Pernod Ricard India has forayed into the Indian single malt category with the launch of Longitude 77°, marking 30 years of the company’s presence in India. The single malt’s name is inspired by the line of longitude that passes through the length of India at 77° East, symbolic of India’s position on the world map.

The launch of Longitude 77° was brought to life through a showcase of contemporary Indian luxury at DLF Golf and Country Club, Gurugram, recently, through a theatrical spectacle of ‘Re-imagined India’, brought to life by the charismatic storyteller, Arjun Rampal.

The event was complemented by a presentation of cutting-edge Indian soundscapes curated by Indian-American musician, Karsh Kale, a showcase of contemporary Indian fashion by designer Ashish Soni, and an exploration of the culinary arts by chef Vicky Ratnani.

Produced in small batches in a distillery in Dindori, Nashik (Maharashtra), Longitude 77° brings the craftsmanship of Pernod Ricard’s master distiller, R. Natarajan, to create a superior taste of luxury. Double matured, mellowed and knitted to perfection in American bourbon barrels and wine casks, the single malt has a natural, mahogany colour. Its flavour profile is exquisitely smooth, full bodied and balanced, with hints of caramel, vanilla and a faint peat smoke that offers depth and complexity.

Both the box and the bottle feature a stamp depicting the map of India with the Longitude 77° passing from North to South. Kartik Mohindra, Chief Marketing Officer at Pernod Ricard India, said: “Inspired by the line that runs through the heart and soul of India, Longitude 77° is a symbol of authentic contemporary Indian luxury.”

Master Distiller Natrajan said: “It is an exciting time for Indian single malts as whiskey enthusiasts discover the beauty of homegrown spirits. Longitude 77° is an Indian single malt that’s proud of its provenance, crafted to represent the best of India’s rich terroir and local ingredients.”

Longitude 77°, now available in Goa, Maharashtra, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi Duty-Free, is set to expand to other markets.