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Old Durbar is proud to collaborate with renowned Nepali artist, Samundra Man Singh Shrestha, to unveil its latest 15 Year Old Blended Scotch whisky.

Samundra Man Singh Shrestha

A PAUBHA ART LEGEND

Born in 1980 in Raktakali, Kathmandu, Nepali artist Samundra Man Singh Shrestha discovered his passion for art at the age of fourteen, when he attended his first art class, which left a lasting impression that shaped his life and artistic journey.

Shrestha’s talent lies in his ability to blend traditional Newari Paubha painting with contemporary techniques. His recent work explores the rich narratives of deities and cultural heritage, going beyond established genres by skillfully bridging past and present. An internationally acclaimed artist, his award winning works have been featured in prestigious collections worldwide.

WHISKY MEETS ART

Samundra Man Singh Shrestha brings his creative vision to life through this unique collaboration with Old Durbar, embracing it as an exciting artistic challenge.

The Old Durbar 15 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky serves as the perfect canvas for his craft, seamlessly incorporating the intricacies of Paubha art, inspired by Nepal’s deep heritage.

“I was particularly touched by the brand name, Old Durbar. Staying true to the brand’s legacy, I integrated traditional elements that honour our rich cultural heritage. I hope this inspires people to appreciate the rich history and traditions of Nepali art,” Shrestha shares.

AN ODE TO NEPAL’S CULTURAL HERITAGE

For this collaboration, Samundra Man Singh Shrestha draws inspiration from Nepal’s rich cultural heritage and the works of senior artists.

Inspired by previous generations of artists who mastered their craft, he merged traditional elements and iconic motifs seen in ancient woodwork, sculptures and metalwork around the valley.

THE ARTWORK

Titled “The Mythical Creatures”, Samundra Man Singh Shrestha’s artwork honours symbolic and supernatural beings from both animate and inanimate worlds. It features mythical creatures like the Sardul and Makara, along with symbolic icons such as the Peacock and Elephant that are prominent features of Nepal’s cultural heritage.

Makara, depicted with the mouth of a crocodile, body of a fish, tail of a peacock and paws of a panther, and Sardul, represented with the face of a garuda, body of a lion, horn of a goat, and wings of a flying horse, are mythical creatures commonly featured as guardian deities at temple entrances and traditional stone water spouts in Nepal.

Alongside these creatures, the depiction of the five elements — Earth, Water, Fire, Air (clouds), and Sky (the dark background) — symbolises the building blocks of both the physical and spiritual worlds. The artwork serves not only as a tribute to our ancestry, but also celebrates Nepal’s essence, identity, and uniqueness.

THE EXCLUSIVE BLEND

Old Durbar 15 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky is a sophisticated blend of single malt and single grain whiskies, aged for 15 years in ex-bourbon casks and finished in two sherry casks — Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez.

This whisky offers a deep, layered flavour, balancing smoothness with a rounded finish. It reveals notes of sweet vanilla, oak, spice, dried fruits, and a hint of peat smoke.