Latest news with #ElAlto
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
11 new spirits for the monsoon: Best tequilas, whiskeys and gins
The rains have arrived early this year — and with them, a sharp new crop of spirits. A legendary Nepali rum has entered the Indian market, there's a pink vodka that leans into fruit and florals, and homegrown distillers continue to push boundaries with aged malts and layered gins. From limited-edition whiskies to additive-free tequilas, here are some recent launches that have caught our attention. Earlier this year, in an interview with this newspaper, Bacardi India MD Vinay Golikeri noted strong traction in the super-premium tequila segment. The Patron El Cielo — Bacardi owns Patron — sold out almost instantly, he said. A similar reception is likely for El Alto, which is set to launch later this week. Endorsed by Punjabi music star Karan Aujla, the luxury tequila is a blend of Extra Anejo, Anejo, and Reposado tequilas. El Alto, which will be priced at ₹29,500 in Mumbai, is made from 100% Blue Weber agave sourced from the Jalisco highlands and aged in a mix of American and French oak barrels. The result is a smooth, layered spirit with notes of cooked agave, vanilla, caramel, and ripe fruit — aimed squarely at the sipping tequila segment. The tequila wave is not just about global giants. It is also drawing in Indian entrepreneurs such as Delhi-based Shivankar Bahl. The hospitality entrepreneur recently launched Las Maracas, a premium tequila, in Delhi with plans to expand to Mumbai, Goa, and Haryana. Produced in Jalisco, Mexico, in small batches without additives, Las Maracas is made from 100% Blue Weber agave and pure spring water. The range includes Blanco ( ₹5,300), Reposado ( ₹6,400), aged for four months in oak barrels, and Anejo ( ₹9,500), matured for 18 months to develop notes of vanilla and oak. Revelry Distillery is a new craft-focused operation in Goa founded by beverage industry professional Vaniitha Jaiin. Its debut release, Vanaha Gin, is positioned as India's first gin to follow a five-step production process, combining copper pot distillation, vapour infusion, steeping, vacuum distillation, and post-distillation maceration. This layered approach, according to the company, allows the distillers to extract nuanced flavours from each of the 24 botanicals used, which include Deodar wood, patchouli, Assam lemon, wild berries, and cacao nibs. Vanaha is described as 'a complex gin with bright citrus top notes, warm spice mid-palate, and a slightly earthy, dry finish.' The gin is currently priced at ₹2,400 in Goa. Amara, a pink vodka from Goa-based Spaceman Spirits Lab, also follows a five-step production method that includes a ruby filtration process. The vodka is made from Bangalore blue grapes and rice from the Deccan Plateau, and includes natural flavours such as strawberries, citrus, rose petals, and cherry blossom. The premium vodka is currently distributed across India by Tilaknagar Industries, which owns a stake in Spaceman Spirits Lab, reflecting a broader trend of larger alcobev companies investing in craft startups to diversify their portfolios and appeal to younger, premium-seeking consumers. The vodka, priced between ₹2,500 and ₹4,500, is available at select premium retail stores, high-end bars, and luxury hotels across Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. Piccadilly Distilleries has just released a limited edition 11-year-old single malt under its Indri label, matured in ex-Bordeaux red wine casks. Only 1,100 bottles are available globally. The whisky is bottled at 50% ABV for India and 58.5% ABV for international markets. It is described as a robust single malt with dark fruit aromas and a palate of spices, vanilla, and oak-derived sweetness. The GlenJourneys Pioneer edition, launched by actor Ajay Devgn and spirits entrepreneur Moksh Sani, is another whisky worth keeping an eye out for if you are travelling. Limited to just 600 bottles, the 21-year-old whisky is aged in American oak casks and bottled at 48% ABV. The whisky is available through select international travel retain outlets. In August, the brand also plans to introduce a Cask Series, featuring non-age-statement expressions matured in rum, bourbon, and sherry casks, priced between ₹7,500 and ₹9,000. Paul John Whisky has added two new expressions to its Select Cask range: the Port and the Madeira. Both are unpeated single malts, matured in ex-bourbon casks and finished in fortified wine casks sourced from Portugal. Each is bottled at 48% ABV. The use of fortified wine casks adds layered sweetness and complexity, and one can expect a burst of luscious flavours and aromas. These expressions are currently available in Goa ( ₹8000), Karnataka ( ₹7,700), and Maharashtra ( ₹18,000). With sales of 1 million cases for two consecutive years (2022–23 and 2023–24), Radico Khaitan's Morpheus Brandy is a bonafide best-seller. Building on this success, the company recently launched the Morpheus Super Premium Whisky, blending imported Scotch malts with Indian grain spirits, matured in bourbon barrels, and bottled at 42.8% ABV. Priced between ₹1,200 and ₹1,500, this marks Radico's