For those seeking an exceptional way to commence their Holi festivities, these newly introduced premium spirits are an excellent choice. Featuring a range from rich, wine-cask-finished whiskies to smooth tequilas and robust bourbons, there is a selection to suit every palate. Below are our top recommendations from the latest releases available in select urban areas.

Glenfiddich Grand Chateau 31

The Grand Château, a 31-year-old whisky, marks Glenfiddich's inaugural use of red wine casks, effectively blending the essence of Speyside with Bordeaux. This whisky underwent maturation in American oak prior to being finished for approximately nine years in red wine casks sourced from the renowned French wine region. The distillery characterizes it as an “opulent, yet earthy liquid,” exhibiting both fruity and floral notes. According to Glenfiddich’s master distiller, Brian Kinsman, while the trend of wine cask maturation is gaining traction among single malts, it remains relatively uncommon to find whiskies finished in Bordeaux red wine casks. The Grand Château 31, the latest entry in the Grand Series following the Yozakura and Gran Reserva, features distinctive packaging and bottle artwork by André Saraiva, a notable street artist from Paris. This whisky is currently available in Kolkata for ₹2,52,000.

Volcán Tequila

Volcán Tequila, the luxury tequila brand under Louis Vuitton-Moët-Hennessy, offers three traditional expressions—Blanco, Reposado, and Cristalino—alongside X.A., which is a blend of 100% blue agave Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo tequilas. Volcán is distinguished as one of only five tequilas globally to possess a single NOM (Norma Oficial Mexicana), a certification number that identifies the distillery responsible for its production. Crafted in Jalisco, Mexico, by the Gallardo family, it is available in Goa, Haryana, Mumbai, and at major airports across India, with prices commencing at ₹10,267 for Volcán Blanco and reaching up to ₹39,107 for Volcán X.A.

Dram Bell Whisky

Ardent Alcobev, based in Mumbai, is positioning itself to become a significant contender in the bottled-in-origin spirits market with the introduction of Dram Bell Whisky. Bottled-in-origin (BIO) spirits are those that are produced and bottled outside of India prior to importation. The company has enlisted former English cricketer Kevin Pietersen as a prominent investor. Dram Bell, which is distilled, blended, and bottled in Scotland by Angus Dundee Distillers, is offered in two variants—Premium and Reserve—priced at ₹1,750 and ₹2,450, respectively, in Maharashtra.

Weller Bourbon

In light of the recent reduction in whiskey tariffs, those interested in bourbon may find Weller to be an intriguing option. Produced at the renowned Buffalo Trace distillery, Weller is celebrated for its wheated bourbons, where wheat serves as the secondary flavoring grain instead of rye. The Weller expressions available in India include Special Reserve and 12-Year-Old, the latter being one of the first age-stated bourbons introduced in the market. Renowned for its smooth character, Weller is part of the Sazerac portfolio, one of the largest privately held distilled spirits companies globally. Currently, Weller Special Reserve is priced between ₹2,500 (Haryana) and ₹4,500 (Mumbai), while Weller 12-Year-Old is available from ₹5,400 (Haryana) to ₹7,750 (Mumbai).

Fino Tequila

Less than a year after the launch of Loca Loka, which is supported by actor and entrepreneur Rana Daggubati and composer Anirudh Ravichander, another celebrity has ventured into the tequila industry. Cricketer Yuvraj Singh, known for his appreciation of fine spirits, has recently introduced Fino, in collaboration with a group of entrepreneurs in Chicago. Distilled in Jalisco from blue Weber agave, this tequila will initially be available at duty-free shops in India, with a nationwide launch anticipated around mid-year. Fino is expected to be priced at approximately ₹25,000.

Otherside Whisky

Stranger & Sons Gin producer Third Eye Distillery has ventured into the whisky sector with the introduction of Otherside. This blended whisky is produced and matured in India, with its finishing taking place in charred ex-bourbon barrels through the Solera method. The whisky is initially aged in the Deccan and Sahyadri regions before receiving its Solera finishing at Third Eye Distillery located in Goa. The Solera method, primarily utilized by rum distilleries in South and Central America, employs a cascading barrel system where a portion of the oldest whisky is extracted for bottling, and the remaining volume is replenished with younger whisky from the subsequent tier. Otherside is bottled at 40% ABV and is currently available in Goa and Maharashtra, with prices ranging from ₹2,100 to ₹3,250.

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