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Home > Brand Media News > Portal and Nomad represent a profound commitment to redefining the art of distillation Victor De Benito Head Distiller Global Brand Ambassador East Side Distillery

“Portal and Nomad represent a profound commitment to redefining the art of distillation” - Victor De Benito, Head Distiller & Global Brand Ambassador, East Side Distillery

Updated on: 04 October,2023 06:59 PM IST  |  MUMBAI
BrandMedia | brandmedia@mid-day.com

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This precise combination imparts a truly distinctive character to the gin

“Portal and Nomad represent a profound commitment to redefining the art of distillation” - Victor De Benito, Head Distiller & Global Brand Ambassador, East Side Distillery

 


 


 


  • What inspired you to become a distiller, and how did you get started in this profession?

My first job in spirits was in a distillery in London, one of the focal points in the history of gin. I watched the Head Distiller and the NPD Manager create recipes of gins, blends of whiskies, aged rums, and I knew I wanted to do that. I told them and I made myself involved as much as I could. This led me to internal promotions, to end up overseeing more than 200 brands of international spirits in the span of 8 years and becoming a Distiller.

  • What is it about India that makes it an attractive market?

Consuming spirits in India has started to be very experience-led, and there is a heightened interest in indulging in refined spirits. This in turn has fostered great demand for brands that offer a story, and an experience. This has led to a fast-paced growth making room for brands that offer positive experiences. Deeply encouraged by this, we love to delve into the intricacies of spirit production and tasting and bring in universal flavors blended with indigenous sensibilities to suit the rich Indian palate. 

  • What sets Portal and Nomad’s distilling apart from others?

Both Portal and Nomad are not merely spirits; they represent a profound commitment to redefining the art of distillation and offering consumers an unparalleled sensory journey.

Portal is meticulously crafted from a selection of 10 botanicals sourced from historical medical texts, expertly satisfying the quintessential pillars of a robust gin profile: juniper, spice, citrus, earth, and herbal essences.

Nomad represents a ground-breaking milestone in Indian distillation as the first rum to combine a medley of timeless Indian rum notes, such as caramel and toffee undertones, harmoniously interwoven with the aged Jamaican rum nuances of bananas, vanilla, and smoky accents.

In essence, both Portal and Nomad are brands that refuse to settle for the ordinary. They are symbols of innovation, artistry, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the world of spirits.

  • Can you share any innovative techniques or unique ingredients you've used in your distillation process to create distinctive flavors in Nomad and Portal?

Portal Gin sets itself apart through its meticulous selection of botanicals, including three distinct roots: Angelica, ginger, and liquorice, along with the infusion of thyme herb.. What truly distinguishes Portal Gin is the solid base flavor created by this carefully balanced botanical blend, a characteristic that sets it apart from other Indian gins. 

Nomad Rum takes a bold and innovative approach to distillation by combining two distinct elements that are not typically found together in the world of rum. Firstly, it undergoes aging in Jamaican barrels, allowing it to absorb the rich, complex flavors characteristic of Jamaican rum. This aging process imparts notes of caramel, toffee, and depth to Nomad. However, what truly surprises and distinguishes Nomad is the infusion with Hinoki, a species of cypress tree native to Japan. This infusion introduces an entirely unexpected and delightful aroma to the rum. 

  • What’s the one point in the distilling process that’s most important?

As a Distiller the most important part during the distillation process is to understand the temperature and the time when different aromas are extracted, so only the notes that I want to extract go the commercial liquid.

  • How do you stay updated on industry trends and new developments in distillation techniques? Can you provide examples of how you've incorporated new trends into your distillery?

Belonging to trade bodies helps stay up to date. I am a member of several international organizations such as The Gin Guild, Institute of Brewing & Distilling (IBD) and the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET). In terms of techniques assembling an entire industrial copper Holstein still was new for me! 

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