TIPPLE TIPS
Stock up your bar with the trendiest drinks this season
The most important part of the festive season involves breaking the proverbial social ice as you celebrate all things wonderful. While it is not necessary that you drink to have a good time, those who love their liquor find this the ideal time of year to share some of their favourites. So, for those who don’t overthink the bar or no-bar question, here are a few bottles you should definitely stack your shelves with this season
Ale and Hearty
There are a number of Indian beer brands that are jostling for space in your chiller tray this season. Bira91 was a raging success a few years ago and now the brand is trying to turn things around again with two new launches, the Pomello IPA and the Malabar Coffee Stout, both very different in style from all that they have launched before. The IPA is generally a beer with pronounced bite and bitterness (White Rhino’s IPA is the most classic example out there) so the addition of pomelo notes here does infuse the brew with a refreshingly fruity zing. The vigour and layers on the coffee stout make one think of a cold brew in the morning with a soft heady kick to enhance breakfast rituals. Another beer making tremendous noise for all the right reasons is Kati Patang - both their ale and snappy wheat are nothing like the market has seen before. Then from Goa, we have Arbor Brewing with their easy Rider Wit (among others) and the pineapple ale.
Malts that Rock
Amrut may have taken off early but it is Paul John with versions like Nirvana (which works brilliantly in cocktails and highballs) and Bold (the peated version with enough peat to make an Islay lover sigh) which is ruling the roost. Niche but equally commendable is Rampur’s PX Cask finish whisky, which reminds one of Laphroaig in some ways but remains drastically different.
The Gin & Tonc Routine
The most talked about category is still small but growing at a consistent rate, especially in the metros. My go to brand remains Stranger & Sons followed closely by Greater Than and Hapusa. While the first one is aromatic, Greater Than is much lighter in style. Its sister gin, Hapusa, is an intense blend of exotic dried spices. Speaking of gins, ensure your festival stash includes some fine tonics. Svami is very popular, especially its light and the grapefruit versions. Similarly, Sepoy’s grapefruit is a delight. I personally don’t mind ‘O’ Lite either but it has been around considerably longer and doesn’t have the same hipster appeal as the others.
Wine and bubbly lovers
Last but not the least, I have had some lovely Viognier from the house of Grover-Zampa, lush and velvety Syrah from KRSMA, and an absolutely fantastic sparkling wine from Fratelli (under the brand-name of J’Noon No.47) that could beat many a Champagne hollow. Frankly, Indian wines have come a long way and for most occasions at home, or even when gifting, I would much rather reach out for a high end local bottle than an entry level one from somewhere abroad.