2024 has been a rollercoaster of flavours, and we are here to toast the drinks that made it unforgettable. From spirits that started the party to beverages that kept things cool, this year had it all. Whether you are reliving your favourites or scouting new ones to try, let’s sip through the best of 2024 — one pour at a time, and let the ultimate unwrapping begin!
Six Brothers Small Batch:
The World’s First Luxury Indian Heritage Spirit
Introducing Six Brothers Small Batch, the world’s first luxury Mahura spirit (also known as Mahua). Crafted by South Seas Distilleries, this recently launched refined white spirit is the culmination of a 102-year legacy of the Founders, who have a history of being the original and largest makers of Mahura. A distinctly Indian creation, it’s presented with the utmost sophistication and is poised to become India’s global ambassador in the world of fine spirits.
South Seas has applied over a century of distilling expertise to reveal the first modern take on Mahura. Double-distilled in India’s largest copper pot stills and platinum-filtered, Six Brothers Small Batch is a crisp, refined spirit that captures the full potential of the Mahura flower. It’s extremely versatile, whether sipped neat, over ice or mixed into your favourite cocktails from Picantes to Margaritas.
Pricing: INR 2,492
ABV: 40%
Availability: Six Brothers Small Batch (Original) is available in leading retail outlets across Maharashtra and will soon launch in Goa and Haryana.
From being perceived as a ‘shooter’, to earning the status of an exquisite drink that can be sipped and savoured – agave spirits have been all the rage in the beverage world this year! Hop onto the agave revolution and ‘Drink Wild’, with the latest launch of Pistola’s premium aged variants. Añejo and Extra Añejo are 100% aged agave expressions, born on Indian soil and made with zero additives.
Aged to perfection for over 14 months in Virgin American White Oak, Añejo (‘vintage’ in Spanish) is an exquisite spirit that boasts a deep gold-brown hue. The smooth, rich flavour is reminiscent of a decadent Christmas pudding, making it an ideal indulgence. Best savoured neat or with a splash of water, this expression offers a sophisticated tasting experience perfect for cherished occasions.
The most premium offering from Pistola, Extra Añejo is an aged agave that is patiently matured for over 36 months. Expect multiple dimensions on the nose: from vanilla and caramel to butterscotch and dry spice – thanks to the spirit’s extensive ageing in Virgin American White Oak barrels and a finish in Ex-Maker’s Mark barrels. The robust spirit offers a velvety palate with a complex and elongated mouthfeel. Expect warm, rich flavours of dark chocolate, spiced caramel, candied cherries, toffee, and honey and a superb smoky finish, with every sip.
Pricing & Availability: Añejo
- Goa: 4,499 (700 ml) | 1,247 (180 ml)
- Maharashtra: 7,850 (700 ml) | 2,495 (180 ml)
- ABV: 40%
Pricing & Availability: Extra Añejo
- Goa: INR 9,999 (700 ml) | INR 2,571 (180 ml).
- Maharashtra: INR 17,500 (700 ml) | INR 4,500 (180 ml).
- ABV: 48%
Godawan Artisanal Single Malt Whisky
Make every celebration extra special with a bottle of Godawan Single Malt. With 60 global awards under its belt, Godawan is making a name for Indian craft single malts around the world. The exceptional whisky is born out of Rajasthan and is aptly named the ‘Spirit of the Desert’.
Try out their two expressions, Godawan 01 Rich and Rounded, with notes of caramels and a butteriness like baklava, or Godawan 02 Fruit and Spice – the sweeter and fruity variant.
PS: If you happen to be bringing in the New Year at the Taj Palace Mumbai or the Taj Palace Udaipur, indulge in ‘Godawan Exclusive To The Palaces of Taj’, a limited small-batch release of just 300 rare, exquisite bottles of Indian Single Malt – blending heritage and Indian exceptionalism in every sip!
Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Availability: Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, Chandigarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Dubai
Price: Starting from INR 2800 – INR 6000
Here’s a peg of whisky like no other, to aptly end the Year of Single Malts that 2024 has been. Elevate your experience with Crazy Cock Single Malts crafted by South Seas Distilleries – one of India’s oldest and most renowned malt distilleries. With over four decades of luxury malt expertise, South Seas has long supported some of the world’s largest whisky brands, and less than a year ago they unveiled their brand of exquisite malts: Crazy Cock “RARE” and Crazy Cock “DHUA”.
Nestled in the coastal town of Dahanu, Maharashtra, South Seas’ unique tropical climate and time-honoured maturation methods bring out rich and complex flavours, comparable to 25-year-old whiskies from cooler regions due to the high angel’s share. With an expansive collection of rare casks from around the globe, their maturation warehouses are India’s largest.
