Shankar Distillers Opens High-Tech Distillery in Troy, Michigan

Shankar Distillers Opens High-Tech Distillery in Troy, Michigan

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.

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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.

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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.


Guacamole Co. Launches Mexican-Inspired QSR Outlet in Punjabi Bagh

Guacamole Co. Launches Mexican-Inspired QSR Outlet in Punjabi Bagh

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 12, 2026

Guacamole Co., a Mexican-inspired QSR brand, has opened its first outlet in Punjabi Bagh, bringing a fresh approach to casual dining with flavour-packed comfort food and customizable meal options.

Positioned as an ingredient-led dining concept, the brand focuses on balanced flavours and freshly prepared dishes, offering an alternative to the heavier fast-food style menus commonly seen in the QSR space. With a vibrant yet relaxed setting, the outlet aims to create an easygoing experience for guests looking for fresh and comforting meals.

The menu features a range of Mexican-inspired favourites including tacos, burrito bowls, loaded nachos, wraps, enchiladas, salads, and several variations of house-made guacamole. Guests can customise their meals with fillings such as Crispy Mushroom, Chipotle Paneer, Chipotle Chicken, and Birria across different dishes.

The appetizer section includes options like Tex-Mex Corn Ribs, Grilled Chipotle Chicken Skewers, and Habanero Chicken Wings. Signature dishes such as Millet Nachos Picante and Birria Lamb Nachos bring creative twists to familiar comfort food favourites.

The restaurant’s freshly prepared guacamoles and dips are available in flavours including Mango Chile and Con Piña, paired with handcrafted beverages and fruit coolers. Guests can also end their meal with desserts like cinnamon sugar churros and the Choco Loco Taco.

Designed as a neighbourhood dining spot, the interiors feature warm lighting, avocado-green accents, and a contemporary aesthetic that suits casual lunches, evening outings, and quick bites alike.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Ankur Aggarwal, Founder of Guacamole Co., said: “Guacamole Co. started with a simple idea to make Mexican-inspired food feel fresher, more approachable, and genuinely exciting. We wanted to create a space where people could enjoy bold flavours without the food feeling heavy or overly processed. From our house-made dips and salsas to the bowls, tacos, and appetizers, every dish has been designed to feel comforting, vibrant, and easy to come back to. Punjabi Bagh felt like the perfect place to begin this journey, and we’re excited to build Guacamole Co. into a go-to destination for flavour-packed comfort food in the city.”

With its focus on fresh ingredients, customizable meals, and a relaxed atmosphere, Guacamole Co. aims to establish itself in Delhi’s growing casual dining segment by offering Mexican-inspired food that balances flavour, quality, and comfort.


Tipsy Tiger Garden Bar Extends Korean Food Festival in Mumbai

Tipsy Tiger Garden Bar Extends Korean Food Festival in Mumbai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 12, 2026

Tipsy Tiger Garden Bar in Mumbai has announced the extension of its popular Korean Food Festival for another month after receiving an overwhelming response from guests across the city. Originally introduced as a limited-time experience, the festival has quickly become one of the season’s most talked-about culinary events, reflecting the growing popularity of Korean food and culture among diners.

Part of the restaurant’s larger “Across Asia” series, the festival celebrates Korea’s vibrant food scene through a menu filled with bold flavours, comforting dishes, and immersive dining experiences. Guests continue to enjoy favourites such as Tteokbokki, Korean Fried Chicken, Bibimbap bowls, and Jajangmyeon, all inspired by Korean street food and home-style cuisine.

One of the biggest highlights of the festival has been the introduction of the Big Bowl Ramen, promoted as one of Mumbai’s largest ramen offerings. Designed as a hearty and shareable dish, it has become a major attraction for groups and ramen lovers alike.

Another standout on the menu is the Cheese Baked Ramen, an indulgent oven-baked preparation that is limited to just 10 portions per day, adding a sense of exclusivity to the experience. Guests can also pair their meals with a selection of eight beers on tap, including a seasonal mango cider.

Speaking about the extension, Ewa Valia, Assistant Marketing Manager at Tipsy Tiger Garden Bar, said, “We're truly grateful for the overwhelming love the Korean Food Festival has received. While we're excited to introduce the next chapter of our Across Asia series, we also wanted to make sure that guests who continue returning for their favourite dishes have more time to enjoy the experience. Extending the festival felt like the most natural decision for us.”

With its energetic atmosphere, strong cultural appeal, and flavour-packed menu, the Korean Food Festival at Tipsy Tiger Garden Bar continues to give Mumbai diners another reason to explore Korean cuisine in a lively social setting.

  • Address: Hotel Peninsula Redpine, Andheri - Kurla Rd, Bori Colony, Marol, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400059
  • Timings: 4pm to 1am


The Hood by Olive Celebrates World Whisky Day with Curated Cocktail Experience in Bengaluru

The Hood by Olive Celebrates World Whisky Day with Curated Cocktail Experience in Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on May 12, 2026

The Hood by Olive is raising a glass this World Whisky Day with a specially curated whisky-forward experience that celebrates craftsmanship, creativity, and global cocktail culture. Known as one of Bengaluru’s refined global gastro-bars, the venue brings together classic whisky traditions and modern mixology interpretations under one immersive menu.

Designed for both whisky connoisseurs and curious explorers, the celebration highlights a range of signature cocktails that balance innovation with familiarity. The experience reflects The Hood’s signature approach, precise execution, layered flavours, and a sophisticated yet approachable bar atmosphere in the heart of the city.

Among the standout creations is Beware the Ginza Tiger, a Japanese-inspired cocktail that draws from the vibrant energy of Tokyo’s Nishiki Market. It blends miso-washed whisky with roasted coffee liqueur and sesame-kokuto sugar syrup, creating a bold umami-driven profile with depth and complexity.

The menu also features Roman Holiday, a smoother, dessert-style whisky cocktail that balances citrus brightness with honey water, offering a refreshing yet indulgent drinking experience.

For those who prefer a contemporary classic, Penicillin delivers a layered interpretation of Scotch whisky, combining blended whisky with an Islay float, complemented by honey-ginger syrup and fresh lemon juice for a smoky, citrus-forward finish.

Together, these cocktails reflect a growing trend in Bengaluru’s premium bar scene, where whisky is no longer confined to neat pours, but reimagined through global techniques, flavour experimentation, and storytelling-led mixology.

With its curated approach and globally inspired menu, The Hood by Olive positions World Whisky Day as more than a celebration—it becomes an exploration of flavour, technique, and modern whisky culture.

From seasoned whisky lovers to first-time tasters, the experience offers a refined way to engage with the spirit, set against the bar’s contemporary and cosmopolitan ambience.

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