Sales of fine whisky are booming in India and China as members of the middle classes shake off the frugal habits of past generations. How has the drink come to be seen as a status symbol in the world’s two most populous nations? And why does it appeal to Gen Yers and women in particular?
Varun Suri is an Indian entrepreneur and retailer who operates a popular wine and beer store in south Delhi.
Amrit Kiran Singh is the executive chairman of the International Spirits & Wines Association of India, representing blue chip multinational companies in the industry. He was previously the chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce and was the host for President George W. Bush’s keynote address in New Delhi during his India visit in 2005.
Sam Relph is a national newspaper journalist and news editor, with more than 18 years as a storyteller across disciplines and continents. He is director of digital start-up The International Freelancer and has reported for many of the world’s best newspapers, including The Guardian, Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail, The Independent, The Sun, Daily Mirror, Sydney Morning Herald, New York Post and New York Daily News.