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.


The Den Bengaluru Presents a Floral-Themed Holi Celebration

The Den Bengaluru Presents a Floral-Themed Holi Celebration

By Hariharan U

Published on March 4, 2026

Marking Holi with elegance and restraint, The Den Bengaluru is presenting a celebration that reinterprets the festival through florals and flavour. Moving away from the usual splash of colours, the hotel is embracing fragrant petals and refined décor to create a setting that symbolises joy, harmony and togetherness.

Guests will be welcomed by an elaborate floral rangoli installation, setting a graceful tone for the afternoon. The décor has been thoughtfully designed to balance festive vibrancy with a calm, contemporary aesthetic, offering a celebration that feels intimate yet distinctly seasonal.

The highlight of the experience is a specially curated Holi buffet featuring beloved dishes from across India. The spread includes Chole Banarasi Style, Gatte ki Sabzi, Vegetable Kofta Curry and Ajwain Poori, alongside a selection of traditional Gujiyas that bring nostalgic festive flavours to the table. Each preparation reflects regional culinary influences while maintaining authenticity.

Adding to the celebratory spirit, The Creek will host a live Thandai and Lassi counter, serving chilled festive blends that complement the elaborate buffet.

With its floral accents, curated menu and tranquil ambience, The Den Bengaluru offers a Holi celebration that is vibrant yet composed, creating a memorable festive experience for guests seeking something refined.


Hydrama Opens in Noida, Redefining the Sports Bar Experience

Hydrama Opens in Noida, Redefining the Sports Bar Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 4, 2026

Hydrama has opened its doors in Sector 50, bringing a fresh take on the sports bar concept to the city. Located at TF-02, Third Floor, Central 50, Sector 50, Noida, the new destination introduces an all-day format that smoothly shifts from relaxed daytime catch-ups to match-night buzz and late-evening energy.

Conceptualised by Priykant Gautam, Hydrama is designed around mood and movement. Instead of being limited to peak nightlife hours, the space changes through the day with evolving soundscapes, dramatic lighting, live acts, and match-day rituals. The idea is to create a space that feels alive at every hour, turning a regular outing into a shared experience.

The interiors draw inspiration from the feel of a live stadium, with industrial textures, neon highlights, graffiti art, and LED scoreboards. At the same time, carefully planned seating zones allow guests to enjoy calm daytime lounging or step into a more energetic setting as the evening builds.

The bar takes centre stage with cocktails that are smoked, flamed, and infused, inspired by iconic global sporting moments. The food menu features elevated bar favourites, global small plates, artisanal pizzas, and shareable platters made for long conversations and group dining.

Sharing his vision, Priykant Gautam, Founder, Hydrama, says, "I wanted Hydrama to feel alive, a space that builds energy through the day and peaks at night. It's not about watching the game or the DJ; it's about being part of the atmosphere that unfolds around you."

With its focus on experience, expression, and community, Hydrama positions itself as a new social arena for Noida,  immersive, energetic, and built for those who enjoy being part of the moment rather than just watching it.


The Chamomile Estate Introduces Tea Tasting in Mukteshwar

The Chamomile Estate Introduces Tea Tasting in Mukteshwar

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 4, 2026

The Chamomile Estate, set atop a private 2.5-acre hill in Guniyalekh, a peaceful tea-growing hamlet in Mukteshwar, has unveiled its new Tea Tasting Experience. Surrounded by the calm and untouched beauty of Uttarakhand, the estate is inviting guests to slow down and enjoy tea in a more meaningful way.

This thoughtfully curated session is designed for tea lovers, wellness seekers and experiential travellers who appreciate finer details. The experience brings together storytelling, aroma discovery, flavour understanding and mindful brewing methods. Each tea is introduced with care, helping guests understand its origin, character and wellness benefits.

The tasting menu features a rich selection that includes Oolong Tea, Blooming Tea, Hibiscus Tea, Chamomile Tea, Kashmiri Kahwa, Apple Cinnamon Tea, Masala CTC Tea, along with thematic blends such as Stressbuster, forever young, and throat rescue teas. From light floral infusions to strong spiced blends, every cup highlights its own colour, taste and health properties.

Guests can observe blooming teas gently open up in glassware, explore the layered notes of oolong, learn about chamomile’s calming qualities and enjoy the comforting warmth of traditional favourites like Kashmiri Kahwa and Masala CTC. The session also shares insights on antioxidant benefits, digestion support, relaxation properties and the right brewing techniques to get the best flavour and wellness value from each cup.

Sharing his thoughts, Mr Anirudh Lakhotia, Director, Ivory Destinations Pvt Ltd said, “Tea is more than a beverage, it is a sensory journey and a mindful ritual. At The Chamomile Estate, surrounded by nature’s stillness, we have created an experience where guests can slow down, reconnect, and rediscover tea as a luxurious and holistic indulgence. In fact The Chamomile Estate’s signature charm lies in its uniquely themed rooms, each inspired by a distinct tea blend, designed to offer both comfort and exclusivity”.

Ideal for intimate gatherings, curated retreats, corporate offsites and hospitality collaborations, the Tea Tasting Experience reflects The Chamomile Estate’s focus on experiential wellness and refined living in the lap of the Himalayas.

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