Now, Hyderabadis can soon learn about tasting whisky, the professional way! Bringing to the Nawabi City, a first-of-its-kind whisky experience is Sandeep Arora, a leading whisky connoisseur of the country, who is credited with having introduced India to rare and premium whiskies.
Not just a drink
Endeavouring to give whisky drinking a whole new meaning, Sandeep Arora, who is touted as the India’s whisky Ambassador, hopes to elevate it from being just a beverage to a technically appreciated, weighed and measured fine drink, much like the status wine enjoys.
“I think there is a sudden interest among people to know the drink better. It took me 10 years to create this whole concept of whisky tasting and launch so many opportunities. It is a distinctive experience, which people are willing to try and appreciate,” says the certified connoisseur. “The important thing is that one captures the whole concept of tasting the drink; with the right aroma and flavours and pairing it with the right kind of food, will make whisky drinking a whole new experience.”
What’s in the business?
Sandeep studied the liquor in Scotland, home to some of the finest whisky, and still continues his pursuit in acquiring as many academic credentials, besides gaining professional and operational expertise. His travels have taken him across many capitals of the brew, from Scotland to Ireland and the USA. With over 10 years his credit in business, he has been leading Brand whisky in India and has been at the forefront of luxury spirits. Tracing back his love for the drink, he says, “I never thought I was going to be a part of something like this. In my last job, when I was asked to market one particular brand of the liquor in India, I realised that there is no market for rare whisky. That was when I decided to bring that aspect into the market and introduce Indians to an all new side of fine drinking.”
Besides Rare & Vintage whisky, an initiative started by Sandeep, the malt-loving man has also introduced other initiatives like Whisky and Food pairing, Premiere Whisky Appreciation, and India’s first Whisky-based magazine - The Global Whisky Magazine. Besides that, there is also the Icons of Whisky Awards, and Whisky and Luxury Opportunities to India. “With too much of the golden liquor is my life, I am always high on it. For me it’s very fascinating to find out more about it, go through multiple experiences, associate with hotels and hospitality partners and keep defining whisky drinking a new way.”
So why is recognising good quality whisky through his awards so important?
“When I started Icons of whisky, people were intrigued as they could not realise what was the importance of having such an award platform. Food and beverage awards were far more important for them and they did know why a popular whisky bar was important,” he begins explaining, adding, “For people, it was only about how many people came to a bar and if they got their choice of alcohol. But, when we created this, overtime it became a big thing and in a span of six years, we are on the top.”
Pairing it right
Also emphasising on using the right kind of cutlery and the ingredients, Sandeep says, “When it comes to whisky, the choice of glass, the kind of water and how it can be paired with the right kind of food, all play an important role in enjoying the beverage to the maximum, ” explains the connoisseur who’s favourites include Ballentine 17, Artbeg, Japanese Yamazaki and Cooley. He explains that water is the best option to go along with whisky as it opens up the flavour. As for pre-dinner, he suggests a lighter whisky, that is more gentle and easy. Post dinner, one can opt for a deeper flavour that has a sense of complexity with strong aromas.
Commenting on the trend of private/home bars picking up, he says, “People are looking to create private bars and we will be more than happy to advice them on how to create a one, what kind of private labels should be in it, how can private engagements can be combined with the right kind of whisky and also about the glassware options they can consider.”
The Indian quotient
“The Indian market is now growing at 22-24 per cent and the scene has never been so exciting. I’m also happy to see women taking an interest in the spirit, and are looking for a beverage which is interesting and unique. They are willing to experiment and try the diversity of the taste. And the drink it in equal style. More than 30 per cent of women prefer single malt,” informs Sandeep.
He also explains that with the import duty so high in the country, it gets difficult to bring in a larger option-base for Indian whisky lovers. “Indian consumers are aware and many of them buy whisky from across the world. But the duty should be cut down so that, more brands can come to the country and there will be a wider choice for people.”
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