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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on July 28, 2024
Shankar Distillers, the latest venture by tech entrepreneur Varchasvi Shankar, has officially opened in Troy, Michigan. This advanced distillery features a state-of-the-art 45-foot continuous distillation column, so large that the distillery's roof had to be modified to accommodate it. Located in an industrial park, the distillery's glass ceiling is a distinctive landmark visible from I-75, just north of the 14 Mile exit near Oakland Mall.
Varchasvi Shankar, the first Indian immigrant to open an American whiskey distillery, celebrated the grand opening of Shankar Distillers on Friday, July 12. Shankar has also expanded into international markets, making the Varchas Whiskey line the first American craft bourbon exported to India. The distillery team includes master distiller Kylash Sivakumar and senior advisor Dennis Archer Jr., who have together crafted several award-winning spirits. Among their accolades is the Varchas Reserve 102 Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which won gold at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its smooth, earthy flavor profile featuring notes of wood, leather, tobacco, and caramel.
Shankar expressed his enthusiasm for sharing these whiskeys directly with the public. “This is a dream come true for me. I never imagined that I would open a distillery in the USA. I came here for a technology career, but whiskey has always been my passion, and I'm thrilled to bring this unique cultural experience to the people of this country,” he said. “I'm excited to see visitors experience in person the fusion of Eastern and Western traditions in our spirits.”
Shankar Distillers offers a range of spirits, including Varchas Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Varchas Straight Rye Whiskey, Dasara Gin, and Varchas Vodka. Visitors can purchase these products along with branded merchandise like whiskey glasses, flasks, and T-shirts. The tasting room features plush lounge seating and a premium atmosphere, with a diverse cocktail menu that includes classics like Manhattans and barrel-aged sazeracs, as well as a unique gin and tonic made with Indian tonic. House specialties also include the “Gimme Some More,” made with Varchas Vodka, cucumber, and elderflower liqueur.
Shankar Distillers stands out not just for its story of transitioning from tech to distilling but also for the beauty of its bottles. The 750 ml glass bottles feature a two-headed eagle on the label, a symbol of Shankar’s home state of Mysore in southern India, and a 3D eagle on the cork, highlighting Shankar’s accomplishments in the United States. The distillery is proud of its Michigan roots, using locally sourced water and corn in its products.
For those interested in visiting, Shankar Distillers at 1030 Chicago Road in Troy is open from 3-10 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday, 3 p.m.-midnight on Friday, 11 a.m.-midnight on Saturday, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday. Tours are available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons.
For more information, visit shankardistillers.com.
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By Hariharan U
Published on December 8, 2025
Kimaya Himalayan Beverages has launched a refreshing new addition to its popular BeeYoung craft beer lineup, BeeYoung Tropic, India’s first crafted Tropical Pilsner. The new variant made its debut at Doon Music Festival Season 4, setting a lively and youthful tone that matches the brand’s spirit.
BeeYoung, known across India for its crisp taste and energetic vibe, created this new brew at its microbrewery in New Delhi’s BeeYoung Brewgarden. What began as an experimental favourite among visitors soon turned into a standout creation worth taking nationwide.
BeeYoung Tropic is crafted to bring a bright, feel-good experience with every sip. The flavour profile highlights gentle notes of mango and passion fruit, layered over a light-bodied, crisp pilsner base with a smooth malty finish. Designed to pair comfortably with all cuisines and seasons, it’s the kind of beer meant for unwinding, celebrating and connecting with friends.
After extensive trials, the team perfected its canning process to ensure the same fresh, clean and fruity profile reaches consumers everywhere.
Expressing his excitement, Abhinav Jindal, CEO and Founder of Kimaya Himalayan Beverages, said, “With the launch of BeeYoung Tropic Pilsner, we aim to capture the feeling of pure joy and togetherness that arises from great craft beer. Launching it here in Dehradun, the city where BeeYoung was born, surrounded by music and mountains, feels like the perfect homecoming for this tropical journey.”
BeeYoung Tropic now joins the brand’s flagship craft brews, continuing the brand’s strong connection with India’s young and fearless beer community.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on December 7, 2025
Papaya, India’s pioneer in modern Asian dining, has launched The Yin & Yang Menu, a unique culinary experience inspired by one of Asia’s oldest philosophies, the harmony created when opposites come together. Rooted in the belief that contrast completes rather than divides, the menu brings the essence of balance to the plate through taste, texture and emotion.
