AB InBev, the beer giant, has announced an “India-first innovation” to enter the whiskey category and accelerate its foray beyond beers. The launch of its Budweiser Magnum Double Barrel whiskey marks the company’s entry into one of the largest global whiskey markets.

Artfully curated for the Indian palate but distinctively global in manufacturing craftsmanship, Magnum Double Barrel whiskey is a combination of American corn whiskey aged in white oak barrels in Kentucky and the finest of Indian single malts aged in ex-Bourbon casks, in Goa.

Packaged at 42.8% ABV in 750-ml bottles, Magnum Double Barrel whiskey is priced at Rs 2,800 in Maharashtra and Rs 1,800 in Goa. It will soon be available in Karnataka, Haryana, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.

The company is sourcing and blending Magnum Double Barrel whiskey in partnership with Sazerac and their Indian subsidiary, John Distilleries. This has resulted in a blend of signature flavours that are silky soft with a malty and complex, creamy finish.

India is currently already among the top five global markets for the Budweiser brand and AB InBev expects Bud to have achieved approximately Rs 1,800 crore in sales this year. There are also plans in place to increase the localisation of AB InBev’s Corona and Hoegaarden beer brands.