Highbury

Highbury Classic Whisky is a blended Indian spirit launched by Pernod Ricard India in late 2022/early 2023. Positioned in the standard whisky segment, it focuses on delivering a smooth, rich, and easy-to-drink experience. The blend likely incorporates Indian grain spirits and potentially imported malt components. It aims to appeal to contemporary drinkers looking for quality and value, suitable for both casual sipping and mixing.

The "story" of Highbury Classic Whisky isn't one of ancient heritage but of modern market strategy and craftsmanship. It was developed by Pernod Ricard India to capture a significant share of the rapidly expanding standard whisky segment in India. The narrative focuses on meticulous blending to achieve exceptional smoothness and a rich flavour profile that resonates with today's consumers. It represents Pernod Ricard leveraging its global expertise to create a locally relevant product that offers quality, consistency, and value.

• Nose: Often described as having notes of malt, subtle hints of fruit (like dried fruit or apple), possibly some vanilla, caramel, and a touch of oak spice. The grain spirit base might also be detectable.
• Palate: Smoothness is the key characteristic highlighted. Expect flavours of caramel, honeyed sweetness, light oak influence, and perhaps a gentle spice note. It generally has a medium-to-light body.

Neat: Sip it straight at room temperature to appreciate its core flavours and smoothness. With Water: Add a few drops of still water to potentially open up subtle aromas and soften the palate. On the Rocks: Serve over ice cubes for a chilled, refreshing experience. This is a very popular way to enjoy it in India. Highball: Mix with soda water or ginger ale and a slice of lime/lemon for a classic long drink. Simple Cocktails: Can be used as a base for uncomplicated whisky cocktails like a Whisky Sour (using lime/lemon and sugar syrup).

• Snacks: Pairs well with mildly spiced Indian snacks (like non-fiery kebabs, paneer tikka), peanuts, cashews, or simple crackers.
• Cheese: Mild cheddar, gouda, or creamy cheeses.
• Main Course: Grilled chicken, light meat dishes, or even some richer vegetarian options that aren't overly spicy.

• Exceptional Smoothness: Crafted for an easy and pleasant drinking experience.
• Rich Flavour: Balanced notes suitable for various palates.
• Versatility: Enjoyable neat, on the rocks, or in your favourite simple mixes.
• Value Proposition: Offers a quality whisky experience at an accessible price point in its segment.
• Trusted Brand: Backed by the reputation and expertise of Pernod Ricard.

Highbury Classic Whisky is a solid contender in India's standard blended whisky market, delivered by the reputable Pernod Ricard. Its key strengths are its pronounced smoothness and easy drinkability, making it highly accessible for casual sipping, social gatherings, or simple cocktails. While it may not offer the complexity of premium single malts or aged blends, it successfully fulfills its purpose of providing a reliable, pleasant, and value-driven whisky experience for the modern Indian consumer. It's a good choice for those seeking an uncomplicated, smooth pour within its price category.