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India’s rising dominance in the global spirits industry is underscored by the latest Drinks International report, which reveals that one-third of the world’s 30 fastest-growing spirits brands are Indian. The country’s influence extends to whisky as well, with six of the top ten whisky brands hailing from India—a market where whisky accounts for nearly two-thirds of the overall spirits consumption.

The report, titled ‘The Millionaires’ Club,’ notes that India’s emergence as a leading spirits powerhouse coincides with its status as the world’s most populous country. Despite ongoing excise challenges that complicate trade, the potential for growth in the Indian market remains vast. “Cracking the Indian market offers almost limitless opportunities,” the report states.

Iconiq White Whisky from Allied Blenders and Distillers (ABD) leads the charge, topping the list with a remarkable 1500% growth and 1.6 million cases sold in 2023. 

The success isn’t limited to whisky; Indian brands are also making waves in other categories. 

The report highlights that six of the top ten rising spirits brands experienced double-digit growth. ABD’s upcoming Rs 1,500-crore public issue reflects the impact of robust domestic distribution networks and innovation. “Our focus on premiumisation, especially in brandy, has significantly boosted our volume growth,” said Ahmed Rahimtoola, chief marketing officer of an Indian distillery. 

Despite a modest 1.9% growth, McDowell’s from United Spirits maintained its position as the world’s largest whisky brand with 31.4 million cases sold. Indian brands like Royal Stag, Imperial Blue, and Blenders Pride are among the top 30 globally, with thirteen of these brands in the whisky category.

Looking ahead, India’s spirits market is expected to grow significantly as 100 million new consumers enter the legal drinking age over the next five years. 

Global companies, including Diageo and Pernod Ricard, are prioritizing India as a key market. Recent alcohol bans being lifted in Gujarat and Manipur further bolster domestic growth prospects.

While much of the current sales are domestic, major players like Radico Khaitan, Pernod Ricard, and Diageo are also investing heavily in premium single malts for export. This shift is likely to enhance global marketing and consumption of Indian whisky but may also influence the premiumisation of domestic whisky, potentially impacting market share among top producers.

The Art of the Highball with Scotch Whisky

Known for its unmatched depth and character, Scotch whisky stands as the pinnacle of fine spirits. Its rich heritage and complex flavor profile have long been celebrated by connoisseurs around the globe.
Traditionally enjoyed neat, Scotch whisky is now making waves in a refreshing new format—the whisky highball. This modern twist offers a vibrant way to experience Scotch, combining its robust flavors with a bubbly mixer and a touch of innovation.

The highball cocktail is more than just a movement:

it’s a witness to the resourcefulness of Scotch whisky. By pairing this classic spirit with a mixer over ice, enthusiasts are able to explore new dimensions of its flavor while maintaining its quintessential elegance. Among the myriad ways to enjoy a whisky highball, the Ginger Highball stands out as a perfect blend of traditional spice and smooth malts.

Ginger Highball Recipe
Ingredients:

• 60ml Scotch Whisky
• 15ml Fresh Lemon Juice
• 15ml Ginger Syrup
• 15ml Sugar Syrup
• 30-60ml Soda Water

Instructions:

1. Begin by blending fresh ginger with just enough water to facilitate the blending process. Strain the mixture to remove any solids.
2. In a separate bowl, stir castor sugar into the ginger blend, maintaining a ginger-to-sugar ratio of 4:3. This creates a robust yet balanced ginger syrup.
3. In a highball glass, combine the Scotch whisky, lemon juice, ginger syrup, and sugar syrup.
4. Fill the glass with ice and stir the mixture until well-chilled.
5. Top off the drink with additional ice and soda water.
6. Garnish with a lemon wedge or wheel for a touch of citrus elegance.

This Ginger Highball not only elevates your Scotch whisky experience but also adds a refreshing twist to your gatherings. As you celebrate with this expertly crafted cocktail, you’re partaking in a legacy that marries the rich tradition of Scotch whisky with the inventive spirit of modern mixology.
Raise your glass to the enduring allure of Scotch and the vibrant world of highballs. Cheers to a refined drinking experience that honors both legacy and novelty.

The Olive Oil Hangover Cure: Fact or Fiction?

The search for effective hangover remedies is nearly as old as the practice of drinking alcohol itself. From ancient potions to modern supplements, countless solutions have been proposed, yet scientific evidence supporting their efficacy is often lacking. Recently, a new contender has entered the arena: the idea of taking a shot of olive oil before drinking alcohol. Popularized by figures such as music producer Benny Blanco on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, this method suggests that olive oil can prevent hangovers by coating the stomach and slowing alcohol absorption. But is there any scientific merit to this claim, or is it just another fanciful notion?

Olive oil as a hangover cure lacks evidence. Focus on hydration, nutrition, and moderation for reliable prevention and recovery.

The Theory Behind the Olive Oil Trick

The concept is fairly simple: olive oil, with its high-fat content, is believed to form a coating on the stomach lining. This coating supposedly slows down the rate at which alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream, thereby reducing the severity of hangover symptoms. While the idea might sound appealing, it lacks substantial scientific backing.

The Science of Alcohol Absorption

In reality, the process of alcohol absorption is a bit more complex. Though it is true that fatty foods can delay alcohol absorption to some extent, the majority of alcohol is absorbed in the small intestine, not the stomach. Only about 20% of alcohol is absorbed in the stomach, so even if olive oil slows down the initial absorption, most of the alcohol will still be processed later in the digestive system.

Furthermore, hangover symptoms such as dehydration, headaches, and nausea are primarily caused by the body’s metabolism of alcohol. This process involves the liver, which breaks down alcohol using its own enzymatic machinery. Olive oil does not interfere with this metabolic process in a way that would alter hangover outcomes.

Proven Methods for Hangover Prevention

Rather than relying on olive oil, several well-established methods can help prevent or mitigate hangovers:

• Hydration: Dehydration is a significant contributor to hangover symptoms. Drinking water before, during, and after alcohol consumption can help maintain hydration levels and reduce hangover severity.
• Nutrition: Consuming a nutritious meal before drinking can be more effective than a shot of olive oil. Foods rich in protein, fats, and complex carbohydrates can slow down alcohol absorption and provide a balanced approach to managing its effects.
• Moderation: The most reliable way to prevent a hangover is to drink in moderation. Setting limits and pacing your alcohol intake can significantly lower the risk of experiencing hangover symptoms.
• Replenishing Nutrients: After drinking, consuming foods and drinks that replenish lost electrolytes and provide essential nutrients can aid recovery. Options like sports drinks, fruits, and vegetables can be beneficial.

The Placebo Effect and Personal Experience

It’s worth noting that some individuals may report success with the olive oil method. However, these anecdotal accounts may be influenced by the placebo effect—the phenomenon where believing in the effectiveness of a remedy leads to perceived improvements, even if the remedy itself is not scientifically proven.

Conclusion

While the olive oil hangover cure may sound intriguing, it lacks solid scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. A comprehensive approach to hangover prevention involves hydration, proper nutrition, moderation, and replenishing lost nutrients. Until more research is available, sticking to these proven methods is likely a more reliable strategy for avoiding hangovers.