Midleton Distillery Releases Its Most Aged Whiskey Ever

Midleton Distillery Releases Its Most Aged Whiskey Ever

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 13, 2024

Midleton Distillery has unveiled a landmark release in its prestigious Silent Distillery Collection—Chapter Five. This 49-year-old whiskey is not only Midleton’s oldest to date but also a testament to the art of whiskey-making. Distilled back in 1973 by the then Master Distiller Max Crockett using the world’s largest pot still, it represents a bridge across generations of distillers.

Kevin O’Gorman, the current Master Distiller, describes this release as "an exceptional liquid that exceeds expectations," inviting whiskey lovers to a unique tasting journey that combines rich history with exquisite craftsmanship.

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The whiskey matured in an American ex-bourbon barrel selected for its quality and historical significance. After nearly five decades, the result is a complex profile of fruits, nuts, and spices, rounded off with a long, satisfying finish of caramel and oak. The sensory journey begins with delicate fruit notes, evolving into deeper flavours of dark chocolate and herbal tea, seasoned with a hint of spices.

Adding to its exclusivity, the final six months of maturation took place in a special barrel, repaired in the mid-1970s by Dominic Buckley, a renowned cooper. This cask, maintained over the years by Buckley's son Ger, now the Master Cooper, is emblematic of the craftsmanship passed down through generations.

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Each bottle of Chapter Five is encased in a hand blown decanter from Waterford Crystal and housed in a custom-designed cabinet by Irish designer John Galvin. Made from tiger brown oak burr and accented with reclaimed oak from Irish whiskey vats, the packaging itself is a collector’s item.

Priced at €55,000, this exquisite whiskey is available in select markets, including the US, UK, and Europe, making it a must-have for collectors and connoisseurs worldwide.


Sudhanshu Rai Inaugurates Nayvedyam, New South Indian Dining Spot in Bengaluru

Sudhanshu Rai Inaugurates Nayvedyam, New South Indian Dining Spot in Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on July 6, 2026

Bengaluru has a new addition to its dining scene with the launch of Nayvedyam, a pure-vegetarian restaurant dedicated to authentic South Indian cuisine. The restaurant was officially inaugurated by filmmaker and storyteller Sudhanshu Rai, marking its entry as a new destination for traditional, comfort-driven dining in the city.

Positioned as a space for those who value heritage recipes and simple, honest flavours, Nayvedyam brings together the diverse culinary traditions of South India under one roof. The menu focuses on timeless favourites such as crisp dosas, soft idlis, aromatic sambhar, freshly prepared chutneys and wholesome regional thalis.

The restaurant is inspired by the Sanskrit term Naivedyam, which refers to food offered with devotion. Staying true to this philosophy, Nayvedyam aims to serve meals that reflect purity, tradition and care, using fresh ingredients and age-old cooking methods.

Among its signature offerings are the Ghee Pudi Masala Dosa, Temple Ghee Thatte Idli, and a variety of curated thalis that showcase the richness and diversity of South Indian regional cuisine. Each dish is designed to deliver a nostalgic yet refined dining experience.

For Sudhanshu Rai, the inauguration was also a personal experience, as he appreciated the restaurant’s focus on authentic flavours and traditional preparation. He noted that the experience felt deeply rooted in culture, with food that carries a sense of storytelling through taste and presentation.

Speaking on the launch, Saurabh Mehra, Founder of Nayvedyam, said the vision is to make the restaurant a preferred destination in Bengaluru for authentic South Indian dining, built on tradition and genuine hospitality. He also expressed gratitude for having Sudhanshu Rai inaugurate the space, calling it a meaningful start to the brand’s journey.

While South Indian cuisine remains the highlight, Nayvedyam also offers a selection of North Indian and Indo-Chinese dishes, including curries, breads, Gobi Manchurian, Hakka noodles and fried rice. This makes it a versatile dining option for families and group gatherings.

Located on Gopalakrishna Adiga Road near Sarjapur Road, Chikkanayakanahalli, Nayvedyam operates daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., offering dine-in, takeaway, online ordering and catering services.


Conan Expands Its Beer Portfolio with Launch of Conan Platinum Strong Lager

Conan Expands Its Beer Portfolio with Launch of Conan Platinum Strong Lager

By Hariharan U

Published on July 6, 2026

Conan has expanded its beverage portfolio with the launch of Conan Platinum, a new premium strong lager introduced in Delhi. Positioned in the high-strength beer category, the 8% ABV offering aims to deliver a more refined and balanced drinking experience for evolving consumer tastes.

