A government-backed brandy that sparked controversy over its naming process is set to hit the market on February 21. Produced at Malabar Distillery in Palakkad, the liquor will be sold under the name Malabar Mystery. The state’s directly marketed alcohol products will be known by the abbreviation MM.
The issue first drew attention after Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) announced a ₹10,000 reward for suggestions for the brand’s name and logo, triggering public criticism.
The controversy intensified when a petition was filed in the Kerala High Court, arguing that promoting alcohol consumption is unlawful. The court subsequently imposed an interim stay on the naming contest for the new liquor. It also ordered a temporary halt to all related proceedings after reviewing the plea challenging the invitation for public entries to name the product.
