HOW SCOTCH WHISKY IS PRICED IN INDIA

 THE IMFL VS SCOTCH WHISKY BATTLE TAKES SHAPE

A difference of $1 a bottle in the import price of whisky could lead to a significant surge in the shipment of popular brands such as Johnnie Walker Black Label and Chivas Regal into India.

Fearing an influx of foreign liquor, domestic players makers have sought a higher minimum import price of $5, instead of $4 in the ongoing India-UK FTA talks.

The report suggests that the deal will prescribe a minimum import price (MIP) and all bottled Scotch above the threshold will see import duty reduced to 100% from 150%, while those coming in casks could see it halved to 75%. The report says that while the details are still being negotiated, there have been discussions around reducing customs duty on bottled Scotch to 50% over 10 years.

Domestic players are of the opinion that India should agree to an MIP of $5 a bottle, instead of $4 for every 750 ml bottle. Popular brands like Johnnie Walker Black Label and Chivas Regal’s basic price is just over $4 a bottle. It is believed that would result in a flood of imports from the UK and wipe out several home-grown players and Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) brands.

Earlier this year, India's alcohol industry flagged a 40% increase in whisky imports in the first eight months this financial year against the full fiscal 2021-22, amid the ongoing India-UK negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA).

Domestic players will find it tough to compete and foreign players, who have set up bottling units here, will not add fresh capacity and may go to the extent of reducing capacity, which will hit employment.

Even without a reduction in import duty, there has been a surge in bottled Scotch in recent years. Bottled whisky imports in FY23 more than doubled to $316 million from $152 million while the value of bulk whisky shipments is estimated to have increased by over 40% to around $149 million.

Domestic players, however, have expressed concerns to the government, pointing out that the surge in bottled Scotch imports in recent years was detrimental to the cause of local distillers and blenders.

It has been observed that all Scotch imports originate from the UK, although some shipments are listed as coming from Singapore and the UAE, as they serve as global trans-shipment hubs. Surprisingly, the cost of Scotch whisky has increased dramatically in Singapore.

Imported products currently constitute a small portion, around 3.3 per cent, of the overall Indian whisky market. However, in the middle and premium segments, defined as whiskies priced over Rs 750 per bottle, the share of Scotch is nearly 32 per cent and steadily increasing.

Currently, Scotch whisky, imported from the UK - both in bottled and bulk - is taxed at 150 per cent in India. According to Chivas Brothers’ Chairman and CEO, the pact between the two governments, if signed, would provide liberalisation in tariffs and will be a 'win-win' for both India and the UK.

One factor has not been considered, viz., the overstock status of these extra-popular brands during the pandemic. The cost of storage space also contributed to the deep cut in prices and the massive volumes sold as economies of scale more than made up the holes in the pockets of sellers.

HOW SCOTCH WHISKY IS PRICED IN INDIA

Single Malt Scotch whisky may be exported only as bottles, whereas Blended Scotch may be exported as desired by the transacting duo. Blended Scotch comes to India in huge metallic containers and is shipped directly to the bottler from the Port of landing. A check of the labels on the bottles will show you the details of bottling. The Indo-UK talks centre around the US$, an unusual move post Brexit disregarding both the GBP £ and the Euro €. Inter-exchange prices only served to drive costs up and only the GB £ should be considered in the future.

PRICING IN GURGAON HARYANA AS ₹ PER BOTTLE UP TO 31 MAR 23
		JW RED LABEL	JW BLACK LABEL
1	CIF Value US$1 @ ₹ 75	US$ 1.85 = 139	US$ 4 = 300
2	Profit & Margin	139	300
3	Total Landed (1+2)	278	600
4	Customs @ 150% (on 1)	208	450
5	Excise @ 50% (on 3)	139	300
6	Total = 3+4+5	625	1350
7	VAT @ 15% (on 6)	94	203
8	TOTAL 6+7	719	1553
9	Retail Margin (Variable)	50	150
10	VAT On Retail Margin @ 25%	13	38
11	Break Even Retail Price	782	1741
12	Actual Retail Price	Variable, ~800	Variable,~1,800

 This is how Black Label was sold at Rs 1800 in Gurgaon till this financial year. The Retail Margin varied according to demand and prices of other Scotch whiskies were decided according to availability and popularity. 

PRICING IN GURGAON HARYANA AS ₹ PER BOTTLE AFTER 31 MAR 2023
		JW RED LABEL	JW BLACK LABEL
1	CIF Value £1 @ ₹ 82.50	$ 1.85 = 153	$4 = 330
2	Profit & Margin	153	330
3	Total Landed (1+2)	306	660
4	Customs @ 150% (on 1)	227	495
5	Excise @ 50% (on 3)	153	330
6	Total	686	1485
7	VAT @ 15% (on 6)	103	223
8	TOTAL	789	1708
9	Retail Margin	80	100
10	VAT On Retail Margin @ 25%	20	25
11	Break Even Retail Price	889	1833
12	Actual Retail Price	Variable, ~1,000	Variable,~2,100

There has indeed been an increase in prices across Haryana, but it is relatively small compared to global duty-free prices. The cost elsewhere is staggering, as reported by ToI below:

                     

THE CURRENT PRICING IN INDIA AS ₹ PER BOTTLE
		JW RED LABEL	JW BLACK LABEL
1	CIF Value	175	330
2	Profit & Margin	373	803
3	Total Landed (1+2)	548	1,133
4	Customs @ 150% (on 1)	262	495
5	Excise @ 85% (on 3)	467	920
6	VAT @ 25%	320	637
7	Total	1,597	3,185
8	Retail Margin	82	100
9	VAT On Retail Margin @ 25%	21	25
10	RETAIL PRICE	1,700	3,310

Breakage is taken as 03%, i.e., three bottles in 100.

