“Sadhanam onnum konduvannille?”
Every Malayali who’s flown back home has heard that line at least once. Usually accompanied by a smile and a subtle nudge. A cultural expectation of sorts. And of course, it almost always means liquor.
Now, there’s a brand that’s making this question easier to answer. Manavatty, the UK’s favourite Indian-style arrack, has officially landed at Kochi Duty Free.
We’re super excited that Manavatty is finally here. And it’s got a story worth raising a glass to.
A New Take on Kerala’s Vat Culture
Manavatty is a premium spirit inspired by Kerala’s traditional toddy-based brews, known as vat, but it’s crafted in the UK.
Vat been around for ages in Kerala, often brewed in secrecy, passed around quietly, and enjoyed with caution. Most of it, sadly, has always existed in the shadows. And, it us unregulated and unsafe.
Manavatty aims to change that.
It’s the first commercially produced Indian arrack, made in the UK with all the necessary quality checks in place. It’s made purely from grain, has zero added sugars or artificial flavors, and boasts a smooth 44% alcohol content. In short: it’s clean, it’s classy, and it packs a nostalgic punch. The drink captures the naadan essence of vat while giving it a global upgrade.
Also Read: Paul P. John: The Malayali Visionary Who Put Indian Whisky on the World Map
The Founder of Manavatty
Behind this bold idea is John Xavier, a Kochi native from Kadavanthra. He moved to the UK over two decades ago, and like many expats, missed the flavours of home, especially toddy and vat.
In 2019, he opened a full-fledged Kerala-style toddy shop in Northampton, complete with banana leaf meals and that unmistakable toddy-shop energy. The place became a hit, not just among Malayalis, but with locals too.
John soon realised something important. Indian-style liquor had no proper representation in the UK’s booming alcohol market. So he launched London Barron Ltd, and by 2023, Manavatty was born. John was able to combine Kerala’s traditional brewing techniques with the cutting-edge distillation techniques of the UK- and the response was phenomenal.
The name Manavatty isn’t random either. It’s a tribute to the drink’s roots. “Mana” stands for natural energy and “Vati” is a nod to the traditional fermentation practices perfected by Kerala’s toddy makers. Together, it’s a name that reflects both heritage and innovation.
Manavatty’s launch in the UK was met with overwhelming enthusiasm. It quickly caught the attention of both the Indian diaspora and local British drinkers, becoming something of a cult favourite. Back in Kerala, social media buzzed with curiosity and pride. Bottles were carried across borders in check-in bags, gifted like prized artefacts.
Must read: Alcohol Brands Started By NRI Malayalis
Now Available at Kochi Airport’s Duty Free
With vat still prohibited in Kerala, most people in the state never had a chance to legally taste it…until now.
With Manavatty now officially available at Cochi International Airport’s duty-free store, things are changing. Passengers flying into Kerala can now skip the last-minute liquor hunt abroad and avoid worrying about excess baggage. Instead, they can pick up a bottle of Manavatty tax-free as soon as they land.
So the next time someone asks, “Sadhanam onnum konduvannille?”, you’ll know what to say.
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