India’s first international Blended whisky ‘Oaksmith Gold’ from Beam Suntory was recently recognized at two of world’s most reputable awards in alco-beverages. At the 13th Annual SIP Awards at California, USA, ‘Oaksmith Gold’ and its blend variant ‘Oaksmith International’ won Gold and Double Gold – a testimony to the Finest Japanese Craftsmanship and world class quality Oaksmith delivers given its allegiance to purity, precision and finest ingredients.
As world’s only internationally recognized spirits competition that uses real consumers as judging panel, both blend variants of Oaksmith rivalled with over 1,000 brands from 49 countries, assessed on the basis aroma, taste and finish.
In addition, at the 4th London Spirits Competition considered as the ultimate seal of approval in spirits industry globally, both ‘Oaksmith Gold’ and ‘Oaksmith International’ won bronze for quality, value and packaging. Judging panel included spirits industry experts, with commercial buying responsibility, to make sure that competition winners were precisely the types of spirits preferred by trade as well as end consumer.
Neeraj Kumar, managing director, Beam Suntory India, stated- “It is a moment of great pride for our whisky brands ‘Oaksmith Gold’ and ‘Oaksmith International’ to receive a grand recognition at both SIP Awards and London Spirits Competition. Oaksmith is a premium Indian whisky crafted by Suntory’s Chief Blender, Shinji Fukuyo and combines the finest Scotch Malts and smoothest American Bourbons using unmatched Japanese blending techniques, bringing best of East and West. These awards are a true honor and testament to the very reason Oaksmith was launched in India – to be a brand of choice for all, while continuing to offer a premium experience to our Indian consumers. We are extremely delighted that both blend variants ‘Oaksmith Gold’ and ‘Oaksmith International’ performed so well at these global award platforms.”
Post its successful launch in India in December 2019, the brand is speedily expanding its geographies across the nation while it continues to receive huge appreciation from consumers. From seed to sip, it is punctiliously crafted to achieve a blend like no other leading to a top quality, smooth spirit that is rich on the nose and balanced on palate with a full bodied, pleasurable long finish.
Launch in India is the path to the company’s growth strategy, and represents the importance of Indian market to the global spirits company. The brand has already sold about 100,000 cases in a few months since its launch in India.
