The House of Suntory Celebrates 100 Years with Exclusive Whiskies

The House of Suntory Celebrates 100 Years with Exclusive Whiskies

By Author

Published on November 10, 2023

This year, the House of Suntory, the pioneers of Japanese whisky, is celebrating a remarkable century of whisky innovation, marking a significant milestone in the world of Japanese spirits. To honor this occasion, the House of Suntory unveiled two exclusive limited-edition whiskies, the Yamazaki 18-Year-Old Mizunara and Hibiki Japanese Harmony, presented in centennial packaging. These extraordinary offerings are exceptionally rare, with only a select few making their way to the Indian market.

The centennial celebration took place in Mumbai, India, with a special event hosted by renowned journalist, author, and columnist, Vir Sanghvi. At the heart of this celebration was the exclusive "first pour" experience, where 60 distinguished culture shapers gathered to witness the inaugural pour of the specially crafted Yamazaki 18-Year-Old Mizunara in India. The event was graced by the presence of celebrities such as Jim Sarbh and Kalki Koechlin, adding an extra touch of glamour to this memorable occasion.

The Yamazaki 18-Year-Old Mizunara is a masterpiece that embodies meticulous craftsmanship. It is a blend of malt whiskies aged for a minimum of 18 years in solely Mizunara casks, resulting in a rare and elegant Japanese character.

The Hibiki Japanese Harmony is a tribute to The House of Suntory's unique design approach. The bottle features motifs of snow, moon, and flowers, symbolizing Japan's changing seasons. The bottle itself is 24-faceted, representing 24 hours in a day, making it a meaningful collector’s item.

Neeraj Kumar, Managing Director of Beam Suntory India, emphasized the rich legacy and relentless pursuit of quality embodied by Hibiki and Yamazaki whiskies. These limited editions are not just an ode to Japanese craftsmanship but also a celebration of the essence of the Japanese craft. Each bottle represents the culmination of generations of dedication and expertise.

Both limited-time offerings will be available for retail and will also feature on the menu of star properties in select cities across India, including Mumbai, Pune, Goa, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi NCR, and Rajasthan. 

The exclusive launch event is just one of the many celebrations dedicated to honoring the illustrious House of Suntory during its centennial journey. It's a testament to the House's ongoing commitment to the craft behind its exceptional spirits and its century-long legacy.

The centennial of Suntory Whisky began with the establishment of its Yamazaki Distillery in 1923, marking the first and oldest malt whisky distillery in Japan's history. Founder Shinjiro Torii's dream to create an original Japanese whisky has been carried forward through generations and is now upheld by his grandson, Shingo Torii. Since its founding, the House of Suntory has been crafting world-class spirits, known for brands like Yamazaki, Hakushu, Chita, Kakubin, Hibiki, Suntory Whisky Toki, Ao, Roku Gin, and Haku Vodka.

The House of Suntory has truly become synonymous with some of the world's finest Japanese whiskies, and it has certainly built a legacy deserving of celebration. Cheers to a century of excellence!


Ayana Rooftop Restaurant Opens at Udaipur Marriott Hotel

Ayana Rooftop Restaurant Opens at Udaipur Marriott Hotel

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 20, 2025

Udaipur Marriott Hotel has unveiled Ayana, its newest rooftop dining destination, offering guests a transcendent culinary journey set against the shimmering lakes and Aravalli Hills. True to its name, which means “the path,” Ayana guides diners through an immersive experience that begins with its serene poolside ambiance and culminates with indulgent desserts.

The restaurant’s design harmoniously blends contemporary Indian aesthetics with natural materials, oversized cushions, glowing lanterns, and curated world music, creating an atmosphere that is both vibrant and serene. The panoramic rooftop views add a magical dimension to every visit.

Ayana’s menu celebrates India’s royal culinary legacy, drawing inspiration from the Northwest Frontier and the regal kitchens of Rajasthan. Each dish is crafted with precision, honouring its origins while presenting a modern twist. The bar complements the menu with artisanal cocktails infused with Indian botanicals, spices, and local flavours, alongside a curated selection of fine wines and craft beers.

Designed for intimate dinners, celebratory gatherings, and exclusive events, Ayana offers a mix of communal seating, semi-private corners, and open decks. The restaurant is also deeply committed to sustainability, prioritizing locally sourced seasonal produce, plant-forward innovations, minimal food waste, energy-efficient kitchens, and elimination of single-use plastics.

Executive Chef Mohit Mishra commented on the launch:

“We are thrilled to officially welcome guests to Ayana. Our vision was to create more than just a restaurant, we wanted to craft a journey where each dish tells a story, each flavour evokes tradition, and every detail reflects India’s rich culinary heritage.”

