The pre-cursor to this event was the Vault Biennale, previously held in 2019. Then COVID came calling,” says Keshav Prakash, founder-director of The Vault, city-based import house for world whiskies and fine spirits. “And then there was a shift: People started entertaining at home more than going out. They even stopped travelling for a while. As they worked on their home bars, they realised there was a candy shop to discover out there.”

He is right. The shift to staying in and enjoying a drink in the comfort of her own home has prompted this writer to invest in the good stuff—a never-tried-before whiskey, a minty homegrown gin... yes, please! “There are now so many craft brands, and homegrown delights,” says Prakash, “Also, it’s about offering something different to your guests. The kind of detail that usually goes into food, now goes into stocking the bar as well. It’s a conversation starter: What do you want to drink? It’s become the bookend of home entertainment.” Prakash adds that the festival, which will be held at Jio Garden on February 25 and 26, will also showcase an exquisite collection of Japanese barware. “There are 100 or so new brands to experience, and most can be sampled for free,” he says.