Madhu Mandapam - Where Every Pour Told a Story

The second edition of Madhu Mandapam delivered a vivid celebration of alcohol beverages, bringing together an impressive roster of domestic and international producers. From luxurious single malts and artisanal craft spirits to crowd-pleasing beers and an elegant selection of wines, the pavilion offered something for every palate, underscoring how rapidly Indian consumers are demanding nuance, provenance and personality from their drinks.

Refreshing Brews

 The beer stall by Carlsberg became a social hub early on with visitors thronging it for its much-loved Tuborg Strong and Carlsberg Smooth. Bartenders Madhu Mandapam Where Every Pour Told a Story reported a tight contest between the two for consumer favour.

While Tuborg Strong drew the crowd looking for a robust, full-bodied pour, Carlsberg Smooth attracted those who preferred a more sessionable lager with a cleaner finish. The visual theatre of taps and chilled glasses only amplified the appeal. Some drinkers returned to compare the two side-by-side, others swapped their picks.

Rock and Storm emerged as a multi-hit stall. Bad Monkey Beer surfaced as a recurring recommendation and was consistently in demand throughout the four-day event as it appealed across age groups.

Spirits That Linger 

For whisky enthusiasts, Rock and Storm’s Barents Premium Gold Reserve commanded attention. The brand also backed the Madhu Mandapam Cocktail Competition, where 15 mixologists from across the country showcased inventive cocktails that married regional memories with contemporary technique, putting the whisky at centre stage.

Besides, Rock and Storm’s stall showcased Royal Ace and Dennis whiskies, drawing those hunting for approachable blends, while its Commander N Chief Jamaican Gold rum and Blue Eyes vodka, including the Green Apple variant, broadened the stall’s appeal to cocktail lovers and those seeking flavoured spirits.

Next on the pavilion was Diageo India’s beautifully staged counter, anchored by the homegrown single malt Godawan 02 Fruit and Spicy that attracted sustained queues as visitors sought to sample one of India’s most celebrated single malts.

Crafted in Rajasthan, Godawan was presented not just as a brand but as a story tied to Indian whiskymaking traditions. Godawan 02 Fruit and Spicy’s bright fruitiness layered with floral elements and a hint of roasted coffee beans appealed to seasoned malt drinkers and curious newcomers alike. The stall’s Rajasthani-themed design, with its props and storytelling panels, helped visitors connect the liquid to its place of origin, making each dram feel like a short cultural immersion.

ABD Maestro’s counter consistently drew traffic, largely on the back of rapid restocks of Arthaus Collective Blended Malt Scotch Whisky and Zoya Special Batch Premium Gin. Both flew off shelves and sample trays so quickly the team had to replenish mid-event. Arthaus attracted those who favour complexity and a cocktail-friendly profile, while Zoya’s botanically forward character proved popular with mixologists and gin novices.

ABD Maestro’s Iconiq White and Sterling Reserve B7 registered particular appeal among younger visitors exploring premium spirits for the first time. The stall balanced depth for connoisseurs and accessibility for curious consumers, which kept it busy from opening to close.

Alcobrew’s broad portfolio kept the atmosphere lively and exploratory. Whiskies like Golfer’s Shot, Old Smuggler, Single Oak Select Grain and White & Blue gave visitors a tour through different styles and price points, while Lion Daddy rum and One More vodka, in plain and apple variants, added diversity for cocktail fans.

Alcobrew became an instant talking point when it launched Golden Circle Global Craft Whisky, an Indo-Scottish blend, at the premier alcobev pavilion. Hospitality trainer Ajay Nayyar and whisky expert Shubham Shukla led back-to-back masterclasses on the new release, combining accessible instruction with hands-on demonstrations that unpacked its maturation, blending and tasting technique while exploring what makes this Indo-Scottish blend truly exceptional.

ADS Spirits’ Boho Premium Blended Whisky and Woodnote Premium Blended Select Cask Whisky were repeatedly called out as crowd favourites, drawing both first-time tasters and whisky enthusiasts. Beyond the bottles, ADS amplified the tasting experience with a ‘Sips Meet Savours’ session, where gastronomy and mixology converged in a spectacular harmony, helping visitors understand how whisky and food can elevate each other.

ADS’ display also included Royal Green and Royal Black whiskies alongside Calenter Premium Rum, giving guests a neat cross-section of the brand’s range.

Piccadily’s stall, among the most visited, showcased India’s celebrated single malts, notably Indri-Trini and Indri-Agneya, along with the newly launched Cashmir Vodka. These spirits generated buzz not just for their liquid, but also for their elegant bottle design that evoked craftsmanship and regional identity.

Meanwhile, fans of approachable yet characterful drams found comfort in Whistler Whisky, as Camikara Rum added depth to the lineup. Overall, Piccadily struck a balance between the aesthetic and the tasting experience, which helped attract both design-savvy visitors and flavour-focused drinkers.

The Wine World

Sula Vineyards provided a refined foil to the spirits-heavy sections of the pavilion. The winery’s curated lineup, Brut Tropicale, Shiraz Cabernet, Dindori Reserve Chardonnay, The Source Sauvignon Blanc, The Source Grenache Rosé, Rasa Syrah, Rasa Cabernet Sauvignon and Sula Chenin Blanc, catered to different palates and moods.

Brut Tropicale and The Source Grenache Rosé topped demand charts, reflecting a healthy appetite for sparkling and rosé styles among attendees. Sula’s team also guided tasters through pairing suggestions and production notes, helping many festival-goers deepen their appreciation for domestic winemaking.