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BARREL SERIES FROM TAIN

 GLENMORANGIE MOVES INTO BARREL RESERVE WHISKIES

The attention paid to its pioneering work in wood management has resulted in Glenmorangie’s distillation regime being slightly overlooked. Not that anyone is complaining as this distillery sells the most Scotch single malt whiskies in Scotland. With LVMH taking over, price points are being raised to create exclusivity, which might go against the Tain hub. But there's enough variety to go around..

Situated next to the Dornoch Firth in a series of handsome red sandstone buildings, the Glenmorangie distillery started life as the local brewery for the town of Tain. In 1843, William Matheson converted it to a distillery and it remained in the family until 1887, when it was sold to the Glenmorangie Distillery Co, co-owned by the Maitland brothers and Duncan Cameron.

After WWI, the business was sold to a partnership between two blending and broking firms, Macdonald & Muir and Durham & Co, soon passing entirely to the former, which used the whisky for blends such as Highland Queen. Although it was bottled in small quantities from the 1920s, a change of strategy in 1959 saw Glenmorangie revived as a single malt that soon became Scotland’s biggest seller.

This was not the first time that this had happened, however. Records show that at the end of the 19th century, Glenmorangie was being sold at The Savoy and other top-end London hotels, as well as being exported. Early success in the infant single malt category resulted in two more stills being added to the original pair in 1976, a number which was doubled again in 1990. In 2009, four more were added, along with a larger mash tun and extra washbacks.

In December 2004, French luxury goods firm Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH) bought the firm (along with Ardbeg) for £300m. More recently, extra warehousing has been built, the result of a decision to mature and vat all the production on-site.

In January 2018, it was announced that a new stillhouse would be built, housing two more of Glenmorangie’s distinctive, long-necked stills, plus a new mash tun and washbacks. The new facility will enable more experimental runs, with indications that innovations such as the use of stainless steel condensers will be explored.

The process at Glenmorangie starts with mashing unpeated barley with water from the distillery’s Tarlogie Springs – making this one of a small number of hard water sites in Scotland. Although there is no smoke, once a year some chocolate malt is added to the mash for use in the firm’s Signet brand – another of the distillery’s many innovations.

Fermentation is long, while distillation takes place in the tallest stills in Scotland, all of which retain the same long-necked design of the pair which were brought from John Taylor’s gin distillery in 1887. This extra height allows a long interaction to take place between alcohol vapour and copper and, while the new make is decidedly high-toned (the cut points here are quite high), there is still a little note of cereal, adding a dry counterpoint.

The vast majority of Glenmorangie’s make is aged in ex-American oak casks, many of which have been made to the distillery’s exacting specifications: slow-growth American white oak from north-facing slopes in Missouri, which is then air-dried. The firm’s Astar bottling uses 100% of these ‘bespoke’ casks.

The casks are only used twice, with the second-fill casks all ageing in damp ‘dunnage’ warehouses to increase oxidative-driven flavours. As the whisky matures, it picks up more lush fruits, some honey and mint, as well as notes of vanilla, crème brûlee and, in the oldest expressions, chocolate.

Some of the mature spirit is then transferred to ex-fortified wine (Port, Sherry) and still wine (Sauternes, Burgundy, Super-Tuscan etc) casks for a period of finishing. Glenmorangie was one of the pioneers of this technique. Now it is experimenting-successfully, I must add-with Barrel Finishing, using casks that last held Cognac, Palo Cortado, Amontillado and Malaga within.

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CADBOLL SETS THE PACE

 GLENMORANGIE'S NEW ADDITIONS 

THE CADBOLL ESTATE LEADS THE PACK WITH A 2019 TRAVEL EDITION

Most Scotch whisky is made from ingredients that seem mass produced and fetched into the distillery. It’s inside where the wizard does his magic. There’s undeniably a bit of artistry and craftsmanship that goes into the process, transforming those raw ingredients into the spirit that will eventually grace the shelf… but there’s also something to be said for a whisky that is 100% local, with grains and water from the distillery itself. And that’s exactly what the Cadboll Estate is for Glenmorangie:a 100% locally-produced expression from their own facility.

Like most distilleries in Great Britain, the Glenmorangie distillery halted production between 1931 > 1936 and between 1941 > 1945, but was back to full capacity by 1948. Within just a couple of years, the demand had dramatically increased and in 1977 the distillery doubled its capacity from two stills to four, and doubled again in 1990 to a total of eight. In the 1980s, the distillery purchased 600 acres of land surrounding the facility to preserve their water supply.

Throughout all this history, the Macdonald family had retained ownership of the distillery; but in 2004, the French spirits company LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton SE purchased the distillery outright. Until this point, the company had focussed on their flagship spirit, but the new owners brought redesigned curved bottles and the desire to experiment with different flavours and barrels for aging their spirit.

Glenmorangie has been the best selling single malt in Scotland since 1983, and globally they hold 6% of the total single malt whisky market.

