According to the sobering Scotch Whisky Association figures, Scottish whisky makers exported 219 million bottles to India, up by some 60% from 2021. This means, in volume, India now surpasses France – well, who would have thought wine-drinking France – as the biggest consumer of Scotch. The US remains top in terms of value, with India fifth in the reckoning, trailing behind the likes of China. Much of this push towards Scotch mirrors the growing spending power of Indians. So, in with single malts, and conversation veering towards ‘Can you taste the peatiness of this 22-year-old?’ from ‘Arrey bhai, have another Patiala!’ Here’s to good desi Scotch consumption. Never mind Gujarat and Bihar.