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.


Amoeba Sports Bar Introduces Knock Out Kick, a Gin-Based Celebration Cocktail for Game Nights

Amoeba Sports Bar Introduces Knock Out Kick, a Gin-Based Celebration Cocktail for Game Nights

By Hariharan U

Published on June 12, 2026

Amoeba Sports Bar has introduced its latest signature creation, Knock Out Kick, a gin-based cocktail crafted by Mixologist Arindam Das. Designed to reflect the thrill of competitive moments and the excitement of victory, the cocktail brings together playful flavour contrasts with a modern, easy-drinking style.

Knock Out Kick is built around a refreshing blend of gin, peach syrup, fresh jalapeño, citrus and tonic water. The drink opens with smooth fruity sweetness from peach, followed by bright citrus notes, before unfolding into a gentle jalapeño heat that lingers subtly on the palate. The addition of tonic water enhances its crispness, making it both lively and refreshing.

Crystal clear in appearance yet layered in character, the cocktail balances brightness, fruitiness and spice in a way that makes it suitable for relaxed evenings as well as celebratory occasions. It is positioned as a go-to drink for game nights, social gatherings and high-energy evenings at the bar.

Speaking about the creation, the concept behind Knock Out Kick focuses on capturing moments of excitement and celebration through flavour, offering guests a drink that feels both familiar and surprising in equal measure. The cocktail reflects Amoeba Sports Bar’s focus on creating engaging, experience-driven beverage offerings.


Sector 144 JP Nagar Launches “The King of Pours” Craft Beer Menu in Bengaluru

Sector 144 JP Nagar Launches “The King of Pours” Craft Beer Menu in Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on June 12, 2026

Sector 144, JP Nagar has announced the launch of its new craft beer experience titled “The King of Pours,” a curated beer menu designed around music, nostalgia, and Bengaluru’s evolving beer culture. The programme was launched on 20th May 2026.

Conceptualised as an immersive experience, the menu reflects the spirit of JP Nagar and the city’s strong community-driven pub culture, blending storytelling with contemporary brewing styles and hyperlocal ingredients.

The new selection features five signature craft beers, each built around a distinct mood and flavour profile. The lineup includes Billie's Wit, a Belgian Witbier infused with mosambi peel; Beat It Hefe, a smooth Hefeweizen with banana and clove notes; Off The Wall Stout, brewed with Chikmagalur Arabica coffee; Dangerous IPA, a citrus-forward American IPA; and Mango Jam NEIPA, a hazy mango-infused New England IPA designed for shared experiences.

Alongside the launch, Sector 144 has also introduced Wednesday Gig Nights, featuring live music and curated entertainment aimed at enhancing its community-focused nightlife experience.

The venue describes “The King of Pours” as more than a beer menu, positioning it as a sensory and storytelling-driven experience built around connection, nostalgia, and local culture. The concept integrates neon-inspired visuals, familiar musical references, and immersive hospitality elements.

Speaking about the launch, founder Kushal Raj said, “With The King of Pours, we wanted to create more than a beer menu. Every brew has been designed around a feeling, a memory, and a moment people can connect with.”

He added that the experience is rooted in the culture of JP Nagar and Bengaluru, aiming to create a space that feels immersive, familiar, and community-driven.

The launch reflects Sector 144’s broader vision of building a contemporary craft beer destination centred on hospitality, entertainment, and shared social experiences.


World Gin Day 2026: Bengaluru’s Mixologists Unveil a Bold Line-Up of Signature Gin Cocktails

World Gin Day 2026: Bengaluru’s Mixologists Unveil a Bold Line-Up of Signature Gin Cocktails

By Hariharan U

Published on June 11, 2026

As World Gin Day 2026 is celebrated across global cocktail communities, Bengaluru’s bar scene is marking the occasion with a creative showcase of gin-forward cocktails that highlight the spirit’s versatility. From botanical complexity and tropical freshness to playful heat and citrus-driven refreshment, the city’s mixologists are presenting drinks that reflect both craftsmanship and contemporary drinking trends.

Java Jolt – Maize and Malt, Whitefield

Created by mixologist Mahesh Bhatt, Java Jolt is an aperitif-style gin cocktail that bl  ends botanical depth with Indian inspiration. Gin is paired with sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters, while Nannari bubbles add a distinctly earthy sweetness and refreshing effervescence.

The cocktail delivers layered herbal notes balanced with subtle spice and floral undertones, making it both nostalgic and modern in expression.

Ingredients: Gin, Sweet Vermouth, Aromatic Bitters, Nannari Bubbles
Palate: Herbal, Aromatic, Effervescent, Balanced, Refreshing

Festum – Gladia Brewery & Kitchen

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Festum is a vibrant, botanical-forward creation crafted for World Gin Day, built on Gondraj lemon-infused gin. The cocktail layers floral hibiscus, ripe peach sweetness, and homemade ginger ale, resulting in a bright and refreshing highball.

Light, aromatic, and citrus-led, Festum captures the celebratory spirit of gin with an easy-drinking yet flavour-rich profile.

Ingredients: Gondraj lemon-infused gin, hibiscus, peach, homemade ginger ale
Style: Floral citrus highball
Palate: Bright citrus, floral, fruity, refreshing, lightly spiced

Lime Emerald – Oasis Brewery, Whitefield

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Crafted by mixologist Abhijeet, Lime Emerald is a refined tropical gin cocktail built on clarified coconut water and fresh lime juice. Kaffir lime leaves add aromatic complexity, creating a clean yet layered drinking experience.

Served in a coupe glass, the cocktail is designed to be visually elegant while delivering crisp citrus freshness and subtle tropical depth.

Ingredients: Gin, clarified coconut water, sugar syrup, fresh lime juice, kaffir lime leaves
Glassware: Coupe glass
Palate: Crisp, Citrusy, Tropical, Aromatic, Refreshing

Knock Out Kick – Amoeba Sports Bar

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Created by mixologist Arindam Das, Knock Out Kick is a high-energy gin cocktail inspired by game nights and celebratory moments. It balances peach syrup sweetness with fresh jalapeño heat, lifted by citrus and tonic water.

The drink starts fruity and smooth before building into a gentle spicy kick, making it a bold yet approachable celebratory serve.

Ingredients: Gin, peach syrup, fresh jalapeño, citrus, tonic water
Palate: Bright, Fruity, Crisp, Subtly Spiced, Refreshing

As gin continues to evolve as one of the most expressive spirits in modern mixology, Bengaluru’s bar landscape reflects a growing appetite for creativity, regional ingredients, and experiential drinking. Whether it is herbal complexity, tropical clarity, citrus brightness, or spicy indulgence, each cocktail offers a distinct interpretation of celebration—perfectly timed for World Gin Day 2026.

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