United Spirits, a major player in India's liquor market and distributor of brands like Johnnie Walker and Antiquity, reported a 27% increase in profit for the fourth quarter, amounting to ₹5.71 billion ($59.63 million) compared to ₹4.51 billion the previous year. This growth was primarily driven by heightened demand for premium liquor brands. Revenue also saw a 4.4% increase, reaching ₹68.38 billion, while expenses rose by 4.1% during the same period. The company's premium segment, which includes offerings such as Black & White whiskey and Tanqueray gin, experienced a 5% year-on-year growth in net sales value. In a strategic move, United Spirits sold its Indian Premier League franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, for $1.78 billion, aiming to concentrate on its core beverage alcohol business. Additionally, Karnataka's upcoming shift to strength-based excise taxation from April 2026 is expected to enhance pricing flexibility and support the premiumisation trend in the state's alcohol market, a change welcomed by CEO Praveen Someshwar.