Crazy Cock Single Malt “RARE” is an unpeated expression that offers a full-bodied experience with warm, sherried notes and a deep amber glow. Crazy Cock Single Malt “DHUA” is a mildly peated expression. Its deep antique gold hue and smooth, smoke-kissed profile make it a perfect choice for connoisseurs who enjoy a richer dram.
Size: 750 ml
ABV: 42.8%
Price: INR 6,000 – INR 12,500
Availability: Crazy Cock “RARE” and “DHUA” are available in Goa, Maharashtra, and Haryana.
This December, skip the sweets and surprise your loved ones with Geist Brewing Co.’s Crowlers! These 500 ml cans of craft beer are the perfect way to add some sparkle to your celebrations. Founded in 2006, Geist Brewing Co. is one of South India’s pioneers in craft beer, known for their dedication to quality and freshness. Choose from their 4 signature variants to brighten up your celebrations:
- Geist James Blond: A smooth and classy Belgian-style blond ale.
- Geist Kamacitra: A bold, citrusy IPA for those who love a hop kick.
- Geist Uncle Dunkel: A dark wheat beer with rich, malty notes.
- Geist Witty Wit: A light, zesty witbier that’s perfect for easy sipping.
Size: 500 ml
ABV: 5-7%
Availability & Price: Bangalore & Pondicherry | INR 225 ~
Surprise loved ones with D’YAVOL Single Estate Vodka, a globally recognised and award-winning spirit. Crafted in Poland, this vodka is known for its exceptional purity and smoothness, thanks to its single estate production process. By using winter wheat and water sourced from the same region, it guarantees consistency and quality in every bottle.
Awarded Gold at multiple international competitions, including the International Wine & Spirits Awards and The Vodka Masters 2024, D’YAVOL Single Estate Vodka is perfect for sipping neat or in cocktails. Its purity and craftsmanship make it the ideal gift for those who appreciate fine spirits!
Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Price: 2,700 onwards
Availability: D’YAVOL Single Estate Vodka is currently available in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Telangana, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka.
Gift the luxury of D’YAVOL INCEPTION, a 100% pure malt Scotch whisky. Crafted from a medley of eight single malts from Scotland’s finest regions, INCEPTION offers a rich symphony of flavours, including sherried sweetness and balanced peat. Half of the malts are matured in Tawny Port and rare Madeira casks, adding depth to the profile.
Awarded Gold at the 2024 International Wine & Spirits Awards, INCEPTION comes in a stunning black-to-flint gradient bottle, making it both a flavourful and stylish gift.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 47.1%
Price: 6,000 onwards
Availability: D’YAVOL INCEPTION is currently available in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Telangana, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka.
Elevate your gifting game with D’YAVOL VORTEX, a premium blended Scotch whisky launched in April 2024. Crafted from handpicked single malt and single grain whiskies from Scotland’s renowned regions, VORTEX offers a rich, full-bodied palate with a perfect balance of malt sweetness, sherried notes, and soft Islay peat.
Its non-chill filtered process preserves the whisky’s natural depth and character, making it ideal for sipping neat or in cocktails. This whisky is internationally acclaimed as well, having won Gold at the International Wine & Spirits Awards and the New York International Spirits Competition.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 43.5%
Price: 4,500 onwards
Availability: D’YAVOL VORTEX is currently available in Maharashtra and Goa.
Mossant Fermentary, a Bangalore-based brand, is focused on creating better-for-you beverages. The flavours are clean, bold and effervescent: meaning that every sip delivers both a distinct taste and aroma, setting them apart from the rest.
KOMBUCHAS
Mossant offers a range of 15 kombuchas crafted with distinct flavour profiles, using the finest loose-leaf teas, herbs, and natural ingredients. Their lineup includes the floral Rose, citrusy Yuzu, earthy Hops, and aromatic Earl Grey Lavender, among others. Each kombucha is developed from the base up, ensuring bold, clean flavours and a refreshing effervescence. The bottles are perfect for mindful and conscious consumers.
Size: 200ml bottles
Price: 130
Availability: Mossant kombuchas are available through online platforms like Swiggy Instamart, Big Basket, Blinkit, and Amazon, as well as major retail outlets such as Nature’s Basket and 7-Eleven.
TONICS
Mossant’s clean-label tonics are crafted with natural ingredients to deliver a refreshing and better-for-you alternative to traditional mixers. Available in flavours like Classic, Jalapeno, Rosemary, and Passionfruit, these tonics offer a unique twist that elevates any drink, whether enjoyed on their own or paired with a spirit. With bold, crisp flavours and a low-sugar profile, Mossant’s tonics are a great addition to your sober-curious collection.
Size: 200ml bottles
Price: 99
Availability: Mossant tonics can be ordered on their website – http://www.mossant.in and Amazon.