The Flavor Battle

The same amount of wine, more or less, in so many different bottles. Each with a different kick. Each of these has either aged gracefully, or evolved, or was created as a revolutionary new idea. Either way, you can be sure they will be extremely fun to experience. We have Japanese, Austrian and local varieties. Which one I prefer, I think I know the answer.

The first of these showed up as a 250ml sample. Well dressed bottle, with two chambers, and all the bells and whistles. The kick was by far the best - over 32 units of it at 11000 swigs! And what a great after taste too! Leaves you longing for more! If you have someone's else, you're bound to consider saving up and buying one yourself! But the price, dear God, was nowhere near what I expected. I guess that's the price you pay for that extra oomph. I'm not one to shell out over 3 lakh for one of those.

Technically, the first of these showed up ages ago, but who knew what to expect when the guys handing it to you couldn't tell a grape from a pumpkin. And apart from the fact that the Koreans had appointed a very Italian lay out, it had a good kick too! 30 at 10500 swigs! Though the content was thought too much for us in this country by the self-appointed guardian brains, it was tinkered down to 27. Also, at 1.8 lakh, it was a right ol deal! I fret not, because it's coming back very soon!

Then came the one with the fancy wing logo, another 250ml one this. Just one big bottle, but a fine looking one at that. The kick? 26 at 8500 swigs. I haven't had a sample yet, surprisingly, so I'll save my banter for once I have truly felt what it has to offer. I'm absolutely sure it will go down smooth though. 1.8 lakh seems like a good deal then, yeah?

One more up and coming one, made not far away from it's winged competitor is also due to arrive soon. Styled after another iconic creation, it will deliver a similar kick, but with the contents in a two-chambered bottle, it should be a completely different experience. I, for one, can't wait!

The Austrians have decided to go 200ml, but with a kick giving 25 at about 10000 swigs, and add to the fact that it isn't trying to look like everyone else, it knows what it is, and it surely knows where it's coming from. What a heritage behind it! I'd love to have one personally, and sample it where the others would probably never make it. At about 1.4 lakh a pop, it would make a good option!

The local flavor never ceases to amaze me. An unusual bottle of 220ml gives me a kick of 21 at 8500 swigs. But the list of goodies you get is bettered by none of the above. I have one and I can honestly say it could do with a LOT more, but at the same time, it has one thing the others fail to impress me with - it shows me the light; and it makes sure I see it!

I'd love to have a quick go at each of em and tell you exactly how apart they actually are, day and night. But then there's the idea of mixing drinks - it may not taste like what you expect, but it sure is a lot of fun!

Of course, some would prefer the vintage variety at a similar price! You do end up drinking twice as much for a similar kick, but that has it's own pleasure as well..


Kawasaki Ninja 250R
248.8cc liquid cooled FI parallel twin
32.5bhp / 11000rpm
22.0Nm / 8200rpm
Rs. 3,00,000

Hyosung Comet GT250
249.0cc air+oil-cooled FI V-twin
30.0bhp / 10500rpm
20.9Nm / 7500rpm
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Honda CBR 250R
249.4cc liquid cooled FI single
25.8bhp / 8500rpm
22.6Nm / 7000rpm
Rs. 1,55,000
Rs. 1,80,000 (with ABS)

Suzuki GW250
249.0cc liquid cooled FI parallel twin
26.0bhp / 8500rpm
24.2Nm / 7000rpm
Price TBC (Rs. 2,00,000 estimated)

KTM Duke 200
200.0cc liquid cooled FI single
25.5bhp / 10000rpm
20.0Nm / 8000rpm
Price TBC (Rs. 1,40,000 estimated)

Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-i
219.9cc air+oil-cooled carb single
20.8bhp / 8500rpm (19.8bhp FI)
19.1Nm / 7500rpm (7000rpm FI)
Rs. 85,000

Royal Enfield Classic 500
499.0cc air cooled FI single
27.2bhp / 5250rpm
41.3Nm / 4000rpm
Rs. 1,50,000