He calls himself a “Qualified Ambassador of Whisky”. He has many firsts to his credit relating to the field of whisky. He is the first to introduce rare and premium whiskys in India, the first to initiate professional whisky training in the country and the first to launch whisky and food pairing in India, among other achievements. He also plans to introduce many more firsts such as a whisky club and an exclusive whisky magazine. Meet Delhi-based Sandeep Arora, Director, Spiritual Luxury Living Pvt Ltd, who was recently in the city to provide Chennaiites with the experience of premier whisky. His companions for the evening, sipped on some fine whisky with a five-course Italian meal at Prego, Taj Coromandel. “The traditional belief is that Italian food is best eaten with wine,” said the 44-year-old whisky expert. “But whisky is quite strong and robust, and has its own unique taste and aroma. Drinking whisky with Italian food provides its own unique experience. We aim to enrich that experience among the Chennaiites,” he added.The menu had some lip-smacking dishes such as Milanese risotto with lamb ossobuco, fried prosciutto pizza rolls, and hot desserts such as bitter chocolate and orange mousse’. Premier whiskys including Royal Salute 21 YO, Chivas Regal 18 YO and Ballantines 17 YO, served on the occasion, were of the highest quality. Strangely, only cold water was provided to mix with the whisky. But Sandeep had a reason for it. “I like the Indian way of drinking whisky, which is only with water. That is the best way to enjoy whisky, according to me,” Sandeep said. “In some foreign countries, you’ll have people mixing whisky with juice, or iced tea. It all depends on one's style and comfort of drinking,” he added.How many Indians are open to drinking whisky today? “Over the years, Indians have evolved in the way they drink whisky. Whisky, as old as say 100 years, costs over lakhs of rupees. One small peg would cost as much as Rs 45-50,000. But Indians have developed a taste for whisky and enjoy it thoroughly.” The whiskey connoisseur also has a taste for other drinks. He gives a thumbs up to Vodka. “Vodka is quite versatile and has great pedigree. Anyone can have a shot at it. You’ll find both men and women drinking it. Champagne is another liquor on the same line. Tequila too.”But at the same time, his loyalty for his pet drink doesn't falter. Ask him what his favourite drink is and pat comes the reply. “It’s whisky, there are no two ways about it."
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