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.


Siren Bengaluru Reimagines Tequila with Patrón’s Agave-Fueled Cocktail Takeover

Siren Bengaluru Reimagines Tequila with Patrón’s Agave-Fueled Cocktail Takeover

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 21, 2025

Tequila gets a bold new twist in Bengaluru as Siren, the city’s only Asian cocktail bar, joins hands with Patrón for a limited-time celebration of World Tequila Day. From July 15 to 31, guests can sip their way through a specially curated menu where agave spirits meet Asian-inspired creativity.

The menu features four unique cocktails, each showcasing a different expression of Patrón tequila, Blanco, Reposado, and  Añejo crafted with Siren’s trademark style rooted in clarity, control, and craft.

Here’s what’s pouring:

  • Patrón OG Picante – a bold and spiced creation, striking a perfect balance between heat and flavour

  • Patrón Añejo Old Fashioned – a smooth, slow-sipping reinterpretation of the classic

  • Patrón Mango Verse Highball – light, lyrical, and layered with tropical notes

  • Patrón Sour Cherry Margarita – tangy, vibrant, and meant to leave a lasting impression

This isn't just a celebration of tequila, it’s an elevated experience where technique, bold ingredients, and inspired pairing take centre stage. Every sip tells a story of tradition meeting modern cocktail artistry.

Whether you’re a tequila lover or someone curious to explore new blends, this collaboration promises an unforgettable journey through taste, intention, and agave.

Catch the experience from 7 PM to 10 PM at Siren, located on Lavelle Road, and raise a glass to the craft of cocktails and the heart of heritage.


Eros Hotel New Delhi Turns Tropical with a Grand Mango Celebration

Eros Hotel New Delhi Turns Tropical with a Grand Mango Celebration

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 21, 2025

The vibrant spirit of National Mango Day comes alive at Eros Hotel New Delhi, where the beloved King of Fruits takes center stage. This delightful event promises guests a tropical escape through taste, décor, and ambiance, perfect for both food lovers and photo enthusiasts.

To celebrate the legacy of mangoes, the hotel has turned its signature restaurants, Tea Lounge, Blooms, and Lounge AND Bar, into mango wonderlands. Whether it’s the zesty thrill of raw mango or the smoothness of creamy mango desserts, there’s something to please every palate.

Blooms will feature a lavish buffet lined with irresistible mango desserts that are both indulgent and refreshing. Guests can sip on expertly blended mocktails and cocktails, created specially to highlight the juicy richness of mangoes, each drink a perfect balance of cooling and flavor-packed delight.

The menu is a tribute to mango’s many moods, offering tropical twists on classic treats and cooling drinks that keep the summer heat at bay. From sweet to spicy, tangy to chilled, the spread is designed to take guests on a taste journey.

Adding to the experience is the mango-themed décor, featuring a grand mango tree as its centerpiece. With lush greens and sunny yellows filling the space, guests will feel like they’ve stepped into a tropical celebration, ideal for those Insta-perfect pictures.

If you’re looking for a fresh, fruity escape with unforgettable flavors, Eros Hotel New Delhi is the place to be. This mango-inspired festival is set to stir your senses and leave you with lingering memories of taste and joy.


Baskin Robbins India and The Smurfs Team Up for a Scoop of Fun

Baskin Robbins India and The Smurfs Team Up for a Scoop of Fun

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 20, 2025

Baskin Robbins India is adding a playful twist to your ice cream outings by teaming up with the much-loved Smurfs movie franchise. This cheerful collaboration brings together the joy of scoops and the charm of everyone’s favourite blue characters—creating a fun and flavourful adventure for kids and families across the country.

Inspired by the adventurous world of The Smurfs, Baskin Robbins has introduced a lively new flavour called Splish Splash. This vibrant blue scoop captures the energy and mischief of the Smurfs, blending colour and taste into one joyful bite.

But the excitement doesn’t stop at the counter. Speaking about the partnership, Aleesha Desai, General Manager (Marketing) – Baskin Robbins India, shared,

“At Baskin Robbins, our mission is to spread smiles over a scoop of happiness. Collaborating with the beloved Smurfs helps us do that in a playful way.”

The celebration extends beyond flavours, Baskin Robbins is lighting up its parlours with Smurfs-themed in-store activations, engaging games, and social media contests. The brand has even gone full blue on its Instagram feed, making fans a part of the blue wave.

To bring the magic closer to fans, special product activations will take place at movie screenings, with influencers and content creators joining in for Smurfs-themed celebrations. Lucky fans will also get the chance to win limited-edition Smurfs goodies, turning every visit into a memorable moment.

With this colourful collaboration, Baskin Robbins once again proves that it’s more than just an ice cream brand, it’s a creator of joyful memories. While the love for ice cream spans all ages, this Smurfs-inspired tie-up is sure to leave kids smiling from ear to ear and parents reaching for another scoop.

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