The big pour

This will be the year when sparkling wine will make its presence felt, as will a slew of new bars in Mumbai.

Reeling from the aftershocks of both 26/11 and global recession, 2009 was shaky to say the least. Sure, one saw signs of buoyancy at the fag end of the year. The sudden mushrooming of bars and restaurants across the metros. Hopeful. That’s the way I see the new year.

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I see it as the year when brands accept that it is the consumer who makes them big. The retail market will open up too – offering a whole new range of options from beers and wine to wine openers and beer mugs! From fruit purees and smoothie mixes to help you shake up some winners to ready-to-serve cocktails. What absolute fun.

Was it all dismal this year? Actually, we did see some bright stars – even though they didn’t have a chance to shine. But shine they will in the coming year. Roberto Cavalli with his very sexy vodka – inspired by his eternal muse – the sexy woman. A full flavoured spirit that’s silky smooth. Expensive? Of course! O2 Sparkling vodka from England – yes, sparkling. With a distinct carbonation.

And wine? This will be the year when bubbly will make its presence felt. And I don’t mean champagne. Sparkling wines from across countries. Asti, with its softly sweet, creamy spumante. Prosecco, both Dolce (sweet) and Brut (dry). Fizzy and fruity red Lambrusco. Vin Cremant from across France. Sparkling Pink Moscato and Pinot Noir from Australia. Perky, crisp alternates to sometimes inordinately expensive champagne.

Oh, I almost forgot. Rum. My favourite Angostura 1919 still holds forth. Ron Zacapa Centenary in three age profiles from Guatemala offers a unique perspective. Then there’s Pyrat XO – absolutely toothsome, almost candied and marmaladey from Anguilla. And the golden, soft, toffee-like Mount Gay Eclipse from Barbados. If the shop shelves disappoint, a couple of the new bars opening in January will most certainly make them available. I should know. I put them there!

Last but definitely not the least, the green fairy has risen again. Beware her charms though. Exercise restraint. Mellow her down with sugar and water. Or scorch you she will. Am I hallucinating? Nope. Just a gentle warning on the infamous Absinthe!

Which brings me to bars. One that bowled me over was Shisha Reincarnated In Kolkata. Not just for its architectural style or the really nice people who run it. But for the people who come to drink there. They sure know the meaning of good spirits! What a refreshing change. An ice bar in Mumbai? Wow. Even if it’s just the sheer joy of leaning against an icy bar counter. The Comedy Store? Waiting with bated breath. A Spanish style restobar in Bandra? Hmmm. Football fans? The first ever Manchester United Café-Bar to open at the Palladium, Phoenix Mills. I’m excited. There is hope. We shall overcome. And bells will ring!

Merry New Year!