Glenmorangie’s Cadboll Estate Scotch whisky is about as local as you can get. What makes it so unique is that this expression uses only barley that is grown and harvested from Glenmorangie’s own estate farms, which are malted and cooked using water from the local Tarlogie spring that runs through the nearby hills.

After fermentation, the wort and then the wash is distilled in the tallest pot stills in Scotland. Standing at a towering 26 feet high, there are two reasons why this is important: first, the height ensures that only the lighter (and sweeter) compounds make it over the top and into the collection barrels. Second, the added journey also exposes those vapours to the copper in the still for a longer period of time which (through a chemical reaction with the copper) strips out more of the offensive sulphur compounds.

For the maturation process, Glenmorangie actually has a unique arrangement to source their barrels. Famous distilleries like Jack Daniels and Heaven Hill don’t actually buy their barrels — they simply lease them from Glenmorangie. The charred oak barrels are used to mature American bourbon for a period of a few years before being shipped over to Scotland for the real reason they were built. The barrels are filled with a neutral grain spirit for a few years to mellow out the flavours and extract some of the American bourbon from the wood, and once that process is complete, the barrels are filled with Glenmorangie’s whisky and allowed to finally start the ageing process.

PACKAGING

The bottle is tall and slender —taller than most other whiskies, much like the unique stills. The bottle has a flared base with an inwardly curved waist that flares again at the shoulder. From there, it’s a gentle slope up to the long neck, and the whole thing is capped with a plastic and cork stopper.

While the label is rather large, it thankfully isn’t that distracting. The royal blue colour of the label beautifully pairs with the golden spirit within, almost giving it the appearance of a French aristocrat. On that label is the bare essentials of information, and the shiny embellishment on the edges and in the design in the middle of the label is tastefully accomplished.

While I appreciate the size of the bottle, and the purpose that it serves (standing out on a bar or store shelf), it makes placement a touch difficult. It’s about the same size as a normal wine bottle instead of the typically shorter and stouter whisky containers — so getting it in and out of its spot in the whisky cabinet can be a struggle.

In general, Glenmorangie tends to be a bit richer in colour than other similar spirits. In this case, that warm gold colour is definitely on full display. E150a is certainly used in this chill-filtered 43% ABV edition.

The aroma coming off the glass is definitely on the lighter side of the spectrum, without any peat smoke or much heavy ageing going on. There is some honey and flower blossom right up front, a bit of fresh melon, and some oatmeal-like cereal with brown sugar in the background. One gets some nutmeg spice that adds a good bit of depth and texture.

Taking a sip, the first thing I notice is something that wasn’t really there in the aroma: lemon citrus. Specifically lemon zest — that aromatic and bright flavour you get in the peel. That flavour develops and incorporates some of the other components we saw before, like the honey, flower blossoms, melon, oatmeal, and brown sugar. That nutmeg we saw earlier has also expanded a bit, adding in some cinnamon and other baking spices to make this almost like a spiced sugar cookie by the end.

A light and floral spirit with delicate flavour components won’t stand up to some ice. The cold and the dilution usually only leave the richer and darker aspects behind, and with a nicely balanced spirit like this that can often be a bit of a problem. Ice is a no-no.

This is a spirit where the context makes all of the difference. Glenmorangie makes some amazing stuff for their standard line of Scotch; there are some additional tricks and twists in this bottle compared to their normal fare, but not enough to warrant the price tag of £85 on its own.

THE SECOND EDITION

The whisky follows in the footsteps of its predecessor insofar as its materiel is concerned. But it is no longer an NAS bottling. It is matured for 15 years (or more) in the most common cask type used in Scotland, ex-bourbon barrels. No finishes, chill-filtered, no peat, no twists of any kind really, as it is bottled at pretty average 43% ABV. Thus, Cadboll Estate Single Malt 2^nd Edition is a very straightforward presentation of The Glenmorangie’s own barley, made into whisky.

This particular release is Batch 2 ex-2020 and only available in North America and Mexico. If you’re familiar with the original Traveller Release Cadboll don’t draw any immediate comparisons, they’re quite different whiskies.

The global travel retail version was a combination of ex-Bourbon and ex-Wine (Muscat and Sémillion) casks and drew its name from the Cadboll cup, a precious 16th century silver wine cup owned by the MacLeods of Cadboll, who created Glenmorangie House. This enigmatic wine cup, which entwines Scottish artistry and mysterious French influences in its design, was treasured for generations at its Highland home. That shared heritage is celebrated in a whisky of tempting, dessert-like flavours, which wonderfully hint at the sweet wines of the past that the Cadboll Cup might once have held. I was able to try the NAS GTR version at a special tasting so I could compare this with my notes on Batch 2 despite them being so different.

The Scotch

A pour of this Glenmorangie has a colour straddling the border between gold and copper. The scent is sweet with licorice laid into a tall glass of orange cream and vanilla soda, enjoyed in a field of late summer, cut and dried straw awaiting baling. A sip reveals a creamy mouthfeel, and a flavour profile that builds on the nose by adding a note of sweet, wet tobacco leaf and sees the citrus fruit transition to pear syrup. Those sweet aspects fade away altogether, with the dry straw evolving into dry, spicy wood on the finish.

