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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 Manu VArdhan Kannan
Published on October 5, 2025
McDonald’s India – North and East has announced the launch of its Festive-Meals, available at a special price with up to 51% off, adding more flavour and joy to the celebrations this festive season. The limited-time offer aims to make moments of Durga Puja and Diwali even more special by bringing families and friends together over affordable and delicious McDonald’s favourites.
As part of the campaign, McDonald’s has also released a festive anthem film celebrating togetherness, joy, and inclusivity. The film showcases how Festive-Meals bring communities closer, allowing people to share laughter, music, and happy moments over their much-loved burgers and fries.
Speaking about the initiative, Rajeev Ranjan, Managing Director, McDonald’s India – North and East, said, “For more than 25 years, McDonald’s has been woven into the fabric of India’s festive spirit. Each festival gives us the chance to connect with our customers through cherished moments of celebration. This year, the Festive Meal offers continue that tradition by making every festive gathering more delightful, with the familiar taste and everyday value that bring families and friends together at McDonald’s.”
To ensure inclusivity, McDonald’s is also offering No Onion, No Garlic (NONG) versions of favourites like the McAloo Tikki Burger and Happy Meals®, catering to festive food preferences. The brand continues to uphold one of the strictest vegetarian and non-vegetarian segregation practices in the industry, maintaining separate kitchens, storage, and equipment to ensure 100% purity for vegetarian food.
Notably, McDonald’s India stands out as the only market globally with fully vegetarian restaurants, located in Jammu (New Track-Tarakote Marg and Ardhkuwari) and Amritsar (near the Golden Temple). These outlets reflect the brand’s respect for local traditions while offering the familiar McDonald’s experience.
The Festive Meal brings exceptional value , the McAloo Tikki Value Meal (Burger + Fries + Beverage) is priced at just ₹99 instead of ₹203, while a wholesome 4-course meal available at a special price. Exciting offers are also available across McDonald’s premium burger range, making the season even more delightful.
Customers can enjoy these Festive-Meals via dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru, or through delivery on the McDonald’s app, Swiggy, and Zomato.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
KFC India and Snickers India have announced their first-ever brand collaboration with a limited-edition dessert, the KFC X Snickers Choco Mousse Cake. This unique creation combines layers of chocolate-soaked sponge, creamy chocolate mousse, and finely chopped Snickers pieces, making it a dessert that’s indulgent, fun, and unforgettable.
This partnership marks a milestone moment, bringing together KFC’s 30-year legacy of delivering innovative food experiences in India with Snickers’ reputation as the ultimate hunger-satisfying chocolate bar.
Speaking on the collaboration, Aparna Bhawal, Chief Marketing Officer, KFC India & Partner Countries, said, “Who would’ve imagined KFC & Snickers in the same sentence, let alone the same plate. That’s the fun of this collaboration, two iconic brands coming together to create something unexpected and delicious! The KFC X Snickers Choco Mousse Cake is our first co-created dessert and the ultimate finger lickin’ good finale to a KFC meal.”
Adding to this, Nikhil Rao, Chief Marketing Officer, MW India, shared, “Today’s Gen Z audience seeks not just great taste but also share-worthy experiences. Our collaboration with KFC India brings the iconic taste of SNICKERS® into a dessert experience that is indulgent, fun, and crafted for a new generation of food explorers. This partnership celebrates two beloved brands coming together to offer something bold and exciting that consumers didn’t even know they wanted but will now crave.”
The KFC X Snickers Choco Mousse Cake is available for a limited time across 1,300+ KFC restaurants in India, for dine-in and takeaway, as well as via the KFC app, website (online.kfc.co.in), and leading food delivery apps. Fans can also pre-order via the KFC app to skip queues and enjoy this finger lickin’ good dessert right away.
By Hariharan U
Published on October 4, 2025
This Diwali, make your celebrations memorable with Quro, India’s first liqueur of its kind. More than a drink, Quro is an artisanal expression of heritage, craftsmanship, and individuality perfect for gifting during the festival of lights.
Crafted from 36 carefully selected ingredients sourced from across India including vibrant fruits, fragrant flowers, and traditional herbs and spices, Quro balances smoothness with complexity. Its flavour is at once familiar and intriguingly new, making it ideal for festive toasts, sharing special moments, or gifting to loved ones.
Quro’s elegant packaging, inscribed with the name in multiple Indian scripts, celebrates the country’s diversity and adds a distinctive touch to any Diwali gift. The liqueur is versatile: sip it neat, enjoy it as a spritz, or try signature serves like the Quro Qrisp.
“Gifting Quro isn’t just about celebration; it’s about honouring tradition, togetherness, and the spirit of Diwali with something thoughtfully crafted and truly original,” says the team at Inspired Spirits.
About Inspired Spirits
Founded in 2023 by Anmoll Alok Bansal, Inspired Spirits was born out of a vision to bring innovation and creativity to India’s spirits category. Recognising a gap for bold experimentation in flavours and ingredients, Anmoll set out to reimagine what premium homegrown spirits could be.
Quro is the first creation from Inspired Spirits, a contemporary liqueur that celebrates curiosity, craftsmanship, and bold ideas. It marks the beginning of a journey to redefine how India experiences and engages with artisanal spirits.
Available at: Select premium wine stores across Goa
Follow on: Instagram and LinkedIn
This festive season, let Quro light up your celebrations with a gift that is bold, timeless, and unmistakably Indian.
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