10 months ago
India's Top Whiskey Linked to Convicted Murderer Manu Sharma
Imagine a really good whiskey from India called Indri that has won international awards for its amazing taste.
But, the person who made it, named Manu Sharma, has a dark past.
He went to jail for a very long time because he committed a terrible crime many years ago.
Some people feel it's wrong to buy this whiskey and make him richer because of what he did.
They think people who do bad things should do extra good things to make up for it.
But, others say that after serving his punishment, Manu Sharma has the right to work and make a living like anyone else.
They believe he has paid his debt to society and should be allowed to move on.
Indri, India's first internationally successful single malt whiskey, has won gold at the Tokyo Whiskey & Spirits Competition 2025 and received praise in New York.
The whiskey is produced by Piccadily Distilleries and is the brainchild of Manu Sharma.
Manu Sharma previously served 16 years in jail for the murder of model Jessica Lall in 1999.
Sharma's involvement with the alcohol industry, given the circumstances of his crime, has sparked controversy and moral debate.
Despite the controversy, Sharma has served his sentence and is legally entitled to re-enter the workforce.
- Who
- Manu Sharma, founder of Piccadily Distilleries and Indri whiskey; Jessica Lall (victim)
- What
- The international success of Indri whiskey, produced by Piccadily Distilleries, is shadowed by its connection to Manu Sharma, who served 16 years for murder.
- Where
- India (production); Tokyo and New York (awards)
- When
- The murder occurred in 1999; Sharma served 16 years; Indri won awards in 2025.
- Why
- Sharma is pursuing a career in the alcohol industry after his release from prison, leading to debate about supporting businesses founded by individuals with criminal pasts.
Moral Objections
Legal and Societal Reintegration
Business Association
Moral Objections
It is offensive to spend money on or support a product made by someone who committed a heinous crime, especially given the criminal's association with alcohol in the act.
Legal and Societal Reintegration
Manu Sharma has served his sentence and is legally entitled to re-enter the workforce and pursue any career, including in the alcohol industry.
Personal Atonement
Moral Objections
In an ideal world, people convicted of serious crimes should demonstrate exceptional atonement through good deeds and a higher purpose in their 'second acts' to be considered redeemed.
Legal and Societal Reintegration
After serving 16 years in jail, Sharma has earned the right to re-entry into society and the workforce without continued judgment or restriction on his career path.
Key facts
- Whiskey Name
- Indri
- Producer
- Piccadily Distilleries
- Founder/Owner
- Manu Sharma
- Manu Sharma's Conviction
- Murder of model Jessica Lall
- Sharma's Sentence Served
- 16 years
- Awards
- Gold at Tokyo Whiskey & Spirits Competition 2025, praise in New York
Quotes
Aficionados
Aficionados of single malt whiskey
“Indri, as a richly textured blend of caramel and honey, with hints of almond butter.”
indianexpress.com