The Tasting Notes

Colour: Light honey

Nose: Honey, malt, vanilla cake, orchard fruit, banana pudding, caramel, Nilla Wafers and a touch of nuts and nutmeg. That is one heck of a nice aroma. Warm and inviting, I could sniff it for hours.

Palate: Vanilla cake, banana pudding, nutmeg, honey graham, dried fruit, roasted nuts, light baking spice, malt and frosting sweetness. The aroma was nice, but the palate is the STAR. This is quite delicious.

Finish: Medium. Banana pudding, honey graham and spice fade evenly.

Balance, Body and Feel: Great balance, med-full body and a lightly oily warm feel. The GTR and this 15 YO Cadboll are very different whiskies, but since they share the same name, I feel the need to say I’d pick this over the GTR any day. This is good.

THE THIRD EDITION

Aged for 15 years, the third batch of Glenmorangie The Cadboll Estate brings a nutty and spicy twist to the series’ award-winning flavour.

Each release in the series begins in the Distillery’s own barley fields located on the Cadboll Estate, planted and harvested to Dr Lumsden’s specifications. This Cadboll barley is then mashed and distilled in the towering copper stills (as tall as an adult giraffe to allow for a more elegant taste and aroma), to bring forth a uniquely delicious spirit.

With notes of nuts and sweet spice in mind, Dr Bill selected spirit created from two separate barley harvests and aged it in American oak bourbon casks to enhance those creamy depths. Then, picturing notes of hazelnut, toffee and clove, he finished a small portion in casks which once held Amontillado, his favourite style of sherry. After 15 years, Dr Bill reunited these whiskies in this series’ delicious third batch release; threading hints of toffee and spice around honeysuckle, peaches and cream.

The third batch release of Glenmorangie The Cadboll Estate has been aged in bourbon casks, with a portion finished in Amontillado sherry casks (Dr Bill Lumsden’s favourite type of sherry).  This 15-year-old whisky entwines notes of hazelnut, toffee and clove, bringing a nutty, spicy twist to the series’ signature creaminess.

The Tasting Notes

Colour: Deep Ochre

Nose: Wonderfully aromatic and fragrant, with touches of honey, hazelnuts, mandarin oranges and soft, sweet toffee. This is then followed by top notes of sweet ripening barley, followed by baked peaches. A splash of water releases some flinty minerality, along with honeysuckle and jasmine flowers.

Palate: A gently spicy mouthfeel leads into a burst of sweet and spicy flavours –heather honey, gingerbread, hazelnut praline, fudge, toffee and a touch of clove. The Amontillado cask derived nuttiness is always present, but always gently integrated into the other, sweeter flavours. The lingering aftertaste has touches of almond marzipan and coconut, and finally a suggestion of baking fruit loaves.

Finish: Gloriously creamy and spicy, with notes of gingerbread, hazelnuts and toffee.

GLENMORANGIE’S BRAND MASCOT

Glenmorangie are proud supporters of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) and its mission to secure a future for all giraffe populations in the wild.

Creators of single malt whisky since 1843, Glenmorangie’s affinity with the giraffe begins with the copper stills in which it creates its light yet complex spirit. The tallest in Scotland, these stills have necks the same height as an adult male giraffe, which has led to this majestic creature being adopted as a symbol of the brand. By supporting giraffe conservation, the Highland Distillery is deepening its commitment to the animal’s future.

The giraffe has long been a beloved symbol of the Highland Distillery. The same height as a giraffe, their stills allow more space for taste and aroma, which is why Glenmorangie’s spirit is so wonderfully delicate and fruity. But the giraffe faces threats in the wild, from habitat loss to poaching. Numbers have fallen by over 30% in just 35 years, with some populations classed as critically endangered. Recognising that few people are aware how great a threat the gorgeous giraffe faces in the wild, Glenmorangie forged a pioneering conservation partnership in 2020 with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS).

The new Glenmorangie Cadboll Estate release is freely available in the UK for an RRP of £75. Sadly, this release is also chill filtered and bottled at 43% ABV. That said, Glenmorangie celebrates the joy of delicious single malt in every part of its universe, from its boutique hotel Glenmorangie House to its colourful brand campaign and its tagline “It’s Kind of Delicious and Wonderful.”

About The Cadboll Estate Series

This unique series of field-to-glass whiskies was created to share the spirit and flavour of Glenmorangie’s ruggedly beautiful, yet remote homeland with whisky lovers old and new. It began with the first release of Glenmorangie The Cadboll Estate in 2020, a deep and creamy single malt distilled in 2004 and aged in first-fill American white oak bourbon casks. The second release was named Best Single Malt 15 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition (IWC) in 2021 and won a double gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), and gold at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) that year. The silky richness of the second batch, distilled in 2005, wonderfully reflected the subtle changes each year brings to the Highlands. The nutty, spicy and creamy notes of the third batch are a deliciously sherried take on the series’ style. What’s more, Dr Lumsden is already dreaming up further whiskies for the single-estate series. So whisky fans can look forward to enjoying further delicious tastes of Glenmorangie’s home, even if they are yet to explore the Highlands in person.

AND THEN THE NEW ONES

X By Glenmorangie:

In pursuit of new flavour combinations, Lumsden has crafted the perfect single malt whisky for mixing. Paired with your favourite mixer, X by Glenmorangie creates effortlessly delicious drinks.

