Kolkata: Pernod Ricard India has strengthened the presence of its premium Indian single malt, Longitude 77, with its launch in Kolkata, marking a key step in the brand’s expansion across Eastern India.
The launch was celebrated at an exclusive event at ITC Sonar, where guests were introduced to the whisky through a curated experience that blended Indian craftsmanship with global whisky-making expertise. The event reflected Kolkata’s rich cultural heritage and the city’s growing appreciation for premium spirits.
Longitude 77 has already earned global recognition, winning Gold medals at the London Spirits Competition, The Spirits Business Global Spirit Masters, and Monde Selection, along with a Bronze at the International Wine & Spirits Competition. These awards underline the brand’s rising stature among leading whiskies worldwide.
Crafted by the master whisky makers behind global names such as Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet, and Jameson, Longitude 77 draws on more than 200 years of whisky-making heritage. The single malt is produced in small batches using locally sourced ingredients and reflects Pernod Ricard India’s focus on world-class domestic production.
Renowned whisky critic Jim Murray praised the whisky for its balance and complexity, calling it “gold standard” and noting that it stands alongside some of the finest Scotch blends and single malts. He also highlighted the role of maturation in the Nashik region, where natural temperature variations add depth and character to the whisky.
Mahesh Patil, Master Blender of Longitude 77, said the whisky is a celebration of India’s unique terroir. “The cool, dry climate of Dindori, Nashik, combined with our double maturation in American bourbon barrels and wine casks, gives Longitude 77 its distinctive smoothness and complexity. It’s rewarding to see it being appreciated in Kolkata, a city that truly values fine craftsmanship,” he said.
The launch evening featured contemporary interpretations of Kolkata’s diverse flavours, followed by a guided tasting session of Longitude 77 that highlighted the whisky’s unique profile.
Named after the 77° East longitude that runs through India, Longitude 77 symbolises the country’s growing influence in the global whisky landscape. The whisky offers a rich, full-bodied profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a touch of peat smoke. It is packaged in an indigo matte-finish box, inspired by a colour historically associated with India, and features a distinctive map stamp highlighting the 77° longitude line.
Longitude 77 is currently available in Maharashtra, Goa, Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Karnataka, Telangana, West Bengal, as well as in Dubai and at Mumbai and Delhi duty-free outlets. Pernod Ricard India plans to continue expanding the brand’s presence in premium whisky markets across the country.
The Aabkari(Abkari) Times magazine occupies a unique niche in the Indian media landscape. As the only Hindi monthly magazine dedicated to alcohol, liquor, excise, and allied industries, it caters to a specific audience with a specialized knowledge base.
