Kevin Pietersen on his new alcohol brand, his love for Bengaluru and the sport that he is “obsessed” with

Ardent Alcobev, the brand that former England batsman Kevin Pietersen has invested in, has launched not only blended Scotch whisky, but also a premium gin and vodka. “What can I say, I am an all-rounder!” jokes Kevin in an interview in Bengaluru. The range includes ‘bottled in origin” spirits such as Dram Bell, a blended Scotch whisky from Scotland, a Russian gin called Gin Soak Premium Dry Gin and Glacir Vodka.

Dram Bell whisky, by Ardent Alcobev
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Special arrangement

“When I look to invest in brands, I look for two things. One, I have to understand what it is. India has the largest whisky drinking market in the world so that checked a lot of boxes. The next question is, who are the partners. I have got great partners with decades of experience in building brands and distribution,” he says about his investment strategy.

Gin Soak Premium Dry Gin, by Ardent Alcobev

Glacir Premium Vodka

Tasting notes

On the portfolio are vodka and gin, and whisky. The Dram Bell Premium boasts notes of honey, chocolate, and hints of cooked apple. And the Dram Bell Reserve, that is aged five years, has rich aromas of spiced fruits and nutty sweetness and a chocolaty finish.

The Gin Soak Premium Dry Gin, is a Russian gin that has a blend of nine botanicals led by the rare medicinal plant, sagan dali from Russia’s Altai Highlands. It is twice-soaked and vacuum distilled. The Glacir Premium Vodka is distilled and bottled in Russia using waters from Lake Baikal.

“We are planning global expansion. We are talking about the Middle East and some other places in the east. But this is the first year, we want to understand the markets we are in.” The bottles are available in selected States now, namely Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Rajasthan and Haryana.

The Bengaluru connection

“I am very excited about launching in Karnataka. It is fast-moving opportunity. I first played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL. I have been coming here for 22 years. I have got a wonderful relationship with Bengaluru, although I think the roads need to be bigger,” he says with a laugh. “But that is only because of how successful the city has become. It is a tech hub. RCB is a massive brand in the world of cricket.” He cites that is another reason he has invested because he has seen the growth in India. “You guys should be really proud.”