With the Independence Day long weekend just around the corner and the inevitable dry day coming to haunt us, this is the perfect time to give your home bar a little upgrade. Whether you’re hosting friends, planning a quiet evening in, or simply want to skip the last-minute liquor store rush, stocking up on these 11 spirits will make sure your celebrations remain smooth, stylish, and in ‘high spirits’.
Stock up your home bar before Independence Day long weekend
GianChand Single Malt Whisky
GianChand Single Malt Premium Whisky by DeVANS Modern Breweries Ltd. is a tribute to founder Dewan Gian Chand, with a delicate yet complex profile that is rare among Indian malts. Its pineapple drop candy sweetness melds with barley and a firm vanilla backbone, matured to perfection in Jammu’s distinctive climate and terrain. Awarded 91.5 points in Whisky Bible 2022, Jim Murray hailed it as “unquestionably the most delicate Indian malt” in nearly three decades. Despite high-heat aging, its oak remains subtle, letting the malt’s finesse and exotic fruit notes shine. ABV 42.8%. Best enjoyed on the rocks or in a whisky highball.
Cashmir Vodka
Cashmir Vodka, India’s first premium craft vodka from Piccadily Distilleries, is made with rare Sona Moti heritage grain and pure Himalayan glacial water. Drawing inspiration from the untouched beauty of Kashmir Valley, it uses 2,000-year-old organic “Golden Pearl” winter wheat and mineral-rich spring water. Distilled seven times and precision-filtered five times, it offers a velvety texture, clean finish, and refined balance that capture the serene spirit of the region.
Price: Rs 1800 in Haryana, Rs 3500 in Maharashtra
Jameson Irish Whiskey
Jameson, known and loved for its triple-distilled smoothness, delivers a harmonious blend of sweet floral aromas with subtle vanilla and warm spice. Light, balanced, and versatile, it’s the perfect summer whisky, pairing effortlessly with cocktails such as the classic whiskey ginger.
ABV: 40%, Ideal Serve: With ginger ale and lime
FINO Tequila
FINO Tequila, an artisanal creation from Jalisco’s highlands, is crafted from 100% blue Weber agave grown in the region’s red soil, yielding sweeter agave with intense aroma. Founded by cricket icon Yuvraj Singh and a group of entrepreneurs, it comes in two variants, available exclusively at Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad Duty Free. The two variants are: Blanco – a crisp and herbaceous with notes of vanilla, mint, and cinnamon, offering a clean, burn-free sip (Rs 13,900); and Añejo – rich and complex, with melon, vanilla, and a smooth, sweet finish touched by tobacco (Rs 18,990).
Monkey Shoulder
Monkey Shoulder is a blend of single malts, giving a creamy, light mouthfeel with layers of malt, citrus, and honey. It is perfect for whisky-based summer cocktails like the Whisky Sour or Old Fashioned.
ABV: 40%, Ideal Serve: In cocktails or with soda and an orange twist.
Amrut Two Indies Rum
Amrut Two Indies Rum blends Indian and Caribbean rum-making traditions, reflecting Amrut’s innovative craftsmanship. Rich and complex with a smooth finish, it’s equally suited for classic cocktails or sipping neat, making it a must-have for any discerning home bar.
Price: Rs 1,700 in Mumbai, Rs 2,190 in Bengaluru, Rs 1,380 in Kolkata, Rs 1,300 in Chandigarh and Rs 2,200 in Kochi
Amrut Fusion
This award-winning Indian whisky fuses peated Scottish barley with unpeated Indian barley to create a distinctive yet approachable character. Rich notes of fruit, warm spice, and velvety chocolate deliver depth without being overpowering, making it ideal for relaxed sipping on breezy summer evenings. At 50% ABV, it’s best enjoyed neat with a few drops of chilled water.
Glen Grant Arboralis
Glen Grant Arboralis is a light and floral whisky, perfect for those new to whisky or seeking something refined and subtle. Its delicate layers of orchard fruit and gentle oak spice give it a fresh, almost summery character, while its smooth texture makes it effortlessly enjoyable. Bottled at 40% ABV, it’s best savoured neat or with a single cube of ice.
Paul John Nirvana
Paul John Nirvana is an unpeated single malt with sweet, malty notes and a light, easy-drinking palate. A perfect introduction to Indian whisky, it shines at warm-weather gatherings. ABV 40%. Best served with a splash of chilled water or in light whisky cocktails.
Chivas 18
Chivas 18 Gold Signature is a luxurious blend crafted by Master Blender Colin Scott, delivering 85 distinct flavour notes. 22 fruity, 20 floral, 22 sweet, and 21 nutty and spicy. This creates a rich, multi-layered experience. Its new sustainable design features a sleeker bottle with 25% less glass and fully recyclable packaging, saving over 500 tonnes of glass annually. A true benchmark in exceptional whisky craftsmanship.
The Glenlivet 15-Year-Old- French Limousin Oak Cask Finish
The Glenlivet 15-Year-Old is a refined single malt, matured in French Limousin oak casks for a harmonious balance of sweet fruit and delicate spice. Its creamy, buttery nose leads to a smooth fruit-and-nut palate, finishing with lingering notes of almond and spice. A true expression of craftsmanship, it’s perfect for sharing or savouring in moments of quiet sophistication.
Price: Gurgaon: Rs 6,000, Mumbai: Rs 8,500
Hendrick’s Gin
Hendrick’s Gin is crafted through a rare dual distillation, blending a rich pot still spirit with a lighter Carter Head distillate for perfect balance. Infused with 11 botanicals plus rose and cucumber, it delivers a smooth, floral character with a refreshing twist. ABV 41.4%. An unconventional gin that elevates any cocktail.
Grant’s TripleWood whiskey
Grant’s TripleWood is matured in Virgin Oak for spice, American Oak for smooth vanilla, and Refill Bourbon for subtle sweetness. With notes of ripe pear, summer fruits, brown sugar, and a touch of smoke, it offers a mellow, well-rounded profile suited to both relaxed moments and lively gatherings.
Smoke Lab Vodka miniatures
Smoke Lab Vodka, India’s first premium home-grown vodka from NV Group, now offers 60ml and 200ml bottles of its Classic, Saffron, Aniseed, and Green Chilli Mango variants in select Indian cities, the US, and the UAE. In India, 60ml bottles (Rs 125 – Rs 320) are available across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Goa, and Daman/Diu & Silvassa, while Delhi also gets 200ml bottles at Rs 425. Both sizes join the brand’s 750ml range in international markets.
