Shankar Distillers LLC

Shankar Distillers is a premium whiskey and spirits distillery based in Troy, Michigan, founded by entrepreneur Varchasvi Shankar. The company represents a unique fusion of Eastern heritage and Western craftsmanship, a concept born from Shankar's passion for American whiskey and his Indian roots. After a successful career in the technology sector as the founder of the global IT solutions company V2Soft, Shankar pursued his long-held dream of creating a world-class American whiskey that could be shared globally, particularly in his home country of India. The distillery, which officially opened in July 2024, is the first in the United States to be owned and opened by an Indian immigrant, marking a significant milestone in the American spirits industry.

The core philosophy of Shankar Distillers is to blend time-honored distilling traditions with modern technology and innovation. The distillery produces a range of spirits under its flagship brand, Varchas, including Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Straight Rye Whiskey, vodka, and gin. The ingredients are locally sourced, with corn from Michigan's Thumb area and barley from Traverse City, combined with fresh water from the Great Lakes to create a distinctive flavor profile. The brand's packaging reflects its dual-culture identity, featuring a double-headed eagle, a symbol from the Mysore Kingdom in India, and a collectible American eagle stopper. Varchas Whiskeys have already garnered international acclaim, winning gold medals at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The distillery itself is a state-of-the-art facility, featuring a 14,500-square-foot space that includes a tasting room, private event space, and a prominent 45-foot continuous distillation column. Shankar Distillers aims not only to produce exceptional spirits but also to create a unique cultural and tasting experience for visitors, contributing to Michigan's growing reputation as a destination for craft spirits.