The Dram Club

Tequila, one of Mexico’s most iconic spirits, has a deep history rooted in tradition, craftsmanship, and cultural significance. Over the years, it has evolved into various styles, each offering distinct flavour profiles and aging processes. The practice of aging tequila stems from a combination of tradition and necessity. Initially, tequila was stored in barrels for practical reasons, particularly for transportation purposes. Over time, producers noticed that the aging process in oak barrels softened the harsh edges of the spirit and added layers of flavour.  Blanco (Silver) Blanco, meaning “white” or “silver,” represents the purest expression of tequila. This style is bottled immediately after distillation or aged for up to 60 days in stainless steel or neutral oak barrels. Known for its bold and robust flavor, Blanco tequila retains the true essence of agave—earthy, vegetal, and slightly peppery. The name “Blanco” signifies its crystal-clear appearance, as it’s unaged and has no influence from barrel aging. Traditionally, distillers focused on the natural agave profile with Blanco, aiming to showcase the raw and unfiltered spirit that forms the base for other tequila styles. Reposado (Rested) Reposado, meaning “rested” in Spanish, refers to tequila that has been aged for a minimum of two months but less than a year in oak barrels. This period of aging softens the spirit and introduces subtle notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel, balancing the agave’s natural sharpness. The concept of “resting” tequila dates back to the early 20th century when producers began experimenting with aging to create a smoother product that appealed to a broader audience. Añejo (Aged) Añejo, which translates to “aged” in Spanish, represents tequila that has been matured in oak barrels for at least one year, but not more than three years. The extended aging process gives Añejo tequila a deep amber color and enhances its complexity with flavors of oak, chocolate, and dried fruit. The tradition of aging tequila likely draws inspiration from European practices, particularly those used in aging spirits like cognac and whiskey, where barrel aging enhances the flavor and smoothness of the final product. Extra Añejo (Extra Aged) Introduced as an official classification in 2006, Extra Añejo is the most luxurious of the tequila categories. It is aged for a minimum of three years, often in smaller barrels, which intensifies the spirit’s depth and richness. The result is a tequila with pronounced notes of oak, tobacco, and spices, often compared to high-end whiskeys and cognacs. Cristalino (Filtered Añejo) Cristalino is a relatively new style of tequila that has gained popularity in recent years. It begins as an Añejo or Extra Añejo but undergoes a charcoal filtration process to remove the color while retaining the rich flavors acquired during aging. The result is a clear, smooth tequila with the complexity of an aged spirit but the appearance of a Blanco.

What is it about peated whiskies that makes them so captivating yet so polarising Are all peated whiskies created equal? At our recent whisky-paired dinner for HNI clients of a leading Wealth & Asset Management firm in India, we set out to explore these questions with a line-up of exquisite peated whiskies: Ardmore Legacy, Laphroaig 10 YO, and Bowmore 12 YO, each paired with thoughtfully curated Indian dishes. The Ardmore Legacy: Light peat with earthy, floral, and fruity layers. Laphroaig 10 YO: Intense smoke with bold flavors of tar, sea salt and earthy peat. Bowmore 12 YO: A balanced blend of smoke, honey, and orange zest. Through these experiences, we delve into the depth of flavor that peat imparts—an exploration of terroir, tradition, and taste. Swipe through the photos to catch a glimpse of how The Dram Club creates memorable whisky journeys for HNIs across India. #TheDramClub #PeatedWhisky #WhiskyDinner #WhiskyPairing #WhiskyExperience #HNILifestyle #WhiskyCommunity #WealthManagement

