Whiskey is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage brewed from fermented grain mash. Grains such as barley, corn, rye, wheat; which are malted are used for various purposes. Whiskey is customarily aged in wooden casks such as old sherry cask or charred white oak.
Diageo India, the country’s leading beverage alcohol company and a subsidiary of global leader Diageo plc; manufactures, distributes and merchandise an outstanding collection of premium brands such as Johnnie Walker, Black Dog, Black & White, VAT 69, Antiquity, Signature, and many more.
The new limited release 2021
On June 21, 2021; Liquor major United Spirits Ltd. (USL) owned by Diageo India launched the first batch of its exclusive 2000 whiskey bottles named Epitome Reserve which is priced at a face value of USL’s expensively imported scotch whiskey.
Epitome Reserve is the most premium limited-edition Indian whiskey sold by USL in the county. It’s an artisanal craft whiskey brewed with 100% rice. The beautiful golden whiskey is made from locally sourced rice from Punjab, matured in Goa in bourbon casks over three years and lastly aged in Pedro Ximenez Sherry and Cherrywood casks in a 50-year-old warehouse.
The Brand Representative express that the packaging of Epitome Reserve symbolizes the immortality and longevity of a banyan tree; it celebrates the special people who are rooted in our future and leaving a lasting impact in our lives.
Deepika Warrier, CMO at Diageo India commented that they were delighted to announce Diageo’s foray into the ‘Craft” segment with the launch of the limited-edition Epitome Reserve. This launch strengthens their commitment to their strategy, riding on brand renovation and innovation. A blend born in India from start to finish, they were confident that this limited-edition craft whisky would resonate with their consumers in creating an experience that they would cherish.
“Rice, by its genetic structure, yields a light and mellow spirit upon distillation. In our case, we have meticulously crafted the process parameters during distillation to create a spirit that is not only light, but also carries with it the right amount of body to create a wholesome mouthfeel. The Pedro Ximenez Sherry Cask and a Cherry Wood Cask impart specific notes that add a flavour of sweet toffee, caramel, and honey with the hint of a spicy touch.”
Vikram Damodaran, Chief Innovation Officer at Diageo India explained
Epitome Reserve is best enjoyed neat, on the rocks or with a dash of water. It is the first-ever whiskey that comes with an Indian Master Blender’s signature, a personalized nod to the dilettante of true craft. It comes in handcrafted maple wood packaging and is meant to keep as a souvenir. Lastly, this exclusive premium whiskey will be retail in a selected outlet across Goa, Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Haryana only.
Diageo India Brand Portfolios:
- Scotch whisky: Black & White, Buchanan’s, J&B, Johnnie Walker, Grand Old Parr, Lagavulin, The Singleton, Talisker and Windsor.
- Other whisk(e)y: Bulleit and Crown Royal.
- Vodka: Cîroc, Ketel One and Smirnoff.
- Rum: Bundaberg, Captain Morgan, Ron Zacapa.
- Liqueur: Baileys.
- Tequila: Casamigos and Don Julio.
- Gin: Gordon’s and Tanqueray.
- Local spirits: McDowell’s, Shui Jing Fang, Yeni Raki and Ypióca.
- Beer: Guinness.