Tucked away in the serene region of Guwahati, Assam, lies a distillery that's quietly shaking up the Indian alcobev scene. Radiant Manufacturers, known for its innovative approach to whisky and spirits, is blending tradition with cutting-edge technology in ways you wouldn't expect in the heart of the North East. During a recent trip to their bottling and maturation unit, I got a behind-the-scenes look at how they're crafting some of the most talked-about craft spirits in the country, including the famous Castle Hill Dark Knight Small Batch Whiskey. It's safe to say this trip was an eye-opener - and a great excuse to sip on some exceptional whisky.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship Meets Innovation
Radiant Manufacturers, founded in 1995, has its roots deeply tied to the region's vibrant heritage. What makes them stand out? Their relentless drive to innovate, which kicked off in 2013 with the launch of Castle Hill Rare Reserve. This premium whisky grabbed attention straight away. The magic behind the blend was crafted by Master Blender John McDougall from Scotland, who combined locally sourced grain spirits with Scotch malts. But that's just the beginning. By 2019, the distillery introduced Castle Hill Dark Knight Small Batch Whisky, opening a new chapter in its journey of creating exceptional small-batch whiskies.
Vicky Chand, director and CEO of Radiant Manufacturers, kept us hooked with his fascinating stories as we toured the bottling unit, giving us an in-depth look at the brand's whisky journey. The star of the show was Castle Hill Rare Reserve, which debuted in 2013. Created in Scotland by Pax Studios and expertly blended by John McDougall, it quickly became a proud symbol for northeast India. But the journey didn't end there.
"We had several discussions with McDougall in Scotland before he finally arrived in Assam. That's when we began distilling our grain spirit, which was later blended with some of the finest Scotch malts. It set the bar for us at that time and opened up possibilities for even bigger ventures," he shares.
Vicky Chand, director and CEO of Radiant Manufacturers
The Bottling Process
Stepping into the bottling and maturation unit, it's easy to be impressed by the sheer scale and sophistication of the operation. The facility, capable of bottling up to 1,00,000 cases per month, is where the magic happens. It's where precision meets craftsmanship, and every bottle of Castle Hill Dark Knight Whiskey starts its journey from the cask to your glass.
Watching the bottling process up close, it was evident how every single step, from filling the bottles to sealing them, is carefully monitored to maintain consistency and quality. There's no room for shortcuts here-everything is meticulously done to ensure that each bottle is as good as the last. Whether it's the precision in filling, the care in labelling, or the attention to packaging, this is a place where quality truly comes first.
Ageing Gracefully: Inside the Maturation Process
What truly sets Radiant Manufacturers apart, however, is their in-house maturation process. The distillery ages their grain spirits-made from broken rice and locally sourced corn - in New American Oakwood casks. It's this attention to detail that gives Castle Hill Dark Knight its distinct profile.
Watching the team carefully monitor the ageing process, I couldn't help but think about how whisky evolves over time. The casks add depth and character to the spirit, making it richer, smoother, and more complex with every passing year. It's not just about making whisky - it's about crafting an experience. As the liquid takes on the natural flavours from the wood, the result is a medium-bodied whisky with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. It's one of those things that can only be fully appreciated in person, and let's just say the taste doesn't disappoint.
Tasting the Best of Assam's Craft Spirits
Of course, no visit to the distillery would be complete without tasting some of their products. The Castle Hill Dark Knight Small Batch Whiskey, a blend of 100% corn, is the star of the show. Smooth, with just the right amount of kick, it's a whisky that's as complex as it is easy to drink. Whether you prefer it neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, it's a drink that demands your attention.
The whisky isn't the only star here, though. Radiant also produces a range of other craft spirits, including Lost Treasure Rum, Vinho Porto Wines, and White Magic Tango Gin & Orange. Each has its own unique flavour profile, with the same attention to quality and craftsmanship that defines the Castle Hill range. Whether you're a whisky aficionado or a fan of craft spirits in general, Radiant has something that will tickle your taste buds.
Looking to the Future
Radiant Manufacturers isn't just stopping at whisky. With plans to expand their portfolio and reach new markets, they're focused on the future. Their vision for the next few years includes exploring export opportunities and expanding their footprint in the global alcobev market. As they continue to innovate and grow, there's no doubt that they're well on their way to becoming a key player in the international spirits industry.
About Shubham BhatnagarYou can often find Shubham at a small authentic Chinese or Italian restaurant sampling exotic foods and sipping a glass of wine, but he will wolf down a plate of piping hot samosas with equal gusto. However, his love for homemade food trumps all.