For generations, the concept of Yin and Yang has symbolised the universe’s natural rhythm, light and shadow, calm and energy, softness and strength. Not opposites in conflict, but partners in balance. Papaya brings this timeless idea to life by blending fire with flow, depth with delicacy, and spice with serenity.
“The Yin & Yang Menu is our homage to the philosophy that defines Asia itself,” says Zorawar Kalra, Founder & Managing Director, Massive Restaurants. “Papaya has always led from the front in redefining how India experiences Asian cuisine, by blending innovation with integrity. With this menu, we explore how contrast doesn’t divide; it completes. It’s a dialogue between opposites, a reminder that flavour, like life, finds meaning only in balance.”
True to Papaya’s style, the experience goes beyond food. The two curated menus are crafted as emotional journeys that reflect each other, with one finding strength in what the other releases.
The Yin Menu celebrates calm, subtlety and restraint. Dishes like Smoked Avocado Nigiri and Avocado Carpaccio with Yuzu Soy bring gentle brightness, while Crystal Truffle Cream Cheese Dim Sum and Cantonese Dumpling Broth offer soothing depth. Highlights such as Rainbow Roll and Salmon Uzukuri with Jalapeño Relish pair coolness with a hint of heat. The experience concludes with Thai Green Curry with Stir-Fried Asian Greens and a serene Vanilla Panacotta with Citrus Glaze, echoing the quiet charm of dusk.
The Yang Menu brings energy, boldness and expression. The journey begins with spirited dishes like Spicy Tuna Maki, Som Tam Seafood Salad, and Shaomai Chicken & Chestnuts. The flavours intensify with Tom Yum Soup, Spicy Red Dragon Roll, and Papaya’s signature Layered Sushi Pizza with Salmon Carpaccio. Power-packed plates such as Wok-Fried Tofu & Mushrooms in Crispy Chilli and Thai Red Curry keep the momentum strong, ending with the dramatic Chocolate Ball on Fire, a blend of dessert and theatre.
Across both menus, every element is designed to create balance, colours, aromas, ingredients and textures come together to bring harmony to each plate. Calm meets chaos, heat meets coolness, and structure blends with flow. Diners are invited to experience both sides and discover how each enriches the other.
With The Yin & Yang Menu, Papaya continues to lead India’s modern Asian dining scene by blending philosophy, creativity and cuisine into an experience that feels deeply rooted yet refreshingly contemporary.
Bernini, South Africa’s only real spritzer made from wine with flavours, has introduced a fresh look and an elegant new campaign rooted in a simple yet meaningful ritual: Pop It, Swirl It, Breathe It In. The idea celebrates the sensory experience of real wine, its aroma, taste, and the memories it evokes, while inviting women to pause, be present, and enjoy moments that feel softer and more intentional.
The campaign draws inspiration from the sunset aperitivo culture, a time of day when conversations feel warmer, connections linger, and everything slows down. This is the space Bernini wants to live in during long lunches that flow into golden-hour evenings, relaxed weekends, and moments where life feels beautifully unhurried.
“There is a quiet but powerful shift happening in how South African women choose to live and experience their world. After years of rushing and performing, many are seeking moments that feel softer, slower, and more intentional,” said Paigon Prince, Senior Brand Manager for Bernini South Africa. “True authenticity exists when there is no audience, and Bernini makes space for that. The quality is in the experience and not the broadcast.”
The real-wine ritual is designed to transform a simple drink into a grounding experience, Pop It to enjoy the gentle sparkle of real wine with flavours. Swirl It to release the natural aromas in the signature Bernini coupe glass. Breathe It In to savour the refreshing wine notes.
The range offers a smooth, easy-drinking taste across variants:
Classic – white style with honey notes
Blush – rosé style with soft florals
Mimosa – sparkling white with real orange juice
Each variant is crafted for moments of calm, celebration, or connection.
Bernini has also revealed a more sophisticated visual identity. The refreshed blue stripe design brings a timeless and premium look, while the iconic crown “B” and signature Bernini blue strengthen the brand’s chic personality. The move to a flint glass bottle for the Classic variant enhances the delicate sparkling liquid inside.
“As we evolved the brand, our intention wasn’t to make life louder, but to make it feel more meaningful,” Prince added. “Because life becomes more beautiful when you pause long enough to savour it and Breathe It In.”
Bernini continues to be a brand born from real wine, offering spritzers available in multiple variants and convenient formats, including bottles and cans.
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