The Only Feed You Need: Booze, Buzz & Beyond

about

Rojita Tiwari wears many hats — and most of them come with a pour. A globetrotting drinks writer, sommelier, educator, consultant, and certified booze judge (yes, that’s a real job), she’s been stirring things up since 2006. Founder of Drinks & Destinations, India’s go-to consultancy for all things wine, spirits, and strategy, Rojita has introduced Baijiu to India, helped launch a Whisky, and judges everything from wine to whisky, rum, gin, vodka, mezcal, baijiu to sake at top global competitions such as CMB and Spirits Selection. She’s bagged titles like Best Wine & Food Influencer (Wine Travel Awards 2023), Ambassador of the Industry Title and twice made it to the “Top Ten Women in Wine in India” list — cheers to that! She is also the only certified International Ambassador of Moutai Flavour Baijius in India. You’ll find her words in Drinks International, Whisky & More, Rumporter, Mint Lounge, Spiritz, Sommelier India and more. Want to raise a glass or a campaign? Reach her @drinksanddestinations or email drinksanddestinations@gmail.com. Cheers!

John Distilleries to launch Paul John whisky in US

December 12, 2014

John Distilleries, the Indian spirits producer, is gearing up to enter the US market in 2015 with its Paul John single malt whisky brand.

The Bangalore-based firm first launched the “premium Indian whisky” brand in the UK in 2012 and is available in six other European markets, including Denmark, Sweden and Germany.

A John Distilleries spokesperson told just-drinks: “We are on the verge of finalising formalities to enter the US market.” It is understood all variants of the Paul John brand will be released in the US.

The company has a portfolio of Paul John variants in Europe that includes Classic Select Cask and Peated Select Cask.

The company is also looking to launch Paul John in Bangalore next year, to build on its current presence in Goa, the spokesperson added.

Meanwhile, John Distilleries, part of the privately-held Paul John Enterprises, said it has seen a 21% jump in group sales since April, helped by its performance in major markets like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Total sales of its Original Choice whisky is expected to reach around 11m nine-litre cases in the this financial year to the end of March 2015.

John Distilliers also produces the Big Banyan wine brand, plus Mônt Castlé and Roulette brandy.

– By Rojita Tiwari

(The news has originally appeared on just-drinks.com)

http://www.just-drinks.com/news/john-distilleries-to-launch-paul-john-whisky-in-us_id115673.aspx
Small Indian wineries face bankruptcy, says winemaker body

December 11, 2014

Dozens of Indian wineries weighed down by debt plan to ask for £20m of government money to help them survive.

While wine consumption in India is growing at 30% per year, the state of around 40 small wineries largely based in Maharashtra remains a concern for the industry.The All India Wine Producers Association (AIWPA) has said the survival of these wineries is at risk. It is preparing to ask the new BJP-led government in Maharashtra for 2bn rupees (£20m) on wineries’ behalf.

Rajesh Jadhav, general secretary of AIWPA and executive director at Rajdheer Wines – which is one of the wineries suffering from heavy losses – told Decanter.com, ‘At this month’s assembly session in Nagpur, Maharashtra, the association intends to submit a proposal to the government to provide 2bn rupees and facilitate a special “one time settlement” for the wine companies who are now facing legal action [relating to] heavy loans borrowed from the banks.’

Some of the wine companies in financial trouble are those who once supplied bulk wines to bigger producers.

The problem is generally thought to have started in 2008 after the market leader, Chateau Indage, went bankrupt. That left a number of smaller wineries and grape growers in trouble.

‘The state government created Wine Park in Nashik to support the small wine producers, but it did not help much,’ said an AIWPA spokesperson.

The trade body’s chances of success in seeking government money are far from certain. ‘The planning commission last year rejected the report submitted by National Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to support the industry through a financial package,’ the spokesperson said.

Lack of money for marketing or distribution means ‘stocks [have] piled up in these 40 wineries, leading to an over-supply of around 200,000 cases’.

At the same time as seeking financial aid, the Indian Grape Processing Board, which controls AIWPA, is working to create a ‘Wines of India’ brand name to help promote wineries and their wines. Its marketing sub-committee includes 13 wine companies.

– Rojita Tiwari

(This news has originally appeared in Decanter.com)

http://www.decanter.com/news/wine-news/587804/small-indian-wineries-face-bankruptcy-says-winemaker-body
Liquor Facts : Maharashtra

December 8, 2014

State Excise figures for 2013-2014

Consumption in figures
In 2013-14, IMFL consumption rose by 7.84% to end at 1,615.06 lakh bulk litres (BL) in 2013-14 vs 1,497.62 lakh BL in 2012-13. The sales of beer have however headed south at just 2,986.09 lakh BL in 2013-14 down from 3,169.34 lakh BL in the previous fiscal (-5.78%). Country liquor (CL) too fell to 3,210.97 lakh BL from 3382.99 lakh BL (-5.08%). Wine consumption rose by 9.71% to end at 50.56 lakh BL from the previous 46.08 lakh BL.

