March 2025 has been an exciting month for the Indian beverage industry, marked by significant achievements, prestigious awards, and the launch of innovative spirits. Here's a quick look at some of the key highlights:
Navjot Singh: NDTV Mixologist of the Year
Celebrations are in order for Navjot Singh, Bar Director of Lair, who has been named the NDTV Mixologist of the Year at the NDTV Food Awards 2025. This comes after a string of successes over the past year including Lair winning Best Bar in India and Best Cocktail Menu at the India’s 30 Best Bars.
Sonam Rai: Times Food & Nightlife - Best Mixologist of the Year
Adding to the accolades for India's talented mixologists, Sonam Rai has been recognised as the Best Mixologist of the Year 2025 by the esteemed Times Food & Nightlife Awards. This award celebrates Rai's exceptional skills in crafting unique and memorable drinking experiences. Her creativity, technical expertise and flair for flavour combinations have clearly set her apart in a competitive field.
Gagan Sharma: Recognised Spanish Wine Specialist
Gagan Sharma has become India's first certified Spanish Wine Specialist, a prestigious recognition awarded by ICEX, Spain Food & Wine, and the Embassy of Spain in India. His successful completion of the intensive program in January 2025 involved 50 hours of online classes and a demanding examination on Spanish wine regions, history, gastronomy, and market dynamics. Sharma was the sole scholarship recipient from India, highlighting his dedication and the significance of this achievement for the Indian wine market.
Sharma will now work closely with the Embassy of Spain to introduce new and premium Spanish wines and foods to India. By conducting tastings and educational events for industry professionals, importers, and sommeliers, he will play a crucial role in expanding the availability and appreciation of Spanish wines within the Indian beverage scene, ultimately benefiting the industry with access to a richer and more diverse selection.
Other Side Whiskey Launches
Third Eye Distillery, makers of Stranger & Sons gin, debuted their first whiskey offering, "Other Side Whiskey". This marks an exciting entry into the burgeoning Indian whiskey segment, promising a new flavour profile and experience for consumers, all at a very competitive price point.
The launch event at Bolermaker, Goa was a big success and was a chance to show off the whiskey’s versatility in various cocktails. Our favourite? Other Side and fresh green apple juice.
Casa Claro Agave
Casa Claro marks an exciting and interesting development in India's agave spirit market. Founded by Naitik Jain and launched in Goa in January 2025, Casa Claro is a Mexican agave spirit first distilled in Mexico in the traditional manner and then imported to India for a final distillation to create their Blanco expression. Casa Claro also offers a unique Picante variant, infusing the Blanco with Guajillo chilli to introduce a subtle warmth and smoky complexity. Currently available in Goa and planned launches in Delhi, Maharashtra, and Karnataka
Future plans include the creation of Reposado and Añejo variants, aged in American Oak barrels in India, furthering Casa Claro's ambitions of expanding the agave spirit category in the country.
Kavalan’s First Age Statement Whisky
Renowned Taiwanese whisky maker, Kavalan Distillery, has achieved a significant milestone with the launch of its first-ever age statement whisky. Released in March, 2025, the "Kavalan 15 Years Old Single Malt Whisky 2025 Edition" is part of their new "Time Exploration" series. This limited edition release commemorates the day in 2006 when Kavalan distilled Taiwan's first new make spirit.
This 43% ABV, 700ml whisky is a blend of carefully selected aged reserves matured in four different cask types: ex-Bourbon, Oloroso Sherry, Ruby Port, and Puncheon. Limited to just 30,000 bottles globally, the Kavalan 15 Years Old Single Malt Whisky 2025 Edition is available through Kavalan's official channels in Taiwan and is expected to have international availability details released subsequently.
Malhar Gin Competition Winners
The Malhar Gin Competition has concluded, with Guruprasad Tripathy, a talented Bartender and Mixologist from Slink & Bardot in Mumbai, emerging as the winner. Tripathy's exceptional skills and innovative cocktail creation impressed the judges, earning him the top prize of 200,000 rupees.
D’YAVOL Whisky Wins Gold
D’YAVOL INCEPTION, Shah Rukh Khan's blended malt Scotch, has won Gold at the Berlin International Spirits Competition 2025, judged by European trade experts.
This latest accolade joins INCEPTION's growing list of international recognitions, reinforcing D’YAVOL's commitment to crafting top-tier luxury spirits. Co-founders Shah Rukh Khan and Bunty Singh celebrate this consistent global acknowledgement. Additionally, D’YAVOL's Single Estate Vodka received a Silver medal at the same competition.
