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.


Eros Hotel New Delhi Hosts The Great Dim Sum Feast

Eros Hotel New Delhi Hosts The Great Dim Sum Feast

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 18, 2026

Eros Hotel, New Delhi is bringing a fresh dining experience to the city this summer with The Great Dim Sum Feast at Empress of China. Scheduled from 18th to 30th April 2026, the festival focuses on authentic Chinese flavours paired with a relaxed and enjoyable setting.

The specially curated menu features a wide variety of handcrafted dim sums, including steamed, fried, and baked options. Guests can expect a mix of classic favourites along with modern variations, all prepared using quality ingredients and traditional techniques by the hotel’s culinary team.

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One of the main highlights of the festival is the ‘Dim Sum with Beer Lunch’, where guests can enjoy delicate dim sums paired with chilled beers. This combination adds a refreshing touch to the meal and is designed to offer a laid-back yet refined dining experience. It works well for corporate lunches, casual outings, and even weekend plans with friends and family.

The festival aims to bring together flavour, presentation, and comfort in a way that appeals to both regular diners and those looking to try something new. With its focus on authentic taste and thoughtful pairing, The Great Dim Sum Feast offers a simple yet enjoyable way to explore Chinese cuisine.

Guests can visit Empress of China at Eros Hotel, New Delhi, Nehru Place, between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm during the festival period from 18th to 30th April 2026.


Chin Lung Bengaluru Launches Raw Mango Infused Wheat Beer for Summer

Chin Lung Bengaluru Launches Raw Mango Infused Wheat Beer for Summer

By Hariharan U

Published on April 17, 2026

Chin Lung Brewery is tapping into the spirit of summer with the launch of a Raw Mango Infused Wheat Beer, a limited seasonal brew that brings together nostalgia, local ingredients, and craft innovation.

Inspired by the familiar flavours of kaccha aam, the beer is brewed using freshly plucked raw mangoes sourced directly from the brewery’s own tree. The result is a refreshing reinterpretation of traditional aam panna, transformed into a light, crisp, and highly drinkable wheat ale suited for the city’s warm weather.

The brew opens with bright, zesty aromas of raw mango, complemented by subtle citrus notes and a hint of earthy spice. On the palate, it delivers a vibrant burst of green mango upfront, followed by a refreshing saline tang through the mid-palate. A touch of black salt enhances the tartness, while a gentle layer of chilli warmth adds depth without overpowering the profile.

With an ABV of approximately 4.8%, the beer is designed to be easy-drinking and sessionable. Its hazy pale straw to light golden appearance, combined with a smooth, lightly spiced finish, makes it an ideal companion for long afternoons and relaxed evenings.

This seasonal release reflects a growing trend within India’s craft beer space, where local ingredients and regional flavour memories are being reimagined through contemporary brewing techniques. By drawing from the nostalgia of summer staples, Chin Lung continues to create experiences that resonate with both familiarity and innovation.

With this launch, the brewery offers a refreshing way to celebrate mango season—one that captures the essence of summer in every sip.


Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse Launches CaterINN for Outdoor Catering

Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse Launches CaterINN for Outdoor Catering

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 16, 2026

Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse has announced the launch of CaterINN, its dedicated outdoor catering service, marking a step forward in taking its culinary expertise beyond the hotel. The service is designed to deliver hotel-style food and hospitality experiences across workplaces, private celebrations, and social gatherings.

Introduced on 14th April, 26 in Bengaluru, CaterINN aims to cater to a wide range of events including corporate meetings, conferences, weddings, and intimate gatherings. The offering focuses on delivering well-planned food and beverage experiences that balance quality, flexibility, and consistency, while adapting to different event needs.

Speaking on the launch, Kuldeep Bhure, Food and Beverage Manager of Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse, said, "With CaterINN, we are extending our food and beverage offerings beyond the hotel, creating a catering solution that is both flexible and seamless." Chef Ajit Tiwari, Executive Chef further adds, “our focus is on delivering consistent quality, thoughtful service, and efficient execution across diverse event formats, while ensuring each experience is tailored to our guests’ needs. This initiative allows us to bring the essence of our hospitality to a wider range of settings and occasions.”

Mrunal Ajmera, Manager, CaterINN, Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse, shared, "CaterINN has been envisioned to simplify and elevate the catering experience for our clients. From intimate gatherings to large-scale events, our approach is rooted in understanding each requirement in detail and delivering solutions that are both seamless and personalized. We aim to bring the same level of trust, quality, and attention to detail that guests associate with Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse, into every off-site experience we curate."

CaterINN follows a structured yet flexible approach, focusing on smooth planning and execution. Sustainability is also a key part of the service, with the use of bio-degradable packaging, efficient ingredient usage, and a strong focus on health and hygiene. Each event is managed by a dedicated team that handles planning, coordination, and on-ground execution to ensure a seamless experience.

With this launch, Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse continues to expand its services, offering clients a convenient way to enjoy its food and hospitality beyond the hotel space.

CaterINN queries can be directed to caterinnmanager@holidayinnblr.com

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