You can see the ITC Grand Chola from miles away, as you drive from the Chennai airport. A giant Palace, with its majestic domes and elegant structure. As you come nearer, you can see its imposing façade like a palace, holding a treasure trove of intimate secrets. A place, which defines luxury and lifestyle, with its large spaces, understated elegance & superior service. The ITC Grand Chola, India`s recent offering to the world celebrates Responsible Luxury.
ITC Grand Chola has alomost 12 Dining outlets, across Italian, Indian and Asian, though the one that beckons me the most is Cheroot – The Malt & Cigar Lounge.
Whisky at Cheroot. With a wide selection of malts and cognacs that perfectly complement the finest of cigars, it is the ideal setting for quiet conversations or even fun evenings, personally I would prefer a boys night out!. The Cheroot celebrates the refined art of rolling Shuruttu or cigars, which Madras was once famous for. A separate Cigar Lounge, is one of the few in India.
Cheroot is a place of rich colours and subdued tones. Warm aromas of Armenteros Cigars, full bodied whiskies, relaxed and lazy ambience, beckons many a connoissuer of fine things in Llfe. You inhale the warm, coarse aroma of high quality cigars and relax with the comforting feel of a well-made drink in your hand. For the traditional wealthy of Madras to the contemporary Chennaiites, all find their peace at Cheroot. Glencairn Glasses, premium spirits and “toys” for the “boys” add to the charm of the place.
According to Ranvir Bhandari, Regional VP (South ) and General Manager ITC Grand Chola, “ ITC Grand Chola’s dining destinations in Chennai is a melting pot of global flavours and luxury beverages. This inspired the inception of The Cheroot – Malt & Cigar Lounge, which continues to appeal to the tastes of our growing clientele. An eclectic collection of culinary gems have been thoughtfully introduced, to further enhance the food & beverage pairing experience & encourage our discerning patrons appreciate, such experiences responsibly “
The Cheroot – Malt & Cigar Lounge houses an expansive library of rare whiskies and malts which include Glenfiddich 40 YO Ladyburn 1973, Laphroaig 1970, Bruichladdich 40 YO, The John Walker, Royal Salute 38 YO and Girvan Single Grain 1965 – 45YO to name a few. There is also a display of whiskies from around the world, including Japan, the United States, Canada, Ireland and Scotland.
The experience can be customized with a pick from the Glass Museum, which showcases the different types of glasses, that various types of malts, scotches, whiskies, cognacs, and brandies are traditionally served in. These glasses complement the hues and aromas of the finest of malts, making sure that you enjoy every part of the experience. The Cheroot is also home to an Absinthe Wall that pays tribute to the Green Fairy.
Exotic cheese platter, Asparagus & Emmenthal Cigarillos are popular suggestions amongst a host of culinary signatures to savor with your favorite whisky.The Signature dishes also include Whisky paired Cheese Platter, Whisky paired with Chicken Tikka, Asparagus & Emmenthal Cigarillos and Paneer Chingari.
Of late, Chennai has seen some good whisky bars, where the experience extends beyond the spirit; Cheroot is surely one of them. Enjoy Responsibly!
