Pernod Ricard India launches two new whiskies

Pernod Ricard India has unveiled two whiskies - Royal Stag Double Dark Peaty Whisky, and Blenders Pride Four Elements Premium Whisky, following the successful launch of its Longitude 77 - the first Indian single malt by Pernod Ricard.

These launches mark a significant step in the company’s plan to strengthen its position in the premium whisky market, which has seen rapid growth and evolving consumer preferences in recent years. Pernod Ricard India aims to leverage its strong market position with Royal Stag and Blenders Pride holding leadership positions within their respective segments.

Blenders Pride Four Elements stands out with its innovative blend of four distinct styles of Scotch malts and Indian grain spirits, each representing one of the four elemental forces: Air, Water, Fire, and Earth. This creates a vibrant and intricate flavour profile, enhanced by packaging designed by Love International (UK), which uses different colours to symbolise the four elements.

Royal Stag Double Dark Peaty Whisky, on the other hand, features a distinctively smoky blend profile, a first of its kind in its segment. It utilises double-distilled Scotch malts matured in dark charred American and European oak barrels, blended with select peated malt and grain neutral spirits, providing a differentiated experience in the category. The product’s vibrant and contemporary packaging, crafted by FCB India, further differentiates it in the market.

Kartik Mohindra, Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Global Business Development at Pernod Ricard India, said, “As one of Pernod Ricard group’s top three markets, India offers significant opportunities for growth and innovation. Our newest releases, Blenders Pride Four Elements and Royal Stag Double Dark, cater to the changing whisky preferences of discerning Indian consumers.”

 He added, “Post the successful launch of our Indian Single Malt Longitude 77, which is tailored exclusively for connoisseurs of authentic contemporary Indian luxury, these two unique line extensions demonstrate our commitment to innovation and premiumisation, which is something we are truly thrilled about at Pernod Ricard India. These product innovations are backed by extensive consumer research and Pernod Ricard India’s investment in research and development, allowing us to remain agile in the rapidly evolving market landscape.”

 These new whiskies will be launched in phases, beginning with Royal Stag Double Dark in Maharashtra, Assam, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, followed by Blenders Pride Four Elements in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Odisha, Telangana, and Goa. Both launches are expected to complete their pan-India rollout by December 2024.