Source : http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-excise-department-seizes-smuggled-liquor-worth-rs15-crore-2041029
Belvedere launches a special edition bottle (PRODUCT) RED

December 1, 2014

The super premium vodka brand Belvedere recently launched a special edition bottle called (PRODUCT) RED. Continuing with the vodka brand’s association with organisation (RED)TM that fights for causes like AIDS,Tuberculosis and Malaria globally. BELVEDERE(PRODUCT)RED is a special edition bottle that will raise proceeds for the Global Fund, the world’s leading financier of programs to fight HIV/AIDS.

In terms of packaging, the RED bottle grabs attention with a semi-transparent metallic look. From the sale of every bottle, 50 % of profits will go to the Global Fund.

Gaurav Bhatia, Marketing Director Moët Hennessy India said, “Our passion for philanthropy led Belvedere Vodka to create (BELVEDERE)RED in 2011 and commit to helping (RED) and the global health community achieve an AIDS-free generation by 2015. Our Special Edition bottle is symbolic of our dedication to (RED) TM. Collectively as a global community, we can put an end to mother-to-child transmission of this deadly disease.” Know the Difference. Make a Difference.

Made entirely from Dankowskie Rye and blended with water from its own pristine source, Belvedere Vodka’s taste profile is distinctively soft with a subtle sweetness and a naturally smooth, clean finish.

This special edition bottle is available in select duty free and retail outlets across India. (Price on request).
48 Hours in Barcelona

November 26, 2014

If you have just 48 hours to spend in Barcelona and have no idea what to do…this will surely help you.

A lot has been said and written about Barcelona. But no amount of reading ever prepares you for this beautiful, cosmopolitan European city. A true melting pot of history, art, culture, gastronomy and all things modern, Barcelona is buzzing with tourists all year round. During my recent trip to Barcelona I realised that if planned meticulously you can see the best of it in a weeks time. However, if you are not that fortunate and in Barcelona for just 48 hours, here is how you can make full use of your every hour spent in this splendid city.

To stay

Barcelona offers a wide range of options when it comes to accommodation. Luxury hotels, budget hotels, hostels, apartments, depending on your pocket the choices are plenty. It would be ideal if you stay in areas like La Rambla or Gothic Quarter. As time is the essence, staying in these places will help to get easy access to all transport connections like buses, metro and train. There are a number of luxury and boutique hotels that you can look for if you want to enjoy fine living in the city. A luxury five star property like Majestic Hotel & Spa GL boasts of modern facilities and is located on the renowned Passeig de Gràcia.

Another option could be the fashionable boutique Hotel Pulitzer. The hotel located right in the center of Barcelona is few meters from Placa Catalunya. Each of Pulitzer’s guestrooms provide all the comforts for a memorable experience. 987 Barcelona hotel is a great option if you like comfort, convenience and want to stay right in the middle of all action.

To see

The best way to discover Barcelona in a limited and stipulated amount of time is by taking the hop-on hop-off bus service. The blue, green and red lines let you explore the whole city in a go. While the red line takes you on a journey to explore the famous works of the great Antoni Gaudi, like Sagrada Familia, La Padrera, Casa Batllo etc, the blue line also covers the Olympic village, FC Barcelona stadium, Picasso Museum and the Park Guell. And the green line is dedicated to Barcelona’s happening beaches and shopping areas. Depending on your areas of interest you could choose one line or more. Many of these places are covered by all three lines, so you could easily hop-off and hop-on to any line that you wish to travel on. These bus services cost 27 euros for a day pass.

If you are in a mood to have a bird’s eye view of the city, then take a helicopter ride starting from 50 euros from Cathelicopters. Or take a cable car ride to the famous Montjuic mountain for a panoramic view of the city.

In a mood to indulge in some dance and music, Barcelona has plenty of options. The Flamenco performances in almost every corner of the city are worth spending some time on. Some of the top places to watch Flamenco are Tablao Cordobés, located at the end of La Rambla near the port. The ticket also offers a dinner and show or a drink and show options. The newly opened Palacio del Flamenco is located near Passeig de Gràcia. The most reasonable one and situated in the heart of La Rambla’s Plaça Reial is Tarantos. The place offers 30 minutes of music and dance. The tickets for Flamenco shows in the city range from 10 euros to 150 euros.