Jack Daniel’s is often mistaken for a bourbon, but it actually classifies as Tennessee whiskey, and the Lincoln County Process is what truly sets it apart. While both bourbon and Tennessee whiskey must be made from at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels, the Lincoln County Process is what makes Jack Daniel’s uniquely different. So, what is the Lincoln County Process? This step involves filtering the whiskey through charcoal—specifically sugar maple charcoal—before it goes into barrels for aging. This extra process, legally required for Tennessee whiskey, removes impurities and mellows the whiskey, giving Jack Daniel’s its signature smoothness. While bourbon and Tennessee whiskey are similar in many ways, it’s this charcoal mellowing process that distinguishes Jack Daniel’s and other Tennessee whiskeys. Additionally, bourbon can be made anywhere in the USA, but Tennessee whiskey must be made in Tennessee. It’s not just a technical difference—it’s a tradition that defines Tennessee whiskey, making Jack Daniel’s a unique expression in the world of American whiskey. #JackDaniels #TennesseeWhiskey #LincolnCountyProcess #BourbonVsTennessee #WhiskeyEducation #TheDramClub #SpiritsIndustry

Introducing The Spirits Gazette by The Dram Club – your comprehensive weekly update on all things whisky and spirits. From the latest bottle releases and award-winning distilleries to industry trends and exclusive events, we’ve got you covered. Swipe through for this week’s key highlights. #TheSpiritsGazette #TheDramClub #WhiskyNews #SpiritsIndustry DIAGEO India Pernod Ricard

Tequila production begins with the blue agave plant, which takes 6 to 10 years to fully mature. The plant’s heart, known as the piña, is harvested by skilled workers called jimadores. The piñas are then slow-roasted in traditional brick ovens or modern autoclaves to break down the complex carbohydrates into fermentable sugars. After cooking, the softened piñas are crushed to extract their sweet juices, known as aguamiel. These juices undergo fermentation in large vats, where natural or added yeast converts the sugars into alcohol. Finally, the liquid is distilled, usually twice, to achieve the desired purity and concentration, resulting in the clear spirit we recognize as tequila. Tequila was first crafted in the 16th century, in the town of Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico—where its name comes from. Only five regions in Mexico have the honor of producing this protected spirit, and it must be made from at least 51% blue agave to legally bear the name “tequila.” Fun fact: A well-made tequila isn’t just for shots—sipping tequila, especially 100% agave tequila, is gaining recognition worldwide for its complex flavours. Tequila’s journey into India reflects the growing demand for premium spirits, with consumers seeking high-quality, globally recognised beverages. Explore the video to see the incredible craftsmanship behind every bottle and why tequila continues to rise in popularity worldwide. #Tequila #AgaveSpirit #TequilaProduction #FromMexicoToIndia #PicantesAndPalomas #PremiumSpirits

Tequila is the fastest-growing spirit category in the world, fueled by a wave of celebrity endorsements and new brand launches. With stars like George Clooney, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, and Kendall Jenner bringing fresh attention to this iconic Mexican spirit, tequila has never been more popular globally. Tequila’s journey, however, is steeped in rich history, tracing back to ancient traditions and evolving into a globally recognised spirit. The story begins with the Aztecs, who created a fermented drink called ‘pulque’ from the agave plant. It wasn’t until the 16th century, when Spanish settlers began distilling agave, that tequila in its modern form was born. This spirit has its roots in the town of Tequila, nestled in Mexico’s Jalisco region, where the blue agave plant flourishes in volcanic soils—essential to crafting authentic tequila. In fact, Jose Cuervo became the first producer to receive a distilling license in 1795, marking a key moment in the commercialization of tequila. To be called ‘tequila,’ the spirit must meet strict regulations. It must be made from at least 51% blue agave and distilled in designated regions of Mexico, primarily Jalisco. The spirit is also classified based on aging: Blanco (up to 2 months), Reposado (2 months to 1 year), Añejo (1-3 years), and Extra Añejo (over 3 years). Did you know it takes 8-12 years for the blue agave plant to fully mature before it can be harvested? This level of care speaks to the craftsmanship behind each bottle. Brands like Patron, Don Julio, and Jose Cuervo have helped elevate tequila from a regional drink to an international symbol of Mexican heritage, protected by denomination of origin—much like champagne or cognac. Whether enjoyed neat or in a cocktail, tequila’s rich history and cultural significance make it more than just a drink—it’s a celebration of time-honored traditions and dedication. #TequilaHistory #BlueAgave #SpiritsIndustry #Craftsmanship #MexicanHeritage #FastestGrowingSpirit

