Mumbai-based spirits company introduces a premium Indian whiskey, reshaping the industry with a uniquely subcontinental blend. The Indian alcoholic beverage industry is expanding globally and thriving domestically, with homegrown brands crafting whiskeys tailored to the Indian palate. Joining this wave, Mumbai-based Third Eye Distillery, best known for its award-winning Stranger & Sons Gin, has unveiled Otherside Subcontinental Whiskey—a spirit made “for, of, and by the subcontinent.” Priced at ₹3,250 in Mumbai and ₹2,100 in Goa, Otherside is set to disrupt the premium whiskey segment.
A Whiskey Born from India’s Climate
Otherside is crafted entirely in India and aged across the country’s tropical belt, where the relentless heat, monsoons, and shifting seasons shape its character. The whiskey undergoes a Solera finishing process in charred ex-bourbon barrels, adding layers of complexity, depth, and a uniquely Indian identity.
“This whiskey’s distinct profile is elevated by its Solera Finish—a meticulous process that layers complex flavors into a singular expression,” the company stated.
Competing with Global Giants
Otherside enters a competitive market, facing off against premium Indian single malts like Paul John Nirvana and American bourbons such as Jack Daniel’s and Jim Beam. With recent tariff reductions on US bourbons, it remains to be seen how Otherside will compete in a shifting price landscape.
Challenging Traditional Whiskey Norms
Rahul Mehra, Co-founder & CEO of Third Eye Distillery, envisions a whiskey that stands apart from the usual Scotch and bourbon imitations:
“This isn’t Scotch, it’s not bourbon, and it’s definitely not business as usual. Whiskey is a crowded room, but the impact of our climate, geography, and aging makes this a whiskey that can only come from here. It’s time for India to write its own whiskey story.”
Rather than conforming to Scottish age statements, Otherside focuses on India’s unique maturation process, where the tropical climate accelerates aging, producing rich and full-bodied flavors that can rival whiskeys matured for far longer in cooler climates.
Raising the Bar for Indian Whiskey
With Otherside, Third Eye Distillery is setting new benchmarks in the Indian whiskey category—the largest segment in the country’s spirits industry. The company has committed an investment of USD 4-6 million over the next 18 months to drive innovation, research, and marketing.
Market Expansion & Future Plans
Currently available in Maharashtra and Goa, Otherside will soon launch in Haryana, Karnataka, and Rajasthan. The company is also eyeing international markets, further strengthening India’s presence in the global whiskey scene.
A Legacy of Innovation
Third Eye Distillery is no stranger to pushing boundaries. At the 2020 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) in the UK, its flagship Stranger & Sons Gin was declared one of the world’s top eight gins, winning a Gold Outstanding medal. This marked a pivotal moment in India’s premium spirits movement, with Stranger & Sons leading the charge.
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Conclusion
With Otherside Subcontinental Whiskey, Third Eye Distillery is redefining India’s whiskey identity. This is not just another spirit—it’s a bold statement that India has the expertise, resources, and climate to produce world-class whiskey. As the domestic and global whiskey landscape evolves, Otherside is poised to be a game-changer, offering an authentic Indian take on a timeless classic.
