Radico Khaitan relaunches 1965 Lemon Dash rum with premium packaging, Assam-first rollout

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Radico Khaitan relaunches 1965 Lemon Dash rum with premium packaging, Assam-first rollout

Synopsis

Radico Khaitan is betting on nostalgia and premium aesthetics with a revamped Lemon Dash Flavoured Rum — the Gandharaj lemon-infused expression of its Monde Selection Gold-winning 1965 Spirit of Victory franchise. The Assam debut signals a push into east and south Indian markets as flavoured rum demand rises.

Key Takeaways

Radico Khaitan has relaunched its 1965 Spirit of Victory Lemon Dash Flavoured Rum with a refreshed premium identity.
The new pack features a cream-and-gold palette , Gandharaj lemon illustrations, metallic detailing and embossed glass bottles.
The relaunch debuts in Assam , with a phased rollout planned for Odisha, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal .
Lemon Dash was introduced in 2022 ; the parent 1965 franchise launched in 2017 as a tribute to Indo-Pak war veterans.
The product has won a Gold Quality Award at Monde Selection .
Available in 750 ml, 375 ml and 180 ml glass bottle formats in Assam.

Radico Khaitan Limited has unveiled a refreshed brand identity for its Lemon Dash Flavoured Rum under the 1965 Spirit of Victory franchise, debuting the new look in Assam before a phased national rollout. The revamp marks the next chapter for the company's premium flavoured rum offering, with new packaging designed to appeal to younger, taste-driven consumers.

The Heritage Behind the Brand

Originally launched in 2017 as a tribute to the soldiers of the 1965 Indo-Pak war, the 1965 Spirit of Victory franchise first entered the market through the Canteen Stores Department (CSD) before expanding commercially on the back of strong consumer demand. The franchise has since grown into what Radico Khaitan classifies as a 'Millionaire brand' within its portfolio.

Lemon Dash was introduced in 2022 as the franchise's push into the premium flavoured rum segment, built around a citrus-forward profile at a time when consumers were increasingly gravitating toward flavour-led spirits and cocktail occasions.

What Has Changed in the Refresh

The redesigned packaging features an elegant cream-and-gold palette, deep green accents, metallic detailing, and illustrated Gandharaj lemon motifs. A tall, textured glass bottle with embossed detailing and a signature roundel badge reinforce the premium positioning. The four brand pillars — Honour, Courage, Brotherhood and Glory — continue to anchor the franchise's identity.

At the product level, the expression offers a citrus-infused rum with a bright aroma, smooth texture and fresh finish, combining the character of rum with the zest of Gandharaj lemon. The product has received the Gold Quality Award at Monde Selection, lending it international credibility in the flavoured spirits category.

What the Company Said

Kunal Madan, Chief Marketing Officer of Radico Khaitan Limited, said: 'The new pack captures the contrast beautifully: the strength and character of the 1965 identity alongside the brightness of Gandharaj lemon. It is an evolution that feels true to the brand while reflecting how consumers are discovering and enjoying rum today. The launch in Assam marks the beginning of this next chapter for Lemon Dash.'

Rollout Plan and Formats Available

The refreshed Lemon Dash Flavoured Rum is currently available in Assam in three formats: a 750 ml glass bottle with mono carton, a 375 ml glass bottle, and a 180 ml glass bottle. A phased rollout is planned across key markets including Odisha, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.

The relaunch positions Radico Khaitan to capitalise on growing consumer appetite for premium and flavoured rum expressions in eastern and southern India, markets where the 1965 franchise already holds a foothold.

Point of View

Elevate the physical pack, and ride the flavoured spirits wave without touching the liquid itself. What is notable is the market sequencing: Assam first, followed by Odisha, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal — states where rum has traditionally outsold whisky and where the 1965 franchise's CSD origins carry residual credibility. The risk is the refresh staying on the shelf as visual novelty rather than driving trial; the Monde Selection gold is a useful hook but Indian consumers in these markets respond more to price-point accessibility than international awards. The real test is whether the phased rollout is backed by on-ground activation that converts younger consumers from mainstream rum into the premium flavoured segment.
NationPress
24 Sept 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 1965 Spirit of Victory Lemon Dash Flavoured Rum?
It is a citrus-infused premium rum launched in 2022 by Radico Khaitan under the 1965 Spirit of Victory franchise, built around the flavour of Gandharaj lemon. The franchise itself was established in 2017 as a tribute to soldiers of the 1965 Indo-Pak war and is classified as a Millionaire brand in Radico Khaitan's portfolio.
What has changed in the Lemon Dash refresh?
Radico Khaitan has given Lemon Dash a new premium packaging identity featuring a cream-and-gold palette, deep green accents, metallic detailing, illustrated Gandharaj lemons, and an embossed textured glass bottle with a signature roundel badge. The product formulation — a rum with Gandharaj lemon character — remains the same.
Where is the new Lemon Dash available and in what sizes?
The refreshed Lemon Dash is currently available in Assam in 750 ml, 375 ml, and 180 ml glass bottle formats. A phased rollout is planned across Odisha, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
Why has Radico Khaitan chosen eastern and southern India for the rollout?
Assam, Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu are key markets where the 1965 Spirit of Victory franchise already has a consumer base built partly through its original Canteen Stores Department distribution. These states also show strong rum consumption relative to national averages, making them natural targets for a flavoured premium extension.
Has Lemon Dash won any industry recognition?
Yes, the Lemon Dash Flavoured Rum has received a Gold Quality Award at Monde Selection, an international quality assessment organisation, lending the product credibility in the premium flavoured spirits segment.
Nation Press
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