I have been writing about drinks for over two decades and if I had to distil down my collective learnings from over the year into a few words, it would be probably something like this, “Tastes change.” Just that.
It means that what you like is never set in stone. Not just across brands or price ranges, people migrate from one category to an entirely different form many times in a lifetime. A die-hard beer fan can switch loyalties to whisky, vodka, gin, ciders, cocktails or tequila in no specific order, and sometimes, simultaneously. Meanwhile, at the product end, they too evolve, either staying true to tradition or else morphing into entirely new entities which redefine drinking habits to come.
That said, here are some products that I have recently tried which have left a lasting impression on me, so much so that I have actively hunted them down for my personal stash.
D’yavol Vodka: The packaging of this brand is bold and youthful, which is a deceptive departure from its taste profile —mature, refined, poised and graceful. I loved their vodka (and ‘love’ and ‘vodka’ aren’t words I use in the same sentence or breath often) and then came this whisky, Inception, a lovely hue of elegance. It’s rich, flavourful and deep, and priced quite well for all it delivers. Definitely a worthwhile addition, even visually, to my otherwise staid shelf.
Hendrick’s Neptunia: I used to love gin, now I mostly loathe it. Yet, this one stood out, not because it has exotic botanicals (it does) or that the packaging is eye-catching (it is) but the way it came together in a glass as a sipping gin and yet was adaptable enough to work with tonic —that’s what made it noticeably likeable and covetable in my books.
Godawan #2 Fruit & Spice: This was one of the most commendable Indian whiskies I have tried in quite some time. Others may claim international awards and other accolades but what matters to me is what (a) goes down easy and (b) is liked by most when served blind. The Fruit & Spice, with its seasoned cask ageing and unique blend properties, wins on both counts and hence is one of the few (few!) local liquors that I will always look forward to enjoying.
Don Romeo Tequila: A relatively new entrant on the market, a market which is currently on fire! Tequila is the hottest spirit on the block and it’s doing more than just filling up shot glasses. From cocktails to being sipped on ice, the category is on a superlative ride Don Romeo is a fine spirit, smooth and gentle yet with marked flavour and texture. I, both, sipped it and blended it into Margaritas and it shone in both. The fairly minimalist label and curvy bottle design also contribute to its visual (premium) lure on a shelf.
Creyente Mezcal: Tequila is good but, to me, it comes second to Mezcal, which is just that touch earthier (or smokier) and that plays beautifully on the palate, especially in cocktails. Creyente is an easily available and internationally reputed brand so easy to justify having it in stock always.
Kilchomann Machir Bay Single Malt: Few single malts will manage to be peaty and yet find mass appeal and this is one of those rare gems. The youngest distillery in Islay, it puts a lovely twist on a classic style, updating it without compromising tradition and old school charm.
Camikara Rum: We don’t talk enough about rum and the only premium Indian rum worth a discussion is this. For drinking or gifting, sipping or cocktailing, we are yet to produce such a fine spirit even across other categories.
The writer is a sommelier