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!


Monkey Bar Bengaluru Refreshes Menu with Comfort Classics and Global Twists

Monkey Bar Bengaluru Refreshes Menu with Comfort Classics and Global Twists

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 12, 2025

Bengaluru’s favourite urban hangout just got tastier:

Monkey Bar on Museum Road has introduced a new menu — staying true to its spirit while dishing out bold flavours, comfort bites, and international flair. From bar snacks to hearty mains, this refreshed menu adds new favourites to an already vibrant food scene.

Still housed in its signature high-ceilinged space with warm lighting and a buzz of familiar playlists, Monkey Bar remains a go-to for casual lunches, spontaneous dinners, and those long evenings that stretch into the night.

New on the Menu

The update brings a mix of old-school comfort and fresh global flavours. Whether you're into small plates or classic mains, there’s something to satisfy every craving.

Some of the new highlights include:

  • Tuna Cutlet and Classic Paneer Tikka – starters with nostalgic appeal.

  • Chicken Tsukune – Japanese-style skewers that bring izakaya charm.

  • Cheese Burger – a timeless favourite done right.

  • Hariyali Fish Tikka – herb-marinated, perfectly grilled and fresh.

  • Hummus & Pita – a Mediterranean must-have.

  • Loaded Keema Wedges – a spiced Indian take on cheesy indulgence.

  • Military Mutton Biryani – aromatic, slow-cooked and flavour-packed.

  • Mutton Kofta & Appam – a fusion of South Indian and Mughlai richness.

These additions join Monkey Bar’s well-loved staples like comfort bowls, flatbreads, street food-inspired snacks, and its fun mix of cocktails and craft drinks.

Bengaluru’s Living Room, Now More Delicious

Monkey Bar isn’t just a gastropub, it’s a slice of Bengaluru life. It’s where old friends reunite, new plans are born, and spontaneous evenings unfold. The updated menu strengthens its status as a neighbourhood favourite that evolves with the city while keeping its soul intact.

With the right mix of nostalgia, innovation, and good food, Monkey Bar invites you to come hungry  and stay a little longer.

Fact Sheet

  • Address: First Floor, The Museum, No.1, Museum Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka 56000.
  • Timings: Open Daily – 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM.

Blue Tokai Teams Up with Ambrosia Gulf to Enter GCC Market, Debuts in UAE

Blue Tokai Teams Up with Ambrosia Gulf to Enter GCC Market, Debuts in UAE

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 11, 2025

India’s largest and fastest-growing specialty coffee brand, Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, is making its way to the Gulf. In a strategic move, Blue Tokai has partnered with Ambrosia Gulf, which will serve as its master franchisee for the GCC, starting with a flagship launch in the United Arab Emirates. This marks the brand’s first official foray into the Middle East.

With over 175 cafés across India and an international footprint in Tokyo, this partnership is a key milestone for Blue Tokai as it looks to bring its signature farm-to-cup coffee experience to a new audience.

Ambrosia Gulf, part of the Ambrosia Foods Group and backed by mid-market investment firm Pulsar Capital, will lead the expansion. The firm is already known for operating Papa Johns in India (with its first outlet set for September 2025) and managing Biryani By Kilo in the GCC, underlining its strong cross-border brand management capabilities.

“We’re excited to bring Blue Tokai to the UAE and share its incredible coffee story with the region,” said Vish Narain, Executive Chairman of Ambrosia Gulf. “We’re focused on building brands that prioritize quality, authenticity, and customer experience — values that Blue Tokai exemplifies.”

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Echoing this sentiment, Matt Chitranjan, Co-Founder and CEO of Blue Tokai, said, “It’s an exciting time for us as we grow beyond India into a market that appreciates traceability, craft, and community. Ambrosia Gulf’s operational expertise and deep local insights make them the perfect partners for this journey.”

Adding to this, Shivam Shahi, COO of Blue Tokai, shared, “Partnering with a group that already operates leading food brands across India and the GCC gives us confidence as we scale internationally. This isn’t just expansion — it’s about building a regionally aligned presence while staying true to our values.”

Beyond launching cafés, the partnership also aims to introduce Blue Tokai’s FMCG offerings to the GCC, tapping into HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, Cafés) and direct-to-consumer channels, thereby significantly broadening the brand’s reach.

The first Blue Tokai café in the UAE is expected to open by Q4 2025. Coffee lovers can look forward to experiencing Blue Tokai’s celebrated single-estate coffees, manual brewing styles, and a transparent, craftsmanship-driven café environment.


Namak Unveils New Menu Curated by Chef Kishor Singh, Fusing Timeless Indian Flavours with Modern Flair

Namak Unveils New Menu Curated by Chef Kishor Singh, Fusing Timeless Indian Flavours with Modern Flair

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 11, 2025

Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar, a beloved culinary spot in Greenville for soulful Indian fare, has launched an exciting new menu curated by Sous Chef Kishor Singh. The refreshed menu is a vibrant celebration of India’s rich culinary landscape, seamlessly blending traditional flavours with a touch of modern sophistication.

Chef Kishor Singh, renowned for his deep respect for regional Indian cuisine and innovative approach, has thoughtfully reimagined both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The ‘Veg Entrées’ now spotlight regional nuances with creations like Sagg Paneer Pasanda, tandoor-charred Tandoori Paneer Makhni, and the comforting Dum Aloo Banarasi. Popular classics such as Dal Makhni, Raw Mango Curry, and Malai Kofta return with subtle, refined updates, staying true to their authentic roots.

For non-vegetarian lovers, the menu doesn’t disappoint. From the universally adored Butter Chicken to the fiery Laal Maas, each dish is a testament to India’s diverse flavour profiles. Highlights include Old Delhi Mutton Nihari, Prawn Mango Curry, and the coastal-inspired Fish Moilee in a delicate coconut gravy.

“This menu is not just about food, but about storytelling—each dish reflects a part of India’s culinary journey,” shares Chef Singh, whose expertise brings together age-old techniques and contemporary tastes.

Crafted using premium ingredients and traditional spice blends, Namak’s new menu encapsulates the warmth of Indian hospitality while inviting diners to embark on a journey of culinary discovery.

With its elegant ambiance, attentive service, and now an even more enticing menu, Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar continues to solidify its place as a must-visit dining destination in Greenville.

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