Kumar Nair
Regional Business
Manager-Southeast Asia,
Heineken Beverages
International (HBI)
Whisky, one of the most sought-after alcoholic
beverages, is celebrated worldwide for its
complexity and versatility. Its global evolution has
also taken root in Southeast Asia. In India, the
journey began with locally produced whiskies,
followed by blends containing Scotch whisky –
often without clear disclosure of the actual Scotch
content. Despite the ambiguity, the presence of
the Scotch name allowed these blends to
command premium prices. Over time, the Indian
market evolved to include Scotch-style whiskies
made domestically, as well as imported bulk
Scotch whiskies that were bottled in India.
From Scotch to South Africa
During this evolution, affluent whisky connoisseurs began exploring imported varieties, diving into Blended Scotch, Single Malts, Grain Whiskies, and Irish Whiskies. This wave was soon followed by the rise of American whiskies, most notably Bourbon and Tennessee whiskies, which gained rapid popularity and acceptance.
During this evolution, affluent whisky connoisseurs began exploring imported varieties, diving into Blended Scotch, Single Malts, Grain Whiskies, and Irish Whiskies. This wave was soon followed by the rise of American whiskies, most notably Bourbon and Tennessee whiskies, which gained rapid popularity and acceptance.
As global tastes expanded, Japanese whiskies
elevated the category further, turning whisky into
a staple of sophisticated social conversations.
Their success inspired the emergence of new
whisky regions, with Taiwan and India introducing
bold new expressions that captured worldwide
attention. With variety becoming a consumer
expectation, whisky makers responded not only
with aged versions but also with innovative styles
and flavors to keep enthusiasts engaged.
Now, South African whiskies are making
significant strides on the global stage. In India,
Flemingo Travel Retail has introduced the first
South African grain whisky to airport duty-free
stores, offering the world’s most awarded single
grain whisky, BAIN’S, in 1-liter bottles.
A Distinctive South African Gem
Bain’s Whisky is an internationally awarded single-grain whisky distilled at the James Sedgwick Distillery, situated at the foot of the Bainskloof Pass in Wellington, South Africa. This Cape Mountain Whisky pays tribute to Andrew Geddes Bain, whose single-minded vision, resolve, and expertise conquered the Cape Mountains and built the Bainskloof Pass in 1853.
Bain’s Whisky is an internationally awarded single-grain whisky distilled at the James Sedgwick Distillery, situated at the foot of the Bainskloof Pass in Wellington, South Africa. This Cape Mountain Whisky pays tribute to Andrew Geddes Bain, whose single-minded vision, resolve, and expertise conquered the Cape Mountains and built the Bainskloof Pass in 1853.
Whisky can be made anywhere in the world, but
South African whisky is one of a kind. Made from
100% sun-kissed grain, the warm South African
climate naturally softens the spirit during
maturation for an exceptionally smooth whisky.
The whisky is double mature in first-fill
ex-Bourbon casks, delivering the distinctive
aromas of vanilla, spice and tropical fruit, and the
unique taste of South African whisky.
What Sets Bain’s Apart
Andy Watts, the founder-distiller of Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, was awarded the title of Global Icon of Whisky Master Distiller/Master Blender for 2018 at the UK’s Whisky Magazine’s World Whiskies Awards.
Andy Watts, the founder-distiller of Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, was awarded the title of Global Icon of Whisky Master Distiller/Master Blender for 2018 at the UK’s Whisky Magazine’s World Whiskies Awards.
Bain’s is loved by whisky lovers, with the saying
going: “The difference between someone who
drinks Bain’s and someone who doesn’t is
someone who has tried it.”
You know where to find it. So here’s to enjoying a
dram of Bain’s, whether with a splash of water or,
as the famous saying goes, “Drink it the way you
like it.”
