Delhi Duty Free marks 14th anniversary with Kogei Collection launch from The House of Suntory
Representatives of Delhi Duty Free and Suntory Global Spirits celebrate the Kogei Collection launch at a special event at the Oberoi Gurgaon hotel
Delhi Duty Free (DDFS) has celebrated its 14th anniversary with an exclusive event in partnership with Suntory Global Spirits and the launch of the Kogei Collection from The House of Suntory.
The highlight of the event was the collaboration with Vir Sanghvi, a noted food and lifestyle journalist widely read across India.
The exclusive Kogei Collection comprises Yamazaki Peated Malt Spanish Oak and the Hakushu Peated Malt Spanish Oak. This collection is said to epitomizes ‘Kogei,’ meaning ‘traditional Japanese craft,’ and is available exclusively in travel retail. The blend results from meticulous exploration, harmoniously fusing peated malt and Spanish oak to deepen Yamazaki’s signature flavors and push the boundaries of Hakushu’s gently smoky herbaceous profile. In partnership with renowned Chiso kimono house, the Kogei Collection's packaging and label designs are inspired by actual kimonos and the natural surroundings of both distilleries.
Alasdair Dickinson (left) and Ashish Chopra discuss the Kogei Collection launch at the anniversary event
The celebration began with cocktails, followed by Sanghvi's introductory note about his passion for great whisky and the “unparalleled shopping experience” at Delhi Duty Free. This was followed by an authentic Japanese dinner masterfully crafted by renowned chefs Randy Pielago Cultivo and Shailender Rawal. Each dish was paired with Suntory’s finest whiskies: Toki, Hibiki and Yamazaki, accompanied by an insightful commentary from Rohan Jelkie, The Blend – Advocacy Manager for Suntory Global Spirits.
To fully immerse guests in Suntory’s rich heritage, the event’s décor was inspired by the Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries, creating an ambiance that transported attendees to the heart of Japan. The pinnacle of the evening was the grand unveiling of the Kogei Collection from The House of Suntory, led by Sanghvi, alongside Alasdair Dickinson, General Manager Emerging Markets Suntory Global Spirits, Ashish Chopra, CEO of DDFS and Rajesh Arora, CEO Business Development, JV's & Adjacencies, GMR Airports Ltd.
This milestone event not only celebrated the 14th anniversary of Delhi Duty Free but also underscored the successful partnership with Suntory Global Spirits. The collaboration aims to elevate the luxury spirits market and provide an unparalleled experience for connoisseurs.
The guest list featured a diverse array of notable individuals from various fields, including corporate leaders, businessmen, bankers, bloggers, fashion consultants and artists. The evening highlighted the exceptional craftsmanship and heritage of Suntory Global Spirits and reinforced Delhi Duty Free’s dedication to offering the finest products and experiences to their esteemed clientele.
