McDowell’s & Co., a 125-year-old beverage alcohol powerhouse, has reinvented itself with a metamorphosis that puts the consumer at the centre of its new portfolio, which was unveiled recently in separate events in Goa and Mumbai.

One of the largest selling whiskies and famous brandy in India, McDowell’s has welcomed into its fold premium vodka, gin and rums.

The X Series by McDowell’s is reimagining the way consumers will now experience beautiful liquids, ranging from vodka and gin to a vibrant new citron rum and a delicious dark rum.

Combining the best of Indian ingredients with globally exotic flavours – and with seven distilleries sourcing raw materials and ingredients from across the nation and the world – McDowell’s X Series presents a distinct new portfolio to plug a gap in their respective premium categories.

Speaking at the launch in Mumbai, Varun Koorichh, Vice-President and Portfolio Head of Marketing, Diageo India, said: “McDowell’s has consistently set standards of excellence in the world of spirits. We are now taking forward its storied heritage with the launch of the X Series, embracing a new era of sophistication and excellence.”

This new range of premium vodka, gin, citron rum and dark rum is inspired by the evolving consumer preferences for larger repertoires, prioritising better quality drinking experiences, with experimentation at the heart of it all.

Currently available in Goa and Maharashtra, they come in 750-ml and 180-ml bottles, at 42.8% ABV.

• McDowell’s single grain vodka (Rs. 440 in Goa, Rs. 1,200 in Maharashtra) undergoes triple distillation and charcoal filtration for smoothness. This meticulous process delivers a silky, buttery texture, pristine smoothness, and a crisp finish that enhances its refined character.
• McDowell’s dry gin (Rs. 700 in Goa, Rs. 1,400 in Maharashtra) is an elevated blend of botanicals, infused with natural Brazilian citrus flavour, delivering a refreshing balance of zesty oranges and juniper’s unique flavour, creating a crisp gin.
• McDowell’s Citron rum (Rs. 650 in Goa, Rs. 1,450 in Maharashtra) is a refreshing blend of imported lemon and lime flavours from France and unique character of white rum from India. The French lemons bring a unique luscious flavour, which when combined with the sweet and complex character of Indian rum, gives rise to a refreshing, palatable liquid.
• McDowell’s dark rum (Rs. 430 in Goa, Rs. 1,100 in Maharashtra) is a distinctive blend of double-distilled Jamaican rum and full-bodied Indian rum, offering subtle vanilla notes and hints of spice. This fusion delivers a balance of dry fruit notes on the nose with a hint of spicy and jaggery notes on the palate, ending with perfect warmth on the throat.

With its unique flavour profiles, the X Series is also set to elevate the art of mixability and inventive cocktails for those eager to experiment, according to Vikram Damodaran, Chief Innovation Officer, Diageo India.

“There is an increasing desire for better drinking experiences with focus beyond traditional whiskey. The rise of cocktail culture also attests to the same, with consumers, young and old, getting more experimental,” he noted.

As ample proof, well-known mixologists Ami Shroff, Santosh Kukreti, Mayur Marne and Tobias were at hand to help invitees taste the wide repertoire of exquisite cocktails. Varun Totlani curated the food for the event.