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Valentine’s gifts that actually get opened!
Valentine’s Day Gifting, Sorted: Spirits That Win You Instant Brownie Points
Flowers wilt. Chocolates disappear. A good bottle, though? That stays on the bar, gets poured, talked about and remembered. If you’re gifting for Valentine’s Day this year, whether it’s a partner, a situationship, or yourself, these spirits are an easy win. They look good on a counter and don’t require knowing someone’s exact flavour preferences.
Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin Mountain Berry Gin
This seasonal release builds on the brand’s Meghalaya roots, using wild sohiong berries and winter cherry blossoms without tipping into sweetness. There’s no added colour or sugar; structure comes from Eastern Himalayan juniper, citrus peel and taro root. The pink tint emerges naturally as the gin opens up, and the stainless-steel bottle keeps things functional and unfussy.
AMARA Vodka
Distilled five times from blue grape and rice spirit, AMARA leans smooth and softly aromatic rather than neutral to the point of anonymity. A ruby-based filtration technique adds roundness to the finish, while the blush-toned bottle keeps the focus on clean design rather than excess branding.
Rampur Distillery 1943 Virasat Indian Single Malt
Made from six-row Indian barley and matured in American bourbon barrels before a ruby port finish, this single malt reflects the extremes of North India’s climate. The whisky leans warm and malty, with layers that unfold slowly rather than demand attention upfront. It’s polished, steady and grounded in the distillery’s long-running style.
ABD Maestro YELLO Designer Whisky
Blending Scotch malts from Speyside and the Highlands with Indian malts matured in ex-bourbon casks, YELLO is built around approachability. Notes of vanilla, caramel and soft oak come through without sharp edges. It’s designed for regular drinking, on ice, in highballs, or poured without ceremony.
DŌAAB India Expression 02: The Old Man & The Blossom
This limited-run Indian single malt is finished in Japanese Mizunara oak, bringing subtle sandalwood, light vanilla and restrained spice into focus. With around 500 casks released, availability is selective, and the emphasis stays firmly on cask influence rather than aggressive ageing or high proof.
Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky
Produced at South Seas Distilleries, Crazy Cock is matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, with India’s heat playing a clear role in shaping the whisky. The result is bold but controlled, with concentration coming from climate rather than excess wood. Its win for Best in Show at the IWS Awards in Mumbai underlined its standing in the current Indian single malt space and put it firmly on the radar beyond novelty value.
DeVANS Modern Breweries GianChand Manshaa and Adambaraa
Named after founder Dewan Gian Chand, GianChand Manshaa is distilled in Jammu using Himalayan spring water, a detail that sets it apart from coastal distilleries. The whisky leans smooth and rounded, with a measured profile that opens up gradually. Its recent Grand Gold win at Meininger’s International Spirits Award 2025 confirms its growing international recognition. Adambaraa, another single malt from the house, follows a similar philosophy, offering a distinct expression that sits comfortably alongside Manshaa rather than competing with it.
Maya Pistola Agavepura Cabrón Destilado De Agave
Bottled at 40% ABV, Cabrón keeps things straightforward. The spirit is smooth, lightly sweet and flexible enough for mixed drinks without demanding complex builds. It’s priced accessibly and designed for regular use rather than display.
Terai Spirits Indian Craft Vodka
Distilled from Indian grain, Terai’s vodka avoids flavouring or gimmicks. The profile is clean, neutral and textural, holding up well in Martinis and simple vodka-sodas. The sculptural bottle adds presence, but the liquid itself stays deliberately restrained.
February 05, 2026, 12:30 IST