X by Glenmorangie is notable for two reasons: it was purpose-built for mixing and is a core release from a major distillery priced under $30… Really? That seems like a deal too good to be true in this insanely priced whisky market we’re in. Makes one a bit wary. Can something priced like this taste good? Can it actually be a good deal?

The X’s raison d’etre is to be mixed and one can say it easily fulfills that purpose. Under that singular perspective of being built for mixing, the price is perfect and it really is a good mixing whisky. But this isn’t truly a cocktail site, it’s a whisky site, and so we need to look at just the liquid itself. Which brings us to a different, singular perspective, with one major question: how is it for sipping?

Colour: Honeyed butterscotch

Nose: Malt, graham, vanilla and citrus with bits of sweet dried fruit, banana and oak. Soft and simple, it’s a whisky that’s easy and unassuming, but not bad.

Palate: Graham, vanilla frosting, dried apples, bananas, honey and a bit of oak. As it opens a touch of cocoa and nuttiness peeks out, but it’s mostly just dried fruit on graham.

Finish: Short. Malty and fruity fade to a light graham.

Balance, Body And Feel: Decent balance, light-body, light watery feel.

Overall: If you’ve been looking for the most average yet approachable and sippable whisky on the market, this is it. It’s not complex, it’s not deep, but it doesn’t have anything inherently wrong with it either. It’s simple yet pleasant.

In fact, sipping isn’t its true nature. The X by Glenmorangie was designed for mixing… It’s a good, average, workhorse whisky that’s inoffensive and sippable – exactly as it was designed to be.

A Tale Of The Forest:

Using an ancient method of infusing barley with woodland botanicals. Lush and invitingly herbaceous, A Tale of the Forest is Glenmorangie’s first whisky crafted from barley kilned with woodland botanicals.

Inspired by the ever changing natural wonder one encounters while wandering in the forest, Dr Lumsden brought back an ancient method of kilning barley with botanicals. In this case, he chose juniper berries, birch bark and heather flowers.

Evoking the scents, sounds and sights of the forest, the single malt surrounds your senses with aromas of pine, juniper and coriander, laced with wisps of smoke. Then tastes of deep-green eucalyptus, lit by rays of bitter orange, drift to a slow, gently oaky finish.

The whisky’s fragrant, wooded depths have inspired illustrator Pomme Chan to dream up her own fantastical forest. Celebrating the whisky’s flavours, her artwork is showcased on the whisky’s pack.

Tasting Notes:

Colour: Gold

Nose: A bouquet of pine, juniper and coriander, along with roasted chestnut and an intriguing whisper of smoke.

Palate: Flavour explodes in the mouth. Whirls of peppermint. Bursts of eucalyptus. Rustles of bitter orange. All floating on clouds of vanilla with intriguing hints of black liquorice.

Finish: A slow and luscious finish featuring lemon, orange and a soft hint of oak.

Glenmorangie Palo Cortado:

This deeply sweet and nutty small-batch release is the first Glenmorangie ever to be finished in rare Palo Cortado sherry casks. Aged for 12 years, it brings a new elegance to the Highland Distillery’s delicate style.

The single malt spent its first eight years mellowing in American white oak bourbon casks. Then, delighted by that whisky’s smooth, soft character, Dr Bill was inspired to finish a select batch in Palo Cortado casks, never before used at Glenmorangie.

Palo Cortado is the rarest variety of sherry, created purely by chance, when the protective ‘flor’ yeast does not form on sherry intended to become Amontillado. Enchanted by Palo Cortado’s sweet and nutty flavours, Dr Dr Lumsden sourced a handful of its casks, which are incredibly hard to come by. He filled them with the whisky, imagining the unparalleled depth and complexity they might bring Glenmorangie. Finished in these deliciously wonderful casks, Dr Lumsden’s creation developed all the rich elegance he had dreamed of.

Uniquely complex and nutty, it layers dark plum depths with milk-chocolate richness, Brazil nuts and sweet spice.

Aged 12 YO (first matured in Bourbon casks then finished 4 years in Palo Cortado Sherry Casks), it is different from the core range, which spend ten years in Bourbon casks.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Burnt Amber

Nose: Rich, elegant and rounded. Toffee, fudge and vanilla sweetness entwine with mossy notes and mulled wine hints. Then come scents of honeyed ginger and milk-chocolate truffle dusted with cinnamon. A splash of water reveals notes of orange sherbet, carnations and Brazil nuts.

Palate: An oily yet peppery texture leads to a burst of rich, sweet flavours. Treacle toffee and milk chocolate are threaded with notes of clove, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg. Meanwhile, fruity undertones of raisins, dark plums and bitter orange find delectable balance with baking ryebread and salted nuts.

Finish: Long and nutty, brimming with spice, leather and a touch of aniseed.

Glenmorangie Amontillado Finish:

Gone down South! A long-time fan of Amontillado sherry, Dr Lumsden has always fancied its nuttier, spicier style in a bottle. Years ago, he began to imagine a unique, delicious whisky, which would entwine its casks’ distinctive flavours through the Distillery’s gentle, honeyed style. But since such casks are hard to come by, opportunities are few and far between.

Eventually, Dr Lumsden sourced a precious handful of Amontillado casks. Then he filled them with a soft, mellow whisky which had spent eight years in American white oak bourbon barrels. Transferring it into the Amontillado casks, he left it to age for another four years, until it achieved the flavours he desired. Finished in this way, the whisky winds sherried hints of cashews, clove, ginger and dried fruit round Glenmorangie’s classic notes of peaches, orange and lemon balsam.