Vaibhav Sagar, General Manager, added:

“Ayana is designed to be an immersive experience, not just a dining venue. From the sweeping rooftop views to the thoughtfully curated menu and serene yet vibrant ambiance, every element has been meticulously crafted to create lasting memories for both travellers and locals seeking a refined night out.”

Ayana promises to be a destination for culinary discovery, offering diners a seamless blend of tradition, innovation, and unforgettable experiences atop one of Udaipur’s most scenic rooftops.


1.5 Degree Expands Plant-Based Portfolio with New Beverages, Sundaes, Kulfi, and Popsicles

1.5 Degree Expands Plant-Based Portfolio with New Beverages, Sundaes, Kulfi, and Popsicles

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 18, 2025

1.5 Degree, India’s leading plant-based dairy alternative brand, has unveiled an exciting new range of signature beverages, frozen sundaes, traditional kulfis, and refreshing popsicles this festive season. The announcement comes on the heels of the company securing seed funding from BITS Pilani and being recognised among its top emerging startups.

The new collection reflects 1.5 Degree’s philosophy of combining indulgence with responsibility. Designed for the conscious consumer, the range features sugar-free café-style beverages like Kesar Badam, Salted Pistachio, Hazelnut Coffee, and Cold Vegan Tea, crafted for refreshing, guilt-free sips.

image

The Frozen Sundaes promise rich, layered indulgence in flavours like Salted Peanut Butter and Nutty Choco Fudge, while the Kulfi Collection, also sugar-free, reimagines the classic Indian favourite with plant-based innovation. The Popsicle lineup includes fruity and tangy favourites such as Chilly Guava, Jamun, and Shikanji, complemented by rotating seasonal sorbets for an extra-refreshing twist.

“At 1.5 Degree, we believe in indulgence without compromise,” said Vedansh Goyal, Founder of 1.5Degree.co. “With the overwhelming response to our gelatos, this new range brings familiar Indian favourites like kulfi and shikanji into the plant-based space, while also offering global café-style beverages, now with sugar-free options that keep taste front and centre.”

All products are 100% plant-based, dairy-free, lactose-free, and cholesterol-free, made using natural ingredients without artificial additives or preservatives. Ethically sourced and responsibly produced, the brand reinforces its mission to support a cooler planet while offering full-flavoured experiences.

1.5 Degree’s new offerings are available across Delhi NCR and Mumbai through select retail outlets, quick-commerce platforms, kiosks, and cloud kitchens. Orders can also be placed online via Swiggy, Zomato, or directly at 1.5degree.co.

Founded with a vision to make plant-based indulgence mainstream, 1.5 Degree continues to expand its product line with an aim to merge taste, sustainability, and innovation, one scoop and sip at a time.


BarQat Returns to JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar with a Celebration of Abundance

BarQat Returns to JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar with a Celebration of Abundance

By Hariharan U

Published on October 16, 2025

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar has opened the doors to its latest dining experience, BarQat, a restaurant that reimagines India’s rich culinary traditions through the lens of heritage and innovation. Meaning “abundance” in Urdu, BarQat captures the spirit of generosity and connection through food, celebrating regional flavours from Kashmir, Lucknow, Bhopal, and Hyderabad.

Designed as a culinary journey along India’s historical route, BarQat brings together the nuanced flavours and stories of these four regions, each offering its own interpretation of classic dishes. The restaurant’s philosophy is simple yet profound, to honour heirloom recipes while giving them a contemporary touch. Every dish tells a story of how shared roots evolved into diverse traditions across India’s culinary landscape.

Speaking about the relaunch, Sachin Mylavarapu, General Manager at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, said, “At JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, we believe true luxury is found in abundance — abundance of flavour, culture, connection, and celebration. The relaunch of BarQat embodies this philosophy. We've created a space where Straight-line Cuisine comes to life and the abundance of India's culinary heritage unfolds through heirloom recipes passed down through generations. Here, every gathering becomes an opportunity to foster deeper bonds with loved ones. From the lavish spread of regional delicacies to the warm embrace of shared meals, BarQat is designed for those special moments of togetherness. It's about celebrating abundance in every form — on your plate, in your conversations, and in the memories you create.”

Open daily from 7:00 PM to midnight, BarQat offers guests a place to unwind, celebrate, and savour the flavours of India’s most storied kitchens. With its rich textures, soulful aromas, and immersive storytelling, BarQat promises a dining experience that feels both timeless and contemporary.

Guests can reserve their tables by calling +91 7710009250 or visiting www.jwmumbai.com.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.