Beam Suntory launches Oaksmith & The House of Suntory portfolio in North India

Beam Suntory, the global premium spirits company, has introduced a range of five premium spirits in markets of North India, signaling its commitment and strategy to grow in India in line with its ambition to reach US $ 1 billion in revenue by 2030. These launches include Oaksmith, claimed to be India's first international Indian whisky - created by world-renowned blender Shinji Fukuyo, Chief Blender, Suntory - using traditional Japanese craftsmanship, blended with the finest Scotch Malt whiskies and American Bourbons to make a whisky unique and authentic to Indian taste. In addition, the iconic Japanese whiskies The Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve and Hibiki Japanese Harmony, Suntory Whisky Toki, and Roku Japanese Craft Gin have also been launched.

Continuing the momentum after launching successfully in pilot markets in 2019, the entry of five premium brands in the North Indian market is a huge stride for the company to tread firmly towards its 2030 ambition. The launch of Oaksmith in North India is key to Beam Suntory's growth strategy in India. The brand has already sold upwards of 300,000 cases since its launch in India. Along with introducing The Yamazaki, Hibiki, Toki and Roku across North India, this world-renowned portfolio reinforces the company's commitment to lead the growth and premiumization of the Indian spirit's market.

"India is a strategic market for Beam Suntory, and we are thrilled by the appreciation that Oaksmith, Toki, Hibiki and The Yamazaki have received from consumers in India. The growing premiumization of the Indian market and the appreciation for finely crafted spirits make this an exciting time to expand the launch of these brands in India. Indians today are exposed to global trends, which inspired the creation of Oaksmith for whisky lovers in India," says Neeraj Kumar, managing director of Beam Suntory India.

On Oaksmith and Oaksmith Gold, he said, "The beautiful blend incorporates our East meets West competitive advantage and incorporates years of tradition that the Beam Suntory family upholds while showcasing Shinji-san's award-winning blending capabilities making it a whisky that, quite simply, no one else could create. We are excited to launch our brands across North India with its diverse culture, people and places. We see a growing opportunity for premium quality spirits across these states."

Oaksmith is a celebration of mastery and global collaboration, combining the best of East and West in a bottle. It is a harmonious blend of matured Scotch Malts that adds a strong flavor profile and American Bourbon whiskey, aged for at least four years in American Oak barrels which lends it an unmatched smoothness. That gives the brand its unique name and also inspires the round bottle labels celebrating its distinctive craftsmanship. The Oaksmith blend is made using the finest ingredients and sincerity of process that is a hallmark of Beam Suntory's Japanese heritage, which is unique to this brand in the entire Indian whisky category.

Both the variants of Oaksmith will be premium in their respective categories due to the international quality of blend and craftsmanship they offer. The brand was recently recognized at two of the world's most prestigious awards in alco-beverages this year, held in California and London for its blends. 'Oaksmith Gold' and 'Oaksmith International' won Gold and Double Gold at SIP Awards, the world's only internationally recognized spirits tasting competition that uses real consumers as a judging panel. Both variants of Oaksmith won bronze at the London Spirits Competition, judged for quality, value and packaging. This is a testament to the finest Japanese craftsmanship and world-class quality Oaksmith delivers, given its commitment to purity, precision and finest ingredients.