India’s alcobev scene is not just about the ingredients anymore — it’s about the entire experience — from the production, the people who make it, to the storytelling which is a part of the experience. The latest offerings in the spirits industry are daring, exquisite and unabashedly high-end, ranging from vodkas steeped with exotic Indian spices to celebrity-led whisky ventures and heritage-driven rums. Here is a closer look at 2025 trends that are lifting the bar and shaking up glassware.
GlenJourneys by Ajay Devgn: A Starry Debut with Serious Spirit
Ajay Devgn’s foray into the beverage industry is important for Indian whisky and goes beyond a simple celebrity stunt. Devgn himself co-created GlenJourneys, a 21-year-old single malt that retails for ₹50,000 and demonstrates a dedication to excellence over glitz. Devgn seeks to set a new standard for Indian whiskies on the international scene with this whisky made in the Scottish High which has a rich, smooth, and layered profile. The 21-year-old GlenJourneys is matured in American oak casks. Soft vanilla and ripe fruits greet the palate, followed by a smooth and mellow body and a lengthy, mildly smoky finish, according to the tasting notes. The Pioneer Edition comes in an oak-finished cask with intricate inlay work and has a potent 48% alcohol by volume. It will be offered through a few international travel retail stores, catering to whisky connoisseurs and collectors. The GlenJourneys brand also offers three non-age-statement expressions, Rum Cask, Bourbon Cask, and Sherry Cask, with prices ranging from ₹7,500 to ₹9,000.
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Indri Founder’s Reserve 11-Year-Old: A Rarity Worth Collecting
The Indri Founder’s Reserve 11-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky is a limited-edition masterpiece from Piccadily Agro Industries. This rich amber delight, which has only 1,100 bottles globally, has already won praise for its sophisticated, multi-layered profile. This whisky, which has a 50% alcohol by volume in India and a 58.5% alcohol by volume abroad, is strong yet well-balanced, with flavours of black fruits, toasty spices, caramelized nuts, and vanilla that are finished with a wine-kissed aftertaste. For serious collectors and those who value craftsmanship spanning more than ten years, this bottle is ideal.
Glenmorangie Infinita: Infinite Elegance in a Bottle
Glenmorangie Infinita is a new name for the company’s cherished 18-year-old whisky. Dr Bill Lumsden’s unique vision has heightened the flavor and appearance of this Highland single malt. Infinita lives up to its name, distilled in their famous giraffe-high stills and aged for 15 years in bourbon casks before completing three more in Oloroso sherry barrels. Warm spices, caramelised citrus, and jasmine all dance elegantly in its tasting notes. Now bottled at 43% ABV, it is adorned with a sophisticated copper-and-blue design and an infinity symbol to symbolise its timeless complexity.
Amrut Bella: India’s First 100% Jaggery-Distilled Rum
Bella, the world’s first rum made completely of jaggery, is another first for the celebrated Amrut Distilleries. Six years of ageing in former bourbon barrels, this handcrafted expression honours the brand’s 75th anniversary as well as India’s rich sugarcane history. Bella is more than just a beverage; it is a cultural homage, sourced from the mineral-rich soils of Mandya and the Sahyadri mountains. ‘Bella’, which translates to ‘jaggery’ in Kannada, symbolises the brand’s Karnataka origins and commitment to genuineness. This rum boasts a flavour that is earthy, multi-layered, and completely Indian because it was matured in tropical circumstances.
Smoke Lab Vodka: A Stylish Twist on Indian Distilling
Smoke Lab Vodka is revolutionizing the vodka market in India with its bold appearance and futuristic edge. Smoke Lab provides three expressive varieties that are five times distilled for clarity and smoothness:
- Classic: Clean, crisp, and ready for a drink.
- Aniseed: A light-hearted take on Indian cuisine featuring hints of liquorice and fennel.
- Saffron: Infused with fine Kashmiri saffron to create a character that is opulent and dessert-like.
Smoke Lab Water, which comes from Himalayan springs and is provided in environmentally friendly cans, completes the experience and demonstrates that luxury and sustainability can coexist.