Dr Lumsden hand-selected the finest of those precious casks to be bottled for the Distillery’s Barrel Select Release. It was a delight to bring the nuttier, spicier tastes of Amontillado as its casks’ sherried influences to their whisky’s signature delicate style for this special release. This version was not chill-filtered and presented at a healthy 46% ABV.

Sadly, it was crafted for The Whisky Club, Australia with very limited availability via Glenmorangie’s online shop, shipping to the UK only, and at the Distillery Visitor Centre shop in Tain.

The Tasting Notes

Colour: Bright Amber.

Nose: Scents of rose, carnation and jasmine entwine with fragrant candle wax and hints of cashew nuts. A splash of water releases Amontillado's classic dried fruit notes, followed by peaches in syrup.

Palate: A soft and mouthcoating texture is wonderfully balanced by effervescent and spicy notes. Clove and ginger find harmony with Glenmorangie's signature citrus tastes of orange sherbet, lemon balsam and eucalyptus oil, with undertones of walnut oil and leather.

Finish: Slow and lingering, with notes of honey and aniseed.

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TONIQUE MISSING OUT WITH CLIENTELE

 TONIQUE STUCK IN SOUTH INDIA

What do you say about a liquor store that claims to be the swankiest in the country stocking over 1500 brands? You are wasting everybody’s time if you don’t have an outlet in Gurgaon, Haryana! That’s what! Wake up, Tonique…

Tonique offers a completely air-conditioned ambience wafting with specialised perfume flowing across the store. Buying your favourite brand here is an experience that is hard to replicate anywhere in Asia, claims Tonique. Well, well!

Living up to its reputation as Asia’s biggest liquor store sprawling across two floors, Tonique is located in the centre of Bengaluru, majestically housed at MG Road, near Cubbon Parkside. The high point is that it is located in what is grandly known as the ‘Jewels de Paragon’ building! Apparently, they stock over 1,500 brands of alcohol from across the globe and match it with grand service. But the customer is more interested in the price point!

Tonique operates under two brand names: Tonique & Q by Tonique. Under Tonique there is one store apiece in Hyderabad and Pune & three in Bengaluru. Under Q by Tonique, there are seven stores in Hyderabad.

They began operations in December 2016 with the first outlet opening up in Hyderabad. They started their Bengaluru operations in June 2019 and the customers on seeing their Bengaluru store were amazed that a liquor store could be of such size. It has a completely air-conditioned ambience, punctuated with specialised perfume flowing across the store. The outlet has a dedicated parking complete with security guards, bouncers, and also lady guards.

Brands & Demand

The plethora of brands available with the corporation depot includes globally renowned players like Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie, Glenlivet, Johnnie Walker, Chivas and Royal Salute among others. You may also be tempted to pick up rare gems like Ricard Hennessy, Louis XIII, Dom Rose and Krug. They were probably the first retail liquor player in South India to list Sakes & Soju on the shelves and Champagnes from 200 ml to 9000 ml in size at one point of time.

Based on the sales pattern the brands in demand at the much-talked-about huge Tonique store in Bengaluru can be categorised under whisky, gin and vodka in the spirits section. Of course, wines too are in demand at the store and beer comprises their largest sales volume segment. Of late, hard seltzers and gin-based RTDs also have picked up in demand.

On the need to maintain price parity with neighbouring states and its impact on sales, Tonique claims that the tax structure in Karnataka for spirits and beers is one of the highest in the country. All the more reason to move three or four outlets to duty-friendly Haryana, favouring a huge impact on sales due to the low pricing while at the same time showing that neighbouring states like Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh suffer scarcity in the availability of some of the alcobev brands.

It goes without saying that customer service is the essence of a top-notch liquor retail brand like Tonique. Their staff comes with a hotel management background and their wine floor is controlled by personnel who at least possess a Wset 2 qualification. They also organise regular training sessions for the floor staff. To provide ease of service to lady customers, their outlet in Bengaluru has Lady Guest Relation Executives (GREs) to give them personal attention. Another thoughtful and sensitive gesture they offer at the outlet is providing wheelchairs and customised assistance to senior citizens who may need it.

Customer Profile

As for the customer profile of the above-mentioned Tonique store in Bengaluru, it includes consumers from almost all walks of life and largely encompasses people who really love their drinks. As for the ratio of women shoppers at the store, GLN says the ratio is 60 per cent men and 40 per cent women. On weekends, one can see the rare sight of the entire family walking in together – like the couple with parents and children. For women, when the need arises, the store operates separate billing counters and is attended to by the lady GRE.

With regard to change in consumer behaviour in the post-Covid era, GLN says that their customers generally have upgraded to the next segment and also drinking at home has increased. As for payment modes, Tonique accepts all credit cards, including international cards & Amex cards too. UPI payments are also widely accepted. The only two negatives one could say is that there is no home delivery system since the state doesn’t allow it and second, the steep tax structure has a major adverse impact. But these two disincentives don’t serve as deterrents as shopping at Tonique is a global experience, with a personal touch.

