Scripting Whisky’s Next Chapter

In the world of whisky, where heritage and tradition often set the boundaries, DHAVALL Gandhi-Executive Director, Dhavall Gandhi Ltd & CEO & Artistic Director, KANDOBLANC emerges as a maverick unafraid to rewrite the rules. His journey from finance boardrooms to the quiet hum of stillhouses has been anything but ordinary. Guided by instinct, artistry and an almost synesthetic sensitivity to the world around him, he has redefined what modern whisky-making can be.

Today, his influence stretches across continents, from pioneering the Solares cask system which has redefined tropical maturation, to founding Kandoblanc where whisky becomes an art. Whether solving the technical challenges of Indian whisky production or fusing Japanese lacquer, Venetian glass and Scottish silversmithing into singular heirlooms, Dhavall’s story is one of vision, reinvention and a relentless pursuit of meaning in every drop, writes BISHAN Kumar.

Dhavall Gandhi has always been an abstract, creative thinker with a heightened sensory awareness since childhood; he could even identify pencil brands by scent alone. This seemingly trivial gift proved pivotal in his later success. However, his professional beginnings were in the corporate worlds of finance and strategy consulting which left him searching for a more meaningful outlet for his imagination. “There was always a creative desire to shape something more meaningful, engaging both intellect and the senses,” he recalls.

The turning point came during a formative trip to Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail. Standing amidst the ageing warehouses, surrounded by the sweet air of maturing spirits, he discovered whisky-making as the medium where artistry and science converge. “In that moment, I chose instinct, leaving behind finance to move to Scotland and dedicate myself to this craft,” he reflects.

Holistic Whisky-Making

Dhavall’s journey from The Macallan to founding his own ventures has been marked by constant evolution and innovation. “Taking the path less travelled can be more challenging, but it opens space for originality, vision, and depth,” he observes.

His philosophy of whisky-making became profoundly holistic, shaped by a life lived across continents. “Growing up in India, living in the US, and now in Scotland, with extensive travel along the way, each experience broadened my lens, allowing me to draw from art, mathematics, perfumery, winemaking and philosophy.”

This eclectic approach manifests in his unique methodology. “I approach whisky not as a linear process, but as an interconnected system. From perfumery, I take the art of layering aromas with precision; from mathematics, structure and proportion; from winemaking, an appreciation of élevage, which I pioneered into whisky; and from Indian cuisine, I developed the ‘spice box’ technique for creating component whiskies that blend into profound complexity,” he explains.

The Art of KANDOBLANC 

While Solares demonstrates Dhavall’s technical mastery, Kandoblanc embodies his artistic soul. “Kandoblanc is a visionary maison devoted to uniting art, culture and rare whisky through one-of-a-kind creations. Each piece is conceived as an objet d’art, a contemporary heirloom that celebrates heritage craftsmanship and cultural storytelling.”

The debut release, AGA, broke two world records at the Sotheby’s x Distillers One of One auction, “establishing itself as one of the most valuable debut whiskies ever released.” Upcoming is the Yukari Collection, beginning with Dragon in Clouds, an extraordinary 60-year-old single malt brought to life through Japanese lacquer, Venetian glassmaking and Scottish silversmithing. To be unveiled at Sotheby’s in October, it is among the most anticipated whisky auctions worldwide.

“Kandoblanc represents something more personal,” Dhavall reflects. “My time at The Macallan and The Lakes shaped my mastery, but Kandoblanc represents the culmination of my lifelong pursuit of artistic expression, deeply influenced by Japanese aesthetics and superhuman craftsmanship.” Like haute couture, every creation is unique. “Every Kandoblanc creation exists only once — never repeated — designed at the intersection of rarity, beauty, and enduring meaning.”

Innovating a Cask System

The synthesis of global influences culminated in Dhavall’s most significant innovation: the Solares cask system. The idea began with a deceptively simple question: how can whisky achieve elegance and consistency in warmer climates, where traditional casks often lead to over-extraction?

Driven by a desire to create something meaningful for his home country, India, Dhavall spent five years developing Solares with renowned Spanish cooperage José y Miguel Martín.

“Casks are made from wood — a living, natural material — so variability is inevitable. Under tropical conditions, that variability is magnified,” he explains. The Solares solution reimagines the cask itself: American oak barriques seasoned with fine wines undergo a proprietary transformation and customised toasting in Andalucía. Layered staves and tailored seasoning reduce unpredictability, creating a structured flavour framework.

The system offers distillers three distinct cask styles — Dulce, Medio and Seco — enabling precise control from the outset. “It turns tropical maturation from a reactive process into one of precision and intent,” Dhavall says.

For Indian producers, Solares addresses one of the greatest challenges: excessive evaporation losses, or the Angel’s Share. “In India, heat, humidity and seasonal fluctuations magnify evaporation. While it cannot be eliminated, it can be managed,” he notes.

Designed with American oak’s tighter grain and enhanced cooperage techniques, Solares not only slows unnecessary loss but also elevates flavour. “The benefit is twofold: improved efficiency and layered flavour — from deep dried-fruit richness to bright bourbon-like notes. For producers, this balance is transformative.”

Sustainability at Core

Sustainability at Core Environmental stewardship was integral to the Solares design philosophy from its inception. Fine wine barriques were re-imagined through a proprietary process, reducing the need for fresh oak and minimising waste, while every stage of this transformation was powered by 100 percent renewable energy, ensuring a minimal carbon footprint.

Dhavall views this as proof that “innovation in whisky can evolve in harmony with the planet, while still delivering richness, consistency, and efficiency for producers.”

 Vision for Whisky

Alongside Kandoblanc, Dhavall serves as a strategic adviser to alcobev companies worldwide, guiding their entry into the luxury single malt space. His clientele reflects the industry’s expanding geographical reach.

He has a particularly ambitious vision for India. “Indian whisky is already breaking new ground, with distilleries producing remarkable whiskies that are gaining global recognition. My role is to help accelerate this journey,” he states. He envisions a future where “Indian whisky stands not as ‘world whisky’ but as a category in its own right, alongside Scotch, Japanese and Irish.”

His perspective on whisky’s global future is equally expansive. “The outlook for global whisky is stronger than ever. We are entering an era where whisky is no longer defined by a handful of traditional whisky producing nations. From South America to Asia, producers are writing their own stories.” His work with international clientele reinforces this global transformation. “Several of my clients are based in countries with no historic ties to whisky-making, yet they are creating remarkable spirits by embracing their climates, cultures and influences. This is the future; not imitation, but individuality. Each region must find its own stylistic voice, shaped by its landscape and heritage,” he assert.