Rampur Jugalbandi #6 Crowned Best World Single Malt at John Barleycorn Awards 2025

Rampur Jugalbandi #6 Crowned Best World Single Malt at John Barleycorn Awards 2025

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 4, 2025

Radico Khaitan Ltd., one of India’s largest and oldest homegrown alco-bev companies, has added another glittering chapter to its global success story. In a remarkable triumph for Indian whisky, Rampur Jugalbandi #6 was named Best World Single Malt at the John Barleycorn Awards 2025 in the USA. Further solidifying Rampur’s reputation on the world stage, Rampur Select clinched a Double Gold, while Jugalbandi #5 bagged Gold in the Indian Single Malt – Tokaji Finish category.

Leading the charge was Rampur Jugalbandi #6, aged in rare Madeira casks — an exploration in bold maturation that delivers unmatched depth and character. Rampur Select’s Double Gold underlined its hallmark smoothness and fruit-forward elegance, while Jugalbandi #5’s Gold recognised its nuanced Tokaji cask finish that blends Indian richness with European finesse.

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Considered one of the spirits industry’s most respected honours, the John Barleycorn Awards are judged by top writers and industry veterans who celebrate excellence in craftsmanship and innovation.

Sharing his excitement, Mr. Sanjeev Banga, President – International Business, Radico Khaitan Ltd., said, "It is truly gratifying to see Indian single malts gaining such remarkable global recognition. These accolades reaffirm our belief that when whisky is crafted with authenticity, passion, and purpose, it resonates across cultures and continents."

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Mr. Kunal Madan, Vice President – International Business, added, "Rampur Jugalbandi #6 is a testament to our bold and evolving whisky craft. This win places it among the world's finest, reflecting a uniquely Indian story of innovation rooted in tradition."

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The secret to Rampur’s growing global appeal lies in its Himalayan provenance. The region’s dramatic seasonal swings, especially the intense Indian summers, accelerate maturation and create a complexity that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. Crafted at the historic Rampur Distillery, each expression tells a story: Rampur Select with its warm vanilla and spice, Jugalbandi #5 with its Tokaji elegance, and Jugalbandi #6 pushing new frontiers with Madeira-cask opulence.

As Radico Khaitan continues to expand across the US, Europe, and travel retail hubs, these international recognitions underline the brand’s long-term commitment to putting Indian whisky firmly on the global luxury map.


‘The Malabar’ opens as Sterling’s new culinary landmark in Wayanad

‘The Malabar’ opens as Sterling’s new culinary landmark in Wayanad

By Hariharan U

Published on September 3, 2025

 Sterling Holiday Resorts has announced the opening of The Malabar, its new fine dining specialty restaurant at Sterling Wayanad, Sulthan Bathery. Designed as a destination dining concept, the restaurant highlights Kerala’s culinary heritage through heirloom dishes, cultural storytelling, and refined service rituals.

The launch was celebrated with a cultural showcase featuring floral arrangements, a puja ceremony, a Theyyam performance, a spice garden tour, and an evening of live Sufi music paired with a curated dinner reflecting the restaurant’s philosophy of food as theatre.

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The Malabar’s compact, story-driven menu offers signature dishes like Chemeen Biryani, Erachi Puttu, Malabar Mango Cloud Fish, and Koonthal Nirachathu, along with forgotten classics such as Chakka Pathiri Nirachathu. Vegetarian highlights include Koon Curry, Raw Jackfruit Cutlets, Mathanga Erissery, and Cheera Parippu Curry, each plate designed with authenticity and cultural resonance.

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Commenting on the launch, Mr. Dileep Nair, Head of Operations at Sterling, said, “The Malabar was built on the voice of our guests. Insights showed a clear demand for authentic Kerala heirloom cuisine in a ₹700+ crore fine-dining market with no regional leader. The Malabar answers with authentic recipes, theatrical service, and a fine-dining format that creates recall and loyalty”.

This marks Sterling’s second major concept-driven restaurant, following Amo Odisha in Puri (2024). The Malabar strengthens Sterling’s vision of transforming dining into a strategic asset across destinations by blending heirloom dishes, local rituals, and sensory immersion.


Welcomhotel Bengaluru Celebrates Teacher’s Day with Exclusive Dining Offer

Welcomhotel Bengaluru Celebrates Teacher’s Day with Exclusive Dining Offer

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 3, 2025

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Richmond Road, Bengaluru, is celebrating Teacher’s Day on September 5th, 2025, with a thoughtful dining experience dedicated to teachers. The initiative highlights the invaluable contribution teachers make in shaping lives and inspiring dreams.

As part of the celebration, the hotel is extending a special 20% savings exclusively for teachers, allowing them to enjoy a memorable evening with fine dining and warm hospitality. Guests can choose from buffet and à la carte dinner options at the Mahjong Room and WelcomCafe Jacaranda, where carefully curated menus promise a delightful culinary experience.

The offer is valid on September 5th, 2025, from 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm. Teachers are required to present a valid institutional ID to avail the benefit.

For reservations, guests can email mytable.whbengaluru@itchotels.com to secure their table for this special occasion.

This celebration reflects Welcomhotel Bengaluru’s commitment to honouring teachers while creating moments of joy through exceptional hospitality.


Bengaluru Savours Ironhill India’s First-Ever “Alchemy Table” at Marathahalli

Bengaluru Savours Ironhill India’s First-Ever “Alchemy Table” at Marathahalli

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 2, 2025

Bengaluru witnessed a first-of-its-kind dining experience as Ironhill India, the world’s largest microbrewery chain, unveiled the debut edition of its signature concept, The Alchemy Table at Ironhill Marathahalli.

Designed for an intimate gathering of food lovers, influencers, and beer enthusiasts, the evening blended storytelling, craft brews, and chef-curated pairings into an immersive culinary journey.

An Evening of Culinary Storytelling

Led by Chef Syamal Raju Annamneedi, Corporate Chef at Ironhill India, and Soundera Rajan, Corporate Brewmaster, guests were guided through a sensory exploration of flavors, aromas, and brewing processes.

Ironhill’s signature brews, including previews of upcoming creations, were paired with bite-sized, flavorful dishes spanning starters, mains, and desserts. Each pairing was designed to enhance the umami effect, creating indulgent, memorable bites.

The evening also included an exclusive brewery tour, where the brewmaster explained ingredient selection, brewing techniques, and the delicate balance between food and beer. The interactive session sparked conversations, laughter, and genuine curiosity, transforming dinner into a theatre of flavors.

The Vision Behind The Alchemy Table

Inspired by mythology and the idea of alchemy, the concept celebrates transformation, turning simple ingredients into extraordinary experiences. The décor reflected this ethos, with gold accents, glowing candles, floral arrangements, celestial motifs, and curated hops displays that filled the air with fragrance and story.

Teja Chekuri, Managing Partner of Ironhill India, shared:

“With The Alchemy Table, our vision is to go beyond dining and create an immersive experience where every dish is thoughtfully paired, every pint reflects innovation, and every interaction deepens appreciation for the craft. The response has been incredible, and we look forward to curating this experience month after month.”

What’s Next

After the overwhelming success of its debut, The Alchemy Table will return on September 20th and 21st, 2025, at Ironhill Marathahalli and Ironhill Kanakapura. Guests can expect fresh brews, a newly crafted menu, inventive pairings, and the same captivating storytelling that defines Ironhill India’s philosophy.

From engaging Q&A sessions to shared laughter over experimental flavors, the launch edition proved one thing, Ironhill India is redefining how Bengaluru experiences craft beer and fine dining.

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