Just as wealth creation demands patience, expertise, and consistency, so too does the art of crafting a world-class whisky. Johnnie Walker’s journey to redefine luxury in Scotch whisky has been built on a legacy of immaculate blending, year after year—creating timeless blends that echo the precision & expertise required in managing wealth. The Dram Club recently hosted an exclusive tasting of the ultra-rare JW Blue Label Umami, a pioneering blend crafted in collaboration with world-renowned Japanese chef Keiko Bayashi. This luxurious whisky, inspired by the elusive fifth taste—umami—delivers a unique balance of sweet and savory flavors, with notes of blood oranges, red berries, sweet wood spice, and a hint of smoked meat. Our select group of UHNWI clients from one of India’s top wealth and asset management firms experienced an unforgettable evening of fine whisky, sophistication, and great company. Only one in 25,000 casks made the cut to create this groundbreaking expression, making it a true gem in the world of Scotch whisky. Diageo DIAGEO India #bluelabel #tastingevent #umami #thedramclub

The Dram Club, in collaboration with the Irish Food Board (Bord BIA), recently hosted an exclusive Irish Whiskey tasting event at ODE Dining, Worli, Mumbai. This prestigious event was graced by the presence of Mumbai Consul General Anita Kelly, along with esteemed members of The Dram Club and representatives from Bord BIA, Ciaran and Lorna.   The evening was a celebration of Ireland's rich heritage in whiskey craftsmanship, featuring a carefully curated selection of premium Irish Whiskeys and Gins. The lineup included:   The Shed Distillery Drumshanbo – Gunpowder Irish Gin: A unique gin that combines traditional botanicals with oriental spices, creating a fresh and vibrant spirit.   Walsh Whiskey:  The Irishman Single Malt: A triple-distilled, single malt whiskey, matured in both American oak bourbon barrels and European oak sherry casks.  - Writers’ Tears Double Oak: A blend of aged single malt and aged single pot still whiskeys, matured in American and French oak casks.   Teeling Small Batch Classic: A bespoke blend crafted exclusively for India, this whiskey is a tribute to the innovative spirit of Teeling, offering a complex and smooth profile that stands out in the Indian market.   Jameson:  - Jameson Original: The world-renowned Irish whiskey, known for its smoothness and perfect balance.  - Jameson Stout Edition: An innovative expression aged in stout-seasoned barrels, delivering notes of chocolate, coffee, and butterscotch.  - Jameson Black Barrel: A rich, intense whiskey aged in flame-charred barrels, offering an extra depth of flavour.   The tasting session was not only an exploration of the diverse and exquisite flavours of Irish spirits but also a cultural exchange, showcasing the deep ties between Ireland and India in the realm of premium beverages. Guests had the opportunity to savour each expression, guided by experts who shared insights into the history, craftsmanship, and unique qualities of each whiskey and gin. Lorna Allen Kieran FitzgeraldVinayak SinghSwati Sharma

Range Rover House India , 2024. In May 2024, JLR India hosted an exclusive event, the Range Rover House, at The Charcoal Villa in Alibaug. This invitation-only gathering showcased the Range Rover brand through a series of curated lifestyle and design experiences. Guests arrived in style via private luxury yachts and were treated to a multi-sensory journey that captivated all five senses. The Dram Club was honored to curate premium spirits and cigar experiences for this distinguished occasion. We offered guided tastings of whisky paired with custom-made chocolates, specially crafted to complement the flavors of the whiskies, as well as tequila paired with cheese, creating a truly unforgettable experience. We also crafted a bespoke cocktail menu featuring some of the finest local ingredients, adding a unique and sophisticated touch to the event. #luxuryevents #whisky #singlemaltc #experientialevents #experentialmarketing #whiskyandchocolates #tequila #1800tequila #elcristianotequila #thedalmore