My brother and I often tend to spend time with each other in the company of our trusted Black Dog Triple Gold reserve (TGR). A common point of discussion that we often end up debating upon is the flavor of the Scotch. One thing that I have noticed while having my Triple Gold Reserve is that with each passing day, I tend to recognize more flavors other than the very evident ones. He and I often tend to disagree on many things. We have grown up kind of competing against each other. This disagreement stems from there.
Back in school, he was always known as my brother just because I was the school head boy. Then, when we started doing part time jobs to fund our pocket money back in college, he was known as my younger brother because I had already established myself. Then, when I first introduced him to the social media a few years back, something he was wary of joining because he did not know the true outreach, he was once again known as my brother. It’s a different story that things have changed for the better now. It is not everywhere that he is still known as my brother. He has built a strong identity of his own.
It feels good when people come up to me and tell me, “Oh, you are Prateek’s brother?” rather than telling him, “Oh, you are Nirav’s brother!” Back Dog’s TGR is just like that. Something that has grown out of its eclipsing cousins. The scotch has so much to it than what meets the eye. Different flavors of the different spices added to it. It is but definite and evident that with each passing day, we are surely going to find something new in its flavor. Just the other day the two of us were arguing about the scotch having a strong flavor of vanilla and citrus. He continuously argued that there was definitely some amount of vanilla in it while I felt that it had only citrus notes to it.
It truly is a journey discovering the flavors as you relish the scotch day by day. It gives you a feeling of warmth to know more and more about the scotch you have been favoring and enjoying. It’s kind of like having a new scotch every day.
Disclaimer: The content featured above is only for people aged above 25 years. Underage drinking is illegal and against the law. Drink sensibly and carefully and please never drive under the influence of alcohol.

How many of us often believe that we are a part of an elite class that not only would accept us but stand by us at the time of need. But do you know what really sets us apart from those elitist elite? Our choices. Knowingly or unknowingly, every day, every minute we make choices. Some propel us further ahead, some really back fire, and however, we never stop making choices. Daily we chose what we wear, what we eat, etc. Then why stop at what we drink when we are out and trying to look really refined and elite?
Black Dog’s TGR (Triple Gold Reserve) is one such choice. Being counted as one on par with several great 12 year old scotches, TGR is what definitely sets you apart from the boys and projects you as the man. Why don’t you give it a shot at a party the next time and check out how many girls are checking you out? Probably even eating you up whole with just their eyes. At the same time, notice the boys there. No I would prefer to call them the boys, not the men. It is men like us who have TGR. You can notice their eyes burning with envy.
Being truly refined comes with its own set of perks. Suddenly you get invited amongst almost all social circles. People flock to you for tips, for advice and probably even to get you married off if they know you are single! Just kidding. Nonetheless, if you are following my advice and reading this blog right now, take one more suggestion… keep a handy stock of your business cards on you. You never know who you may network with at one of the parties. Could be one of those VCs you have long been thinking of approaching with for that cool business idea.

 

You have had a hectic day at work. Your boss has been breathing down like a monkey in heat. Your subs are not helping out either and the work load could break your back. All this topped with a back breaking journey between your home and work place. Sounds familiar? Good. Once you are back home, you have a nagging wife and she leaves no opportunity to complain. Grrrr….This was definitely not needed, was it? You have been left with a bad headache and no remedies work. You want to unwind but you can’t. What now?
For such occasions, this is what I do. Pick up a bottle of Black Dog Triple Gold Reserve, some Ice and a bottle of Soda. Combine with a straw mat and a pillow. Pick all these items and walk away to the terrace! It’s a cool night despite the days being warm! A starry moonless night can do wonders to the mind. The slow smooth roll of the scotch leaves a sensation of relaxation. What more could you ask for?
The choice is yours. While I prefer my scotch with Soda and Ice, occasionally on the rocks, you could combine it with anything you like. Lemon, when life has given you so many lemons, why not use them. Some love combining it with chilies. Never tried it personally though.
And if you happen to have a telescope at hand, just like I have my Grandfather’s; which is over a 100 years old in itself, what better idea in exploring the neighborhood if you don’t know how to see the constellations. I am sure you will discover a story or two, or may be even discover a secret. You could claim to be a detective, uncover a murder. Possibilities are endless but limited only by your imagination.
Disclaimer: I love my wife and she prefers not to nag me. I am writing this for my own safety and any person reading this is free to assume anything. You have a mind of your own and can think and imagine well I am sure. 😛

 

A market research points out that India consumes 260 to 270 million cases of whisky a year. Very little Indian whisky is exported, demand for whisky is in double-digit growth, and in the tiny premium drinks sector single malt Scotch enjoys the biggest growth of all. India makes and consumes the biggest whisky brands on the planet, although you probably haven’t ever seen them, even if you’ve heard about them, and unless you’ve been in India you more or less certainly haven’t tasted them. So, while the likes of China, South America and Africa may follow the standard path from domestic spirits to imported ones – and eventually premium imported ones such as Scotch whisky – India is in a totally different place, having embraced whisky at the time of the British Empire. 
A parallel market research also points out that alcohol consumption isn’t high in India, mainly for religious and cultural reasons. Only a third of the country’s 1.1 billion people drink regularly. And when people do drink, Samar Singh Shekhawat, senior vice president of marketing at United Breweries, told Reuters, it’s to get buzzed. That explains why strong beer outsells its low-alcohol counterpart; it also helps explain why spirits — like whiskey — are still the drink of choice in India, as the chart shows.
A deeper analysis of the market points out an astonishing fact. A majority of the young adults, aged between 18-24 are choosing to drink Scotch at home on special occasions in comparison to older people (ages 25-40). The older population generally tends to party hard and is already a lot more responsible. A global trend indicates that the maximum consumption among all kinds of whiskies is purely held by Scotch.
The main reason that the report states is that this strata of people finds social acceptance when they have Scotches. When I approached the various sales reports of the scotches sold across India, I was astonished to find that the Black Dog brand held a position above all like none other. A closer dissection of the sales of the different sub brands under Black Dog revealed that the sales of the 12 year old Black Dog and Black Dog’s Triple Gold Reserve were at near same levels in terms of consumption and sales.
One of the most appealing things to an Indian man is his acceptance of being superior to others and hence his holding a higher position of merit in the society. Given the fact that Indian consumption of Alcohol is one among the highest in the world, valued at 16.1 million pounds per annum according to a 2012 report, it is no unknown fact that Indian men love to consume the best scotches. It is not the Scotch that sells, but the label. The passport to a higher societal status.
Sources of Information:
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-20946411
http://www.npr.org/blogs/parallels/2013/09/25/226065877/thats-the-spirit-why-indians-prefer-strong-beer-liquor
http://www.drinksint.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/4122/Indian_Whisky:_Country_at_a_Crossread