an evening centred around regional flavours, storytelling, and meaningful conversations.

The immersive experience was curated by Chef Rajshri Gupta, Founder & Curator of The Supper Club Mumbai, along with Chef Mihir Kane, Director of Culinary at Fairmont Mumbai, and his team.

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Guests were welcomed with live music before being served an authentic banana leaf meal, inspired by Karnataka's traditional dining culture. The menu featured a selection of regional favourites, including Beans Palya, Beetroot Palya, Enne Badnikayi, Tonde Kai, Goli Bajje, Raw Banana Sukka, Lamb Sukka, Chicken Ghee Roast, Kori Roti, Matta Rice, Donne Biryani, along with an assortment of chutneys, podis, aromatic ghee, seasonal vegetables, and non-vegetarian specialities. The meal concluded with the comforting Dal Payasam, offering guests a memorable finish to the culinary journey.

Beyond the food, the evening combined storytelling, music, and engaging conversations that gave guests a deeper understanding of Karnataka's culinary traditions, local ingredients, and cultural heritage.

The event was also attended by celebrated chef, restaurateur, author, and television personality Gary Mehigan, whose presence highlighted the growing appreciation for India's diverse regional cuisines on the global stage.

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Speaking about the collaboration, Chef Rajshri Gupta, Founder & Curator, The Supper Club Mumbai, said:

"The flavours of Karnataka remain timelessly popular across the expanse of the country, with every individual relating their comfort with the diverse delicacies that it has produced for ages. Though diverse beyond imagination, its regional stories remain heavily underrepresented in the culinary excellence of India. Having partnered with The Merchants, Fairmont Mumbai, we aimed at curating a comprehensive meal to showcase the state's long-living heritage and emotions through food. It was heartening to witness the patrons indulging in every course with curiosity and gratitude."

Sharing his thoughts on the experience, Chef Mihir Kane, Director of Culinary, Fairmont Mumbai, said:

"At Fairmont Mumbai, we are constantly looking to create dining experiences that bring people together over exceptional food. At The Merchants, we've also made a conscious effort to shine a light on India's diverse regional cuisines, forgotten recipes, and local food traditions through a series of thoughtfully curated culinary initiatives. South Side Supper is a natural extension of that vision, showcasing the richness of South Indian home-style cooking through the recipes and traditions that Chef Rajshri has so carefully preserved. We hope guests leave with not just an appreciation for the flavours on the banana leaf, but also for the stories, warmth, and heritage that make these meals so special."

The collaboration reflects The Merchants' continued focus on showcasing India's regional cuisines through authentic ingredients, seasonal produce, and traditional cooking techniques. It also reinforces The Supper Club Mumbai's vision of creating culture-led dining experiences that bring people together through food, music, storytelling, and shared memories while celebrating India's diverse culinary heritage.

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