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GLENMORANGIE AGAIN

 Glenmorangie Launches Delicious Design Project

The Delicious Design Project - Glenmorangie has teamed up with Indian-American artist extraordinaire Karsh Kale to launch a digital art X music experience that re-imagines the technicolour world of India and takes audiences to a journey of awe and wonder across all touchpoints.

Have you ever thought about food as art? How about mixology? The overlap between mediums to create unique experiences is a space that artists around the world are trying to explore. And with the launch of the Delicious Design Project, it’s made a splash in India.

This whimsical project explores how Indians consume whisky and the shifting trends in the space. With bright colour blocking and traditional Indian motifs, it reflects the soul of India. Through the three flowing movements, it juxtaposes old-world luxury with modern-day trends to encapsulate how people like to drink.

The narrative of the last few years has been around romanticising life. Taking time to enjoy the little things and slowing down the world’s frenetic pace to truly savour the act of being alive. This experience is reflected in Glenmorangie’s The Delicious Design Project. This luxury single malt brand from the house of Moët Hennessy India is amalgamating art and music with India’s favourite spirit as the backdrop.

The luxury single malt distiller is now dazzling audiences as it amalgamates art and music with The Delicious Design Project. Indian-American musician Karsh Kale features in it as the exclusive ‘Wondermaker’, teaming with artist Nikunj Patel of Studio Moebius to create an immersive long-form digital art series. In its pursuit to bring luxury moments of consumption through elevated localized experiences, this whimsical art & music series sets up 3 such fantastical moments of brand enjoyment titled Khuld, Raas and Shararat.

With the venue transformed into an “orangie” arthouse, the 3 immersive art pieces were launched with a high-octane event in Mumbai replete with fascinating installations, live rituals and a dramatic performance by the artists themselves in true Glenmorangie style. While Khuld involves viewers to enjoy lingering boat rides with friends in pristine lakes or soak in the breath-taking beauty of valleys laden with bright flowers, Raas takes them on a journey of merriment, opulent celebrations and dance in palatial courtyards. Shararat on the other hand celebrates urban party experiences made delicious with dancing skylines & giant giraffes.

The artistes believe working on The Delicious Design Project has been an outstanding experience. Right from its inception, it moved them to curate unparalleled experiences in the art, music and spirits space to unleash the magic for all consumers to indulge in.

Glenmorangie as a future-forward brand is always looking to create meaningful experiences, and The Delicious Design Project is one such initiative that will appeal to consumers and establish a deeper connect with the brand. Tapping into India’s cultural nuances, the campaign will unleash the quirky side of the single malt, the beats of Karsh Kale and the canvas of Nikunj Patel, thereby creating newer avenues of interacting with consumers who appreciate the wonderful and delicious experiences in life.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE 3 MOVEMENTS

It all ties back to the occasionality of consumption. A lot of it comes from what is heard from consumers in India. At bars people are drinking a larger variety of cocktails irrespective of the spirit that’s in it, it’s based more on the appeal, the bartender's recommendation and the credibility of the place, based on this even non-whisky drinkers might try a whisky. To reflect that one of the scenarios shows a rooftop party in a city environment to show how the current conversation is going around cocktails.

The second scenario is a luxury, beautiful outdoor setting that evokes the heritage of India. Think of a Haveli in Rajasthan or a beautiful old bungalow in Kolkata. The aim is to go for an environment that’s immersed in luxury and classic hospitality; to replicate that joy of sipping on a single malt while gazing out over a lake and enjoying a holiday where you can get away from your usual very tense, busy days. So when you do make time for yourself, how can you find that solitude and enjoy a drink?

The third scenario went into a more natural space with a cabana where you’re enjoying intimate moments with friends or loved ones, and how you discern what you’re drinking then. Is it a celebratory cocktail or a neat single malt over quiet conversations? We see a lot of Indians travelling more and they’re choosing more luxurious places when they do, both in and out of India. They’re also hosting a lot more at home; the third scenario reflects that diversity.

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2023 AT GLENFIDDICH

 GLENFIDDICH’S BAG OF TRICKS

Glenfiddich has released Grand Yozakura, a limited edition single malt Scotch which “pays homage to Japanese culture”, as part of its grand series of whiskies.

It’s delicate, distinctive and just like Yozakura, once experienced, is never forgotten. Yozakura, ‘cherry blossom viewing at night’ in Japanese, is the magical moment of fleeting beauty when Japanese cherry blossoms are admired and celebrated under moonlight. A limited-edition release 45.1% ABV single malt that is housed in an elegant whisky box with Sakura imagery, and a Hanko stamp engraved bespoke stopper, a cloth capsule with a poem that are included for a complete gifting experience.

The 29-year-old single malt is finished in rare ex-Awamori casks and is intended as a limited-edition fusion “celebrating the finest flavours from Scotland and Japan”, according to the William Grant & Sons-owned distillery.

It is matured at the company’s distillery in Dufftown, and finished in oak casks which have previously matured the oldest alcoholic spirit in Japan, Awamori. Glenfiddich says the end result is a “finish unlike any other” and is in line with the other experimental and innovative single malts that make up the firm’s grand series.

Awamori is made using long-grain indica rice and traditionally stored in clay pots and matured in oak casks, with claims the technique for making the spirit has not been altered in more than 500 years. Only a small proportion of Awamori is aged in oak casks, which makes them exceptionally rare, the distillery said.

