Thiruvananthapuram: Following the massive success of Jawan Rum, the Kerala government is all set to launch its newest liquor brand, ‘Minnal Magic’ Brandy. Aimed at providing quality liquor at an affordable price, Minnal Magic is expected to be available across the state by the end of this month.

Minnal Magic Launch: Key Highlights

• Initial Launch: In the first phase, the government will release 500ml (half-liter) bottles.
• Price: The 500ml bottle of Minnal Magic is priced at ₹400.
• Production Capacity: Initial production is set at 9,000 cases per day, with plans to scale up to 13,500 cases based on demand.
• Availability: The brand will be sold exclusively through BEVCO (Kerala State Beverages Corporation) outlets and Consumerfed shops.

Affordable Quality for Consumers

Produced at the Malabar Distilleries in Chittur, Palakkad, Minnal Magic is the government’s latest venture into the affordable liquor segment. The move is designed to offer a high-quality alternative to expensive private brands while boosting state revenue.

According to officials, the distribution will commence as soon as the stock reaches the warehouses. While only half-liter bottles are being introduced now, the government plans to launch one-liter bottles in the next phase after assessing the initial market response.

High Demand Expected

Similar to the iconic ‘Jawan’ brand, Minnal Magic has already generated significant buzz among consumers in Kerala. With its competitive pricing of ₹400 for 500ml, it is expected to become one of the top-selling brands in the state’s budget segment.

Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that the Southwest Monsoon 2026 is likely to arrive over parts of the South Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands by the end of this week. As the monsoon nears, Kerala is bracing for a spell of heavy rainfall starting from mid-May.

Heavy Rainfall Warning: May 14 to 16

According to the latest bulletin from the IMD, isolated heavy rain is expected across Kerala between May 14 and May 16, 2026. Authorities have advised residents in hilly and low-lying areas to remain vigilant as the intensity of the showers is likely to increase during this period.

Low-Pressure Area and Cyclonic Circulation

The weather office has identified two major atmospheric systems currently influencing the region’s weather pattern:

• Low-Pressure Area (LPA): A low-pressure system is currently persisting over the Southwest Bay of Bengal. It is expected to intensify further within the next 48 hours, potentially bringing more moisture and wind towards the southern peninsula.
• Cyclonic Circulation: An upper-air cyclonic circulation is situated over South Karnataka at an altitude of 5.8 km above sea level. This system is contributing to the unstable weather conditions and pre-monsoon activity in Kerala.

Thunderstorms and High-Speed Winds

Over the next five days, Kerala and Mahe are expected to experience isolated thunderstorms accompanied by lightning. The IMD has also warned of gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 50 km/h.

Thiruvananthapuram: In a major move that brings relief to consumers in Kerala, the prices of over 43 liquor brands have been slashed. The Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) implemented the price revision today following recommendations from various liquor manufacturing companies.

Major Price Cuts for Popular Brands

The price reduction applies to several popular and premium brands, including Old Monk, Old Port, Officer’s Choice, and Lamont. According to the updated price list:

• Popular Brands: Prices for 500ml bottles of several mass-market brands have dropped by ₹10.
• General Reduction: Many brands have seen a price cut of ₹20 per litre.
• Premium Segment: Certain premium liquor brands have seen a significant decrease ranging from ₹30 to ₹50.

Bevco confirmed that the price revision has already been updated in their billing software across all outlets in the state. The decision to cut prices comes as private companies aim to boost sales following a slight dip in demand over the last few months.

The Jawan Rum Crisis: Stocks Run Dry

While the price drop is being welcomed, the state is facing a severe shortage of the government-manufactured Jawan Deluxe Rum, the most popular choice among commoners.

• 80% Outlets Out of Stock: Currently, nearly 80% of Bevco outlets have no stock of Jawan Rum.
• Production Halt: The shortage is attributed to a water crisis at the production plant in Thiruvalla, which has forced the distillery to cut production by half.
• The 1-Litre Struggle: While 750ml (full) bottles are occasionally available at ₹490, the highly sought-after 1-litre bottle (₹630) is almost impossible to find.

Furthermore, the much-anticipated new government brand, ‘Minnal Magic’, which was supposed to be launched from the Palakkad Menonpara plant, has been delayed by several months, adding to the frustration of consumers.