highlights
It is named after the Great Indian Bustard, an extinct bird of Rajasthan.
The name of the bird in the local language is Godavan and the liquor is named after it.
Chaitanya Raj, a scion of the Jaisalmer royal family, has been working to promote conservation efforts.
Godawan Single Malt Whiskey: Godavan Single Malt Whiskey. This name may sound a little different, but the taste of this whiskey is excellent. It is named after the Great Indian Bustard, a rare or extinct bird of Rajasthan. Actually, in the local language the name of the bird is Godavan and the liquor is named after it. It is also made in Rajasthan only.
According to BBC.com, this whiskey promises to satisfy you as well as help save an endangered bird. The Great Indian Bustard has been marked as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List. Once commonly found in the scrubland areas of Rajasthan, the dry desert state of western India, the bird has been hunted to extinction for food and sport.
was in the race to become the national bird
One of the heaviest flying birds in the world, the Godavan can reach a length of up to 1.2 meters and weigh up to 15 kilograms. Known for its long legs and long neck extending from its brown body, this bird will not win any beauty contest, but at one time it was in the running to be declared the national bird of India.
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Whiskey launched in 2023
But according to recent estimates, there are hardly 100 Godavans left in India. The alcoholic name, Godavan Whiskey, was created in early 2023 as part of corporate conservation efforts for the Great Indian Bustard. It is a single malt distilled using locally grown barley and methods requiring minimal water in the city of Alwar, Rajasthan. It also contains a gin-like extract of Indian botanicals, which is said to have the flavors of raisins, figs, apricots and caramel.
Jaisalmer royal family’s efforts
Chaitanya Raj Singh, a descendant of the Jaisalmer royal family (44th king) and social entrepreneur, is trying to save the Great Indian Bustard. Chaitanya Raj Singh works with Godavan whiskey maker, Diageo, to promote conservation efforts. He says the company is coordinating with the Indian Ministry of Environment and Wildlife to protect grasslands, the Great Indian Bustard’s preferred habitat, so the birds can have more space to breed and, hopefully, thrive .
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Will be successful in saving the bird
Referring to the Royal Bengal Tiger, Chaitanya Raj Singh said, “This conservation initiative is a step in the right direction. And we hope that we will be able to save the bird. Just like it happened for tigers when they were on the verge of extinction in India.” Diageo says that every bottle we make contributes to the conservation of this bird.
Chaitanya Raj Singh says that this whiskey, with its smoothness, is suitable to be enjoyed with red meat like red wine. Chaitanya Raj Singh likes it with his signature Lal Maas (red meat) canapés, a modern take on the classic mutton curry found throughout Rajasthan. It is said that this dish originated in the royal kitchen.
how much is the price
Godavan single malt whiskey is a bit expensive for Indian lovers. Its 750 ml bottle is available for Rs 5400 in Mumbai. The price of Godavan in Delhi is Rs 4900. Diageo proudly calls it the “Spirit of the Desert”. The spirit of Rajasthan with its culture, people and ecology permeates the character and taste of its liquids.
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Tags: alcohol, liquor, Rajasthan news, wine
FIRST PUBLISHED: February 26, 2024, 13:27 IST
