Distilling quality

Manufacturing a range of "luxurious liquors, smooth whiskies, robust rums, mature brandies and gentle gins,” Sikkim Distilleries Limited was awarded the EMRC Euromarket Award 2002 by the EMRC (European Market Research Center) at Brussels, Belgium. Collecting the Award on behalf of the company was managing director Marzban Parekh at a glittering banquet hosted by the EMRC on April 29, 2002 and attended by "project owners, executives, entrepreneurs and ministers from 23 countries of the world,” according to a press release. The EMRC, established in 1992, acts as a "catalyst for the promotion of economic and trade relations between business entrepreneurs” across the globe.

The latest product launched by the 48-year-old distillery is Sikkim Silver Orchid Gin and Lime — "a duet that goes very well with chilled soda and crushed ice” and has a distinctive fresh lime flavor, as opposed to the normally available lime cordial based duets, state company sources. Sikkim Aromatics Limited, a division of Sikkim Distilleries, has recently reintroduced Sikkim Eau-De-Cologne in response to increasing demand. The company aims to introduce other products as well in the cosmetics, toiletries and perfumes range.

Parekh (left) with EMRC Euromarket Award; Sikkim Silver Orchid Gin & Lime (top right) and Sikkim Eau-De-Cologne

With its modern and environmentally friendly plant situated at Rangpo in one of India’s smallest states nestling in the Himalayas, Sikkim Distilleries’ products were one of the first Indian-made liquors accepted for sale in the US and Canada, states the company profile. In March 2001 the company was awarded the American Quality Award 2001 at New York and had earlier been the recipient of numerous national and international awards from Bangkok, Paris, Cannes, Dusseldorf, etc.