Crafted to stand out in India’s growing premium beer segment, Conan Platinum combines intensity with smoothness, offering a flavour profile that is both bold and approachable. The lager features rich notes of toasted grain and subtle caramel, supported by a balanced hop bitterness that leads into a clean, crisp and long finish.

The beer’s texture is full-bodied yet smooth, designed to offer a creamy mouthfeel without any harsh alcohol aftertaste. Alongside its taste profile, Conan Platinum carries delicate fruity esters and light floral aromas, enhancing its layered drinking experience. Its amber-gold appearance and elegant lacing further reflect the attention to brewing detail.

The vision behind Conan Platinum comes from entrepreneur Arvind Bajaj, who has interests across exports, lifestyle, hospitality and real estate. Drawing from global brewing inspiration and shifting consumer preferences, he aimed to create a strong beer that prioritises both strength and sophistication.

Speaking on the launch, Arvind Bajaj, Founder of Conan Beer, said, “Today’s premium beer drinkers are not just looking for strength. They want flavour, balance and a smoother overall experience. With Conan Platinum, we focused on creating an 8% ABV strong beer that remains exceptionally smooth, flavourful and easy to enjoy.”

He added that every element from aroma to finish was carefully developed to ensure a more elevated strong beer experience that aligns with modern drinking preferences.

With this launch, Conan continues its focus on offering crafted beer experiences tailored to India’s changing consumption patterns. Conan Platinum is positioned as a versatile strong lager suitable for social occasions, celebrations and casual moments alike.

Conan Platinum is currently available in Delhi.


Poppy Udaipur Showcases Artisanal Italian Cuisine with Signature Pizzas and Heritage Flavours

Poppy Udaipur Showcases Artisanal Italian Cuisine with Signature Pizzas and Heritage Flavours

By Hariharan U

Published on July 6, 2026

Poppy Udaipur is strengthening its reputation as one of the city's standout dining destinations with an Italian menu built around craftsmanship, quality ingredients, and traditional cooking techniques.

Housed in a restored heritage bungalow, the restaurant has carved a niche for itself by combining artisanal Italian cuisine with authentic Rajasthani flavours. At the heart of its menu is a thoughtfully curated pizza programme that focuses on slow fermentation, precise techniques, and carefully sourced ingredients to deliver pizzas inspired by classic Italian traditions.

Among the restaurant's signature offerings are the Pomodori Pepe, featuring sun-dried tomato pesto, the Almond Florentine Pie, the Ecstasy with aubergine pesto, and The Italian Grandma, a six-cheese pizza finished with a subtle touch of spice. Each pizza has been crafted to offer its own distinct flavour profile while remaining true to authentic Italian styles.

Beyond pizzas, Poppy's Italian menu features a selection of oven-baked specialties, including the Smoked Scamorza Doughball, Smoked Chicken Pepperoni Panuozzo, and a range of stuffed garlic breads. Guests can also enjoy handcrafted pastas such as Radiatori, Mafaldine, Girelle, Gnocchi, and Ravioli, highlighting the restaurant's focus on comfort-driven Italian cuisine made from scratch.

Complementing its Italian offerings is a menu rooted in Rajasthan's culinary heritage, inspired by recipes from the Bedla family legacy. Signature dishes include Smoky Laal Maas, Banjara Aaloo, Gobhi Lal Shorba, and Hari Mirch ka Paneer, bringing regional flavours that are rarely found on contemporary restaurant menus.

The combination of authentic Italian craftsmanship and heritage Rajasthani cuisine has become the defining identity of Poppy. Every section of the menu has been designed to encourage guests to explore new flavours while maintaining a balance between familiar favourites and regional specialties.

Sharing the restaurant's philosophy, the team at Poppy said, "Every dish is built with intention, whether it's pizza, pasta, or traditional Rajasthani food. Our focus is on flavour, balance, and making sure guests always want to explore more of the menu."

As Udaipur continues to emerge as a prominent culinary destination, Poppy is positioning itself as a restaurant that celebrates both global and local gastronomy. By bringing together handcrafted Italian dishes and authentic regional cuisine under one roof, it offers guests a dining experience that blends heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary hospitality.

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