Exclusive! Vishal Kamat Dives into India's Transforming Market, Reflects on Impactful Meeting with Jim Murray

Vishal Kamat is a prominent hospitality industry figure known for his contributions and achievements as an entrepreneur and hotelier. In an exclusive conversation, he spoke about the journal India as a changing market and key to success in the hospitality industry.

The inspiration behind the birth of this exceptional journal lies in the captivating journey undertaken by Vishal Kamat's team. While talking about the whisky journal, he said, "When our team embarked on an incredible journey, sourcing over 99 global whiskeys, I found I was forgetting each fantastic flavour as I relied on memory. A regular book wasn't helping to truly help me with my notes and suffice for capturing my tasting notes and other nuances. It prompted me to search for a suitable whiskey journal online, but I was disappointed by the lack of appealing options. Fueled by this gap in the market, our team took the idea forward and brought the journal to life."

Their arduous efforts led them to acquire a collection of more than 99 global whiskeys, each with its unique character and story housed at Merlin's Bar. Regarding the curation, Vishal added, "While I may not possess an extensive collection as one might assume, I've had the pleasure of savouring a wide variety of whiskeys over the past two decades. I owe this appreciation to my uncle, Mr Abhijit Gore, who taught me whisky drinking and helped me develop a discerning palate. As a member of a renowned global family of perfumers, he also shared insights into the intricacies of fragrances and tasting notes. Thanks to him, I embarked on my whisky journey. My catering college teachings also helped."

Vishal believes alcohol consumption in India has now become a part of social gatherings and is not associated with something that has been misused. "India's market has undergone significant changes, primarily driven by social transformations and evolving consumer behaviours, particularly in urban areas and among the aspiring middle class. Previously, alcohol consumption in India was often associated with misuse, but now it has become an integral part of social gatherings, where people enjoy it responsibly," he said.

"Additionally, the involvement of families in alcohol consumption has fostered a more responsible approach. These factors have contributed to the growth of various segments of the alcohol industry across India," he added.

While speaking about his insights on articulating contemplations pertaining to any beverage, he revealed, "I had the opportunity to engage with Jim Murray, a renowned expert on whisky and the author of the Whisky Bible. He says the essence lies in enjoying whiskey that suits your preferences. It's not about conforming to any specific liking but exploring spirits' journey and finding what resonates with your palate. There's no need for a pretentious approach; what matters is enjoying what you like and embracing the diversity of preferences."

The Orchid Hotel Mumbai is considered a trailblazing establishment. When asked about his definition of the essence of hospitality, he said, "The Orchid Mumbai has built a formidable reputation over the past 26 years, and as we approach its completion this September, it continues to stand out for its exceptional hospitality. One of the hotel's standout features has always been its food and service, particularly the food offerings. Whether it's the unique rooftop restaurant, Mostly Grills, or the famous midnight buffet, Orchid Mumbai has been a pioneer in the industry. Others have tried to replicate the concept of the midnight buffet, but they haven't achieved the same level of success."

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"The key to our success has been our commitment to providing fresh food that appeals to a diverse family audience, whether it's in our Kamat restaurant or within the ambience of a five-star hotel with restaurants such as South Of Vindhyas, the restaurant brings authentic South Indian taste to people with excellent food and service. This focus on delivering quality and freshness has made Orchid Mumbai synonymous with exceptional food experiences," he concluded.

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