Grande Yozakura also celebrates Hanami – the “cherry blossom festival” – where Japan appreciates the trees at night in what is known as the Yozakura or ‘night sakura’.

The packaging of the whisky was created by Japanese artist June who creates visions incorporating Japanese culture and landscapes and includes a bespoke topper and traditional poem.

Glenfiddich malt master, Brian Kinsman, said the distillery was “always looking to experiment with new finishes” and when it had the chance to acquire the ex-Awamori casks, it saw an opportunity.

He said: “This is the first time that single malt Scotch whisky has been finished in these rare casks. We always learn something new when we lead with innovation so taking a risk is worth it, and in the case of Awamori we trialled a very small number of casks at a younger age first.”

Claudia Falcone, Glenfiddich's global brand director, added that the grand series underpins Glenfiddich’s “spirit of innovation,” as perhaps the most ground-breaking expression to sit alongside the series so far, whilst also being the first limited edition release. Bringing together two scarce components accentuates the anticipation and sense of occasion, paying homage to the brand’s innovative nature when it comes to creating dynamic whiskies of the highest quality.

Glenfiddich & Artist Yixin Zeng Create Perfect Lunar New Year Gift For Loved Ones

Welcome Good Fortune this Lunar New Year with Glenfiddich's 2023 Limited Edition Gift Packs

It takes a series of incredible journeys to create a truly extraordinary Chinese New Year. As loved ones gather from near and far during this year’s festive season, Glenfiddich has created a collection of special packs to commemorate the occasion and gift to friends and family as the perfect symbolic present.

Glenfiddich has collaborated with award-winning Chinese illustrator, Yixin Zeng, to design five exquisite gift packs. The design features the iconic Glenfiddich stag (Fu Lu) which represents wealth, prosperity and longevity in Chinese culture. On pack, the magnificent stag takes centre stage amidst a fantastically scene rich with texture, vibrant festive pattern and colourful elements surrounding its antlers.

There is no better time of the year than the festive season to celebrate with your loved ones and shower them with thoughtful gifts. Though the year is coming to an end, the festivities don’t have to.

If your Chinese New Year preparations —red envelopes, oranges, and nian gaos — are underway, consider adding some whisky to your CNY prep. Toasting with whisky while sharing stories is a great way for friends and family to indulge on a special occasion, and who better than Glenfiddich to know what a good whisky can do to keep the vibes going in a cross-generational family gathering?

A Gift For Extraordinary Journeys

To celebrate the getting together of family and friends from near and far, Glenfiddich has launched a line of Chinese New Year gift packs under the concept of the ‘Journey to Extraordinary.’ Each gift pack’s design features the label’s iconic royal stag reinterpreted by Chinese illustrator Yixin Zeng as the Fu Lu – Chinese for lucky deer, a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and longevity in Chinese culture. Surrounded by a dreamy and fantastical landscape of textures and patterns, the royal stag takes centre stage with its colourful and vibrant antlers.

Since Glenfiddich created the single malt category in 1963, they’ve always pushed the boundaries of crafting the most exceptional spirits while remaining authentic and genuine. With its reputation as the world’s most awarded single malt scotch whisky, Glenfiddich will bring your loved ones an unforgettable whisky experience along with blessings of abundance with these exceptional limited-edition gift packs.

Each set comes with a bottle of Glenfiddich’s signature Scotch whisky and is available in four expressions of the label’s bestsellers: the 12-Year-Old, the 15 Year Old, the 18 Year Old, and the Reserva Rum Cask 21-Year-Old.

Make It Personal

Besides gifting your loved ones with beautifully designed gift packs and some exceptional single malt whiskies, you can make it extra personal and take them on a real-life Journey to the Extraordinary by visiting Glenfiddich’s pop-up store. Explore the dream-like land of the Fu Lu where you can experience a whisky tasting session and personalise your Glenfiddich label to make your gift recipient feel extra special. A gift-wrapping service will also be available on-site.

Glenfiddich Gran Cortes XXII 43% ABV 70 Cl

This Glenfiddich Gran Cortes XXII is a brand-new, innovative single malt from Glenfiddich. The recently released whisky follows on from the epic Grand Cru 23-Year-Old, and it does so in real style.

Finished in rare Spanish Palo Cortado Sherry Casks, it brings a wealth of rich and fruity notes to the table, all backed up by a delicate, perfectly balanced array of spices.

The nose begins with notes of warming sherry spices and dried fruit. There is a lovely sweetness to it, with caramel and vanilla coming through. Sweet nuts and notes of citrus fruits.

The palate is full of oak wood and more sweet notes of vanilla. Sherry comes through really well and has an almost Christmas cake-like flavour. There is a hint of char and lots of dried fruit. Almonds and oranges give it a lovely richness.

The finish is sweet and warming, with lots of sherry and oak.

This is a wonderful addition to the Grand Series that really explores the Speyside flavour profile with big notes of sherry. It will be a treat to see what comes next!

It’s a truly wonderful dram that showcases everything you would expect from a 22-Year-Old Glenfiddich and then some and comes packaged in a beautiful sherry-red box that doubles as a display case.

The name of this expression means grand palaces, in celebration of Spanish royal courts, since it has been matured in specially selected Andalucian Palo Cortado sherry casks. It is exclusively available to customers in China and Taiwan. This one is difficult to find online and quantities are highly limited, so act fast to get your hands on a bottle.

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