Raise Your Glass: Haku Vodka from Japan Hits India's Shores

Raise Your Glass: Haku Vodka from Japan Hits India's Shores

By Author

Published on September 29, 2023

India, brace yourself for a taste of Japan like never before, as Beam Suntory, the global leader in premium spirits, unveils the latest gem from the House of Suntory. Following the resounding success of The House of Suntory portfolio's launch in December 2019, the spotlight now shines on India with the introduction of Haku® Vodka.

Derived from the finest Japanese ingredients, Haku® Vodka is a testament to the nature and spirit of Japan. It embodies the core principles of Suntory founder Shinjiro Torii's Monozukuri craftsmanship—a relentless pursuit of perfection, meticulous attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

In a country where vodka's versatility has captured the hearts of consumers, the arrival of Haku® Vodka is set to make waves in the vodka market. Neeraj Kumar, Managing Director of Beam Suntory India, expresses their excitement, stating, "Vodka continues to gain prominence as a sought-after spirit amongst Indian consumers due to its versatility. Delivering a distinctive experience and establishing a unique presence in the vodka market, we bring yet another addition from our esteemed House of Suntory portfolio in India with the launch of Haku® Vodka."

The name "Haku," meaning 'white and brilliant' in Japanese, pays homage to the key ingredient, "Hakumai," a pure, white Japanese rice symbolising Japan's essence. This rice is meticulously milled, polished, and distilled, resulting in a "junpaku," a clear, clean, and luminous vodka. What makes Haku® Vodka truly exceptional is its filtration process through bamboo charcoal, adding a touch of sophistication and complexity to the vodka's natural flavour.

Haku® Vodka's design blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern sensibilities, creating a minimalist and artisanal product that beautifully celebrates Japanese craftsmanship.

India is not the sole destination for Haku® Vodka. This premium spirit is set to take flight across multiple markets, including Maharashtra, Goa, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana. With prices ranging from INR 3,950 to INR 6,140, it promises to set an unprecedented benchmark in the vodka category.

Haku® Vodka, an embodiment of quality, tradition, and innovation, marks a significant step in Beam Suntory's mission to elevate its premium portfolio in India, further enriching the vibrant landscape of Indian spirits.

As The House of Suntory celebrates a century of whisky innovation, the introduction of Haku® Vodka reaffirms Suntory's commitment to heritage and a relentless pursuit of crafting exceptional spirits. Beam Suntory invites India to savour the essence of Japanese craftsmanship with each sip of Haku® Vodka.

Image Source: The Whiskey Exchange


Vivanta Miramar Launches Verre Rooftop Bar, Blending Cocktails, Storytelling and Panoramic Sea Views

Vivanta Miramar Launches Verre Rooftop Bar, Blending Cocktails, Storytelling and Panoramic Sea Views

By Hariharan U

Published on June 10, 2026

Vivanta Miramar has introduced Verre, a new rooftop glasshouse concept that brings together handcrafted cocktails, global cuisine, curated music, and immersive storytelling, set against sweeping views of the Goan coastline.

Positioned as more than a rooftop bar, Verre is designed as a “parallel universe” experience where familiar archetypes are reimagined as playful characters, creating a layered and evolving social space. The venue transitions naturally from relaxed sundowners during sunset to high-energy nightlife as the evening progresses.

At the centre of the experience is a cocktail programme inspired by celestial themes, drawing from the sun and moon to create drinks that combine classic mixology techniques with global influences and experimental ingredients. The beverage offering is complemented by a contemporary menu featuring Asian, Mediterranean, and Indian flavours, along with curated shareable plates and a live sushi bar.

Music plays a key role in shaping the atmosphere at Verre, beginning with lounge and ambient sounds at sunset before shifting into upbeat and club-driven sets later in the night. This gradual transformation is designed to mirror the changing energy of the space as guests move from evening relaxation to late-night celebration.

A defining element of the concept is the introduction of “Verre Characters,” a storytelling feature that assigns playful personas inspired by everyday human traits. From dreamers to socialites and collectors, guests are invited to identify with these characters, adding an interactive narrative layer to the experience.

According to Ranjit Philipose, Senior Vice President – Operations, Goa, IHCL, Verre has been designed to go beyond traditional dining and drinking formats. He noted that the concept blends design, music, storytelling, and mixology to create a more immersive and memorable social experience in Goa’s evolving hospitality landscape.

With its combination of panoramic views, evolving atmosphere, and experiential storytelling, Verre positions itself as a distinctive addition to Goa’s rooftop and nightlife scene


Novotel Hyderabad Airport Brings Coastal Italian Flavours to Food Exchange

Novotel Hyderabad Airport Brings Coastal Italian Flavours to Food Exchange

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 10, 2026

Novotel Hyderabad Airport is inviting guests to experience the flavours of coastal Italy with A Taste of the Italian Coast, a specially curated brunch designed to bring together authentic Italian cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and a relaxed dining atmosphere.

Hosted at Food Exchange, the brunch celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Italy’s coastline through a menu featuring classic favourites and fresh creations inspired by the region’s vibrant food culture.

Designed as a leisurely Sunday dining experience, the brunch offers families, friends, and food enthusiasts an opportunity to enjoy a carefully crafted selection of Italian dishes in a welcoming and elegant setting.

With its focus on comforting flavours, quality ingredients, and the laid-back charm associated with coastal Italy, the experience aims to transport guests on a culinary journey while offering a memorable afternoon of dining and hospitality.

The brunch will be available every Sunday in June 2026, except 21 June, at Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Airport, from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM.

  • Venue: Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Airport
  • Dates: Every Sunday in June 2026 (except 21 June)
  • Time: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM


Café Delhi Heights Opens New All-Day Dining Destination at Central 50, Noida

Café Delhi Heights Opens New All-Day Dining Destination at Central 50, Noida

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 10, 2026

Café Delhi Heights (CDH) has announced the opening of its newest outlet at Central 50, Noida, further expanding its presence in one of the city's emerging lifestyle destinations. Designed as an all-day dining space, the new café offers a welcoming atmosphere that transitions seamlessly from casual daytime gatherings to relaxed evening experiences.

Spread across 1,680 sq. ft. and accommodating up to 69 guests, the outlet has been thoughtfully designed to create the feel of a modern neighbourhood café. The interiors feature a soothing mix of terracotta and lime tones, complemented by warm wooden finishes, brick-tiled details, and rattan accents. Carefully placed black highlights add contrast, while large windows allow natural light to create changing patterns throughout the day.

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Speaking about the new opening, Vikrant Batra said, “We wanted this space to feel calm, comfortable and effortlessly welcoming, a place that truly speaks of comfort, where you can drop in for a coffee during the day or unwind in the evening. Central 50 is an exciting new destination in Noida, and it gives us the perfect opportunity to connect with a diverse, evolving audience.”

Located within Central 50, the café is expected to attract a wide range of guests, including corporate professionals, families, and young urban diners. Its flexible layout and relaxed ambience make it suitable for everything from informal meetings and quick coffee breaks to leisurely meals and evening catch-ups.

Over the years, Café Delhi Heights has built a strong reputation for offering comfort-focused dining experiences across India. Since opening its first outlet in Gurgaon, the brand has expanded across multiple cities while maintaining its signature approach of creating spaces that feel both familiar and unique.

The launch at Central 50 marks another step in the brand’s growth journey. With a focus on combining thoughtfully designed spaces and enjoyable dining experiences, Café Delhi Heights continues to strengthen its presence in key urban markets across the country.

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