entry into the premium whisky segment. If you've been to Nepal, chances are you've had some Khukri Rum. Launched in 1959 in Kathmandu by three Parsi businessmen, Khukri, named after the traditional curved dagger of the Gurkhas, is the country's most famous rum. About a month ago, Kathmandu-based MCKT Beverages introduced India to the rum, which is aged in Shorea robusta (sal wood) casks, an uncommon practice in rum production. The rum is available in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Goa in three expressions: XXX, Spiced, and White. The Khukri Coronation, which comes in the iconic dagger-shaped bottle, is also being readied for launch. The XXX Rum is priced at ₹1,765, while the Spiced and White variants retail for ₹1,975 (Maharashtra). A Danish non-alcoholic beverage made with a blend of up to 13 organic teas, Copenhagen Sparkling Tea is now available in India through Bebida Hospitality. The drink occupies a growing niche between wine and tea, and is positioned as a complex, celebratory option for those avoiding alcohol. Three blends have been introduced in India: Lyserod, a rosé-style with hibiscus and red berries; Lysegron, with citrus and green tea notes; and Bla, which features jasmine, chamomile, and Darjeeling First Flush. The launch comes at a time when interest in low- and no-alcohol beverages is rising, particularly among younger urban consumers exploring 'sober curious' lifestyles. Priced at ₹3,500, the sparkling teas are being stocked at luxury hotels and are also available for direct purchase online.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A Look at the Best Coachella Weekend Shindigs
Even if you're not heavily into music, you probably know there's a festival happening in Indio this weekend— and there's a lot more, too. While party promoters, sponsors and producers are quick to remind us that they are not affiliated with the Coachella Arts and Music Festival in any official capacity, the surplus of soirees in the desert are aimed at attracting the youthful demographic and celebrities all in the area for the fest. Many parties offer their own live music alongside DJs that capture the musical spirit, trendy fashion-filled vibes and hedonistic hijinks of festival season. Read on for our look to the best bashes happening during Coachella weekend— and prepare to hit up all your connected pals to score an invite! .Framework in the Desert — April 11-13Chris Lake and deadmau5 are set to join Mau P and Alesso (BODY HI) for this dance-driven DJ fest. The fourth edition of the popular afterparty also offers special guests Francis Mercier and Layton Giordani, as well as Max Styler, Interplanetary Criminal, Hills, Erez, and Miluhska. The music and movement takes place Friday-Sunday, near festival grounds. Nightlife legend Brent Bolthouse and Jeffrey Best's invite-only after-hours event has become the best known of the weekend scene for good reason. It's like an exclusive rave meets amusement park meets VIP nightclub outside. Patron El Alto is sponsoring this one and DJs set to spin include Charly Jordan, Chase B & Friends and DJ Pee .Wee aka Anderson .Paak rocking an all-vinyl set. Bolthouse says he's excited to bring back Paak and touts 'a few more surprises throughout the night.' View the to see embedded media. Last year's hot 'festival fits' were all about cowboy chic, but for 2025, who knows? Whatever the hot looks of the moment are, you'll see 'em at this Desert Mirage mashup. Line-up hasn't been announced yet but if past performers (21 Savage, Ice Spice, Snoop Dogg, Travis Scott, Post Malone) are any indication, this afternoon soiree is a can't miss. Returning to the desert for its fourth year on Friday from 1-6 p.m, Kendall Jenner's tequila brand celebrates the weekend at this exclusive party presented by L.A.'s The Group. Other brands will be on hand (lots of Kenny's sister's stuff) such as Kylie's Sprinter Vodka Soda and Kourtney's Lemme wellness. Rhode (Hailey Bieber's line), Celsius Live Fit, Quay, Liquid I.V., and more will be there too, and the desert will be blessed with more DJ Pee .Wee (Anderson .Paak) doing a special set. Check 818's Instagram for your chance to attend. Ulta Beauty presents the return of the enduringly hip mag's rager, featuring a performance by Dove Cameron and DJ Set by James Hype. This year's theme: an oceanic deep dive inviting guests to "plunge into the depths of self-discovery and ignite vibrant worlds waiting to be uncovered." Kiss-n-Grind and SeeYouSoon come together for this musical interlude from 1 a.m. to 6 p.m. spotlighting the sounds of deep house, soul classics and new grooves. Expect good vibes and lots of booty shaking. The invite only series at the Zenyara Estate returns with a packed 2025 lineup. Bob Moses, Vintage Culture, Mau P, WhoMadeWho and Anyma (who just finished a run at the Las Vegas Sphere) perform. Musick at Ace Hotel — April 12 The Ace Hotel always has a heightened social scene during Coachella so we'd hit it regardless, but this Billboard and Reggie Watts hosted event looks promising. Free and open to the public in partnership with Amazon, it should be all about the DJ selections courtesy Watts and Neil Frances.
