February brought a wave of exciting new spirits and releases to the Indian market, offering bartenders and enthusiasts a diverse range of flavours. From the regal elegance of a blended brandy to the vibrant citrus of Italian-inspired limoncello, and from spiced rum to a uniquely Indian floral spirit, this month's releases showcase the evolving landscape of Indian beverages. Let's dive into the details of these notable newcomers.
Monarch Legacy Edition
Monarch introduces a new premium brandy to the Indian market, notable for its blend of French and Indian grape spirits. The spirit combines French grape spirits aged up to 8 years with Indian grape spirits from Maharashtra's Sahyadri region. Production utilises traditional French methods, including coal-fired copper pot stills and maturation in French oak ex-wine casks, resulting in a profile featuring vanilla, spice, and dried fruit notes. Stay tuned for a full assessment soon.
Presented in a distinctive bottle design, Monarch aims to offer a refined brandy experience. With an ABV of 42.8%, it is available in a 750ml format, priced at INR 6750 in Maharashtra and INR 4000 in Goa. This release provides bartenders with a new option showcasing a blend of international and local brandy-making techniques.
ABV of 42.8%
Available in:
- Pondicherry
- Maharashtra
- Goa
Wise Monkey Rums
Wise Monkey Rum Arrives in Goa with Spice and Coffee
Wise Monkey Rum, crafted by Mauritian company Nirvana Works International in partnership with Goa's Sunmoon Distillery, has launched two signature blends in Goa: Indian Spiced Rum and Café Rum. The Indian Spiced Rum, a blend of traditional Indian spices, is notable for being the first Indian rum to win gold at the London Spirits Competition. The Café Rum is a molasses-based spirit infused with a unique blend of Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica coffees.
Positioning itself between budget-friendly and ultra-premium rums, Wise Monkey offers a Mauritian-inspired, molasses-based rum experience. Both blends are available across Goa stores at ₹1,600, providing bartenders with new options for spiced and coffee-infused rum cocktails.
ABV of 43%
Available in:
- Goa
- Duty Free (Delhi and Hyderabad)
Six Brothers Mahura
Six Brothers Mahura: India's Floral Spirit Takes Center Stage
Six Brothers Mahura introduces a modern take on India's Mahua spirit, distilled entirely from the flowers of the Madhuca Longifolia tree. This unique spirit is double-distilled in copper pot stills and platinum-filtered, resulting in a crisp, clean profile with floral, spice, and earthy notes. Expect hints of petrichor, figs, and black pepper on the nose, followed by a balanced palate of sweet and savoury notes, grassy undertones, and a peppery finish.
Its versatility makes it suitable for neat pours, on the rocks, or as a base for diverse cocktails - savoury, sweet, or spicy. With an ABV of 40%, it's available in 750ml bottles (INR 2,500).
ABV of 40%
Available in:
- Maharashtra
Coming Soon:
- Goa
- Haryana
Mikiamo Limoncello
Mikiamo Limoncello: Bringing Italian Citrus to India
Mikiamo Limoncello introduces India's first locally produced Limoncello, crafted with a focus on Italian tradition. Using lemon infusions imported directly from Italy's southern coast, known for their intense zest, Mikiamo offers a smooth, bittersweet liqueur with notes of lemon, kaffir, and lemongrass. Notably, it contains up to 50% less sugar than imported counterparts and avoids artificial colours or preservatives.
This versatile liqueur can be served as a shot, straight, or in cocktails, and is also suitable for culinary applications like sorbets and desserts. Available in 750ml (INR 2110) and 180ml (INR 500) bottles in Goa, Mikiamo aims to provide a premium Limoncello experience at a more accessible price point. Bartenders can expect a high-quality product that blends authentic Italian flavours with a refined finish, opening up new possibilities for citrus-forward cocktails.
ABV of 25%
Available in:
- Goa
Coming Soon:
- Karnataka
- Haryana
- Delhi
Wrap Up
This February's product launches demonstrate the dynamism and innovation within the Indian spirits industry. Whether you're seeking a premium base for classic cocktails or exploring unique, locally-inspired flavours, these new releases offer a wealth of possibilities. Keep an eye out for these brands in your local markets, and be sure to experiment with them behind the bar. We hope this wrap-up has given you some great new ideas. Cheers!