To eat and drink

Barcelona is a gastronomer’s paradise. The food and drinks go beyond just tapas, paella and sangria, wine or craft beers. From roadside tapas bars to fine dining terrace bars, the city has it all. One of the ways to experience the fine dining in Barcelona is to take up the Barcelona Gourmet Bus Tour. This offers a good combination of gourmet food and sightseeing. Dinner prepared by a Michelin-starred chef served on a glass-roofed luxury tour bus while learning every bit about the city from your individual iPad – that’s an interesting way to spend a few hours! While you are on it, you can also do some sightseeing of the gorgeous side of Barcelona that includes Casa Batlló, la Pedrera, Sagrada Familia, Torre Agbar, Arc de Triomf, Port Olimpic, Plaça d’Espanya and Montjuic Mountain. If you really want to explore the authentic Catalan food, then the Gothic Quarters is the place and not La Rambla. However, a visit to the fruit market at La Rambla is a must.

Barcelona is famous for its terrace bars. With a merger of old and new Barcelona, the city has a number of towers and open terraces that have converted into beautiful fine dining places.

Windsor is located in a beautiful modern Catalan building and provides the most special setting to enjoy the modern Catalan cuisine of young chef Carlos Alconchel. There’s a great terrace as well as private dining rooms. The tasting menu ranges from €49.50 to €99 with wine pairing.

Tram-Tram is situated in an old house and spread out over two floors and most famous for its desserts prepared by chefs like Oriol Madern, Annick Janin and Reyes Lizan, besides its famous artichokes, foie gras and farm egg boiled with truffle sauce. The cost per meal ranges from €36 to €70, plus drinks.

Another well known place is El Xalet. With a beautiful location on the top of the Montjuic mountain, El Xalet is a spectacular restaurant that offers the best views over Barcelona from its dining rooms and wonderful panoramic terraces. The place serves signature Mediterranean and Catalan cuisine.

If you are in for a little adventure, pay a visit to the Speakeasy bar in Carrer d’ Aribau between París and Còrsega. For a fine gastronomic experience visit this place and try out some prohibition era cocktails which were popular in the American society in the 1920s Chicago and New York. Speakeasy also has a great list of wine, cava and a champagne cellar. The menu ranges from €80 to €140.

To shop

No holiday is complete without splurging on some shopping. From shopping for gifts or food items (read saffron, dairy and meat produce) to designer labels like Gucci, Armani or Prada, Barcelona has it all.

The city dedicates one bus line to only the shopping districts. And if you have the time and patience to spend some hours inside the malls, do visit the following: Diagonal Mar, with over 150 stores; the Passeig de Gràcia, a shopping boulevard buzzing with couture collections; and Portal de l’Àngel with shoe shops stocking local labels. Many vintage shops as well as modern up-and-coming designers also adorn the city. The Maremagnum shopping mall at the port area is open 365 days but remember that rest other shops and malls are closed on Sundays.

48 hours is never enough to explore a city so vibrant, colourful, mystique and lively as Barcelona. However getting to spend even few hours in the city has the potential to create a splendid memory of a lifetime.

(This article has originally appeared in A Luxury Travel Blog)

48 hours in Barcelona
Beam Suntory and Delhi Duty Free launch “The Voyage of Scotland”

November 25, 2014

The premier Scotch whisky brand Teacher’s has announced the launch of ‘Voyage of Scotland’ an offer that allows an international traveller who buys a bottle of Teacher’s from the Delhi Duty Free Services at the T3, IGT Airport Delhi to win a trip to Scotland.

This mega promotion starting today will last for a month. By shopping for Teacher’s Highland Cream, Teacher’s Origin, Teacher’s Single Malt and Teacher’s 25 Years Old, a lucky consumer can win couples Trip to Scotland. The endorsement also offers a Teacher’s bag on purchase of 2 bottles of Teacher’s Highland Cream and a Teacher’s premium trolley bag on purchase of 2 bottles of Teacher’s 25 Years Old, Teacher’s Single Malt and Teacher’s Origin.

“Teacher’s continues to be a preferred Scotch choice for many consumers and an experience of shopping at the Delhi Duty Free can now make it worthwhile for a lucky couple to discover Scotland”, said Neeraj Kumar, Director Marketing & Sales, Beam Suntory Inc.

Duncan Lawley, CEO, Delhi Duty Free, further added, “Teacher’s Highland Cream is one of the finest brands in the Scotch whisky segment and Beam Suntory products in general have always received a good response from customers of Delhi Duty Free. Travellers from all over the world find fervour with this brand and now through this latest promotion they have an opportunity to win a free trip to Scotland.”

Teacher’s for a one-litre bottle is priced at Teacher’s Highland cream: USD 18, Teacher’s Single Malt: USD 44, Teacher’s Origin USD 38 and Teacher’s 25 Years Old USD 275.