Join Ashok and Neelash on their USA Tour

TOUR CALENDAR

BOSTON Oct 3rd - Oct 5th

DALLAS Oct 6th - Oct 8th

HOUSTON Oct 9th - Oct 11th

ATLANTA Oct 12th - Oct 13th

WASHINGTON Oct 15th - Oct 19th

LAS VEGAS Oct 21st - Oct 22nd

FLORIDA Oct 23rd - Oct 24th

Who are Ashok and Neelesh?

ASHOK CHOKALINGAM 

Head Distiller & Head of International Sales 

Ashok Chokalingam joined Amrut Distilleries in February 2004 as Territory Manager – Sales and Marketing, responsible for marketing and logistics for the EU market. He assumed responsibility for International Sales and Marketing in Feb 2007. Ashok assumed the position of Head of Distilling in June 2019 and assumed complete responsibility for single malts and premium brands from distillation to blending and bottling. Ashok spent two decades in the international markets and brought many novel ideas to whisky making, particularly in maturation techniques. He is single-handedly responsible for the creation of, to name a few, ever-popular Amrut Spectrum, Naarangi, from conceptualization, production, branding, and packaging. As a widely respected individual within the whisky world for putting India on the map of the world of single malts, he was awarded ‘Icons of Whisky’, Whisky Ambassador of the Year in 2012 and 2016 by Whisky Magazine, U.K. Perhaps the only one who represents India and the world of whiskies got this coveted award two times. He was also awarded with Icons of Whisky Master Distiller / Blender of the Year 2022 in the Indian chapter of Whisky Magazine, U.K. 

Born in Tamil Nadu, India, Ashok has vast workplace experience in several fields, including information technology (IT) and engineering, plus academic qualifications in Mechanical Engineering and Business management. Ashok completed an MBA at Newcastle Business School, UK, in December 2002, having been awarded an international post-graduate scholarship by the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne. Ashok is an active member of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling, London member.

Ashok is an avid golfer and squeezes in any possible time available for a round of golf. 

NEELESH SARAN

Assistant Business Development Manager for North America

Neelesh Saran is the Assistant Business Development Manager for North America at Amrut Distilleries. With an MSc in Automotive Engineering from Coventry University, UK, and a B.E in Mechanical Engineering from M.S.R.I.T Bangalore, Neelesh applies his analytical skills and technical knowledge to interpret market trends, consumer preferences and quality control processes. This unique background enables him to bridge the gap between traditional distilling methods and modern engineering principles, contributing to Amrut's reputation for innovation in the spirits industry.

Extensively trained by Amrut's Master Distiller, Ashok Chokalingam, Neelesh is responsible for expanding Amrut's North American presence through market analysis, distributor relationships, and conducting master classes. His role combines technical knowledge with a deep understanding of Amrut's production processes, allowing him to effectively communicate the brand's unique qualities to distributors and consumers alike.
Neelesh's journey with whisky began with Amrut Fusion, which remains a significant milestone in his appreciation for fine spirits. Currently, his favourite from the Amrut range is the Amrut Bagheera, showcasing his evolving palate and intimate knowledge of the brand's portfolio.
Outside of work, Neelesh is a car enthusiast and basketball player. He's also an avid cook, experimenting with fusion cuisine that blends his Indian heritage with global flavors – a passion that mirrors Amrut's innovative approach to whisky-making.

Neelesh's diverse background in engineering and his personal interests contribute significantly to Amrut's growth and innovation in the North American market, one of the company's key strategic regions.