Cheer up—now you don’t have to pay a pretty penny for your glass of neat scotch! India has now approved a deal with the United Kingdom that will make your Friday nights out a little less costly, a move welcomed by all of us who pay for our drinks with our teeth. Looking forward to the weekend? Keep reading to see how your Scotch is about to get smoother than your best one-liner, without leaving your wallet out in the cold!
Why is Scotch whiskey going to get cheaper in India?
Scotch whiskey imported to India from the United Kingdom would be available to Indian customers at a reduced price of 75 per cent as a result of the signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between India and the United Kingdom today. So why did this happen? Scotch imports are exempt from the historic agreement's minimum import price (MIP) regulations, which the Indian sector had been seeking. And hold on, scotch whiskey may even get cheaper in the future as the agreement calls for an initial 25% reduction in tariffs by India, followed by a 40% reduction over the next decade. UK Scotch distillers are thrilled about the tariff cut, which will allow them to sell more whiskey in the world's largest market. In 2024–25, with a value of almost $260 million, whiskey ranked as the fifth-biggest export commodity from the United Kingdom to India.
And hold on, there’s more good news! If you prefer gin over whiskey, there’s a surprise for you too! India has agreed to cut its tariff on British whiskey and gin from 150% to 75% and then to 40% in the tenth year of the free trade agreement that was inked in London between the two countries. So how will these tariff cuts also impact Indian retailers of scotch whiskey? Yes! Both bulk imports used to make Bottled in India (BIO) goods and bottled-in-origin (BIO) products, as well as IMFL (Indian produced foreign liquor), would be subject to the new tariff system.
So, how will the price change affect me?
Too long, didn’t read? Let's delve into the specific price differences that you, the consumer, will experience! Indian consumers should anticipate little price changes for luxury brands like Johnnie Walker and Glenfiddich despite a significant drop in import levies on spirits made in the United Kingdom as a result of the recently inked India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). But why might you not experience a cost change even after these tariffs? For one thing, excise taxes continue to be a substantial source of income for state governments, and secondly, the authority to levy alcohol taxes rests with the individual states. Imported Scotch (whiskey) pricing to consumers is unlikely to vary substantially. Consumers may expect to pay between Rs 100 and Rs 300 less per bottle for imported Scotch whiskies, even after all customs duty reductions are passed on.
Now that you know the price difference that you can expect, it is time to stock up! Here are some brands that you should buy after this latest move!
Imported Scotch Whiskey brands available in India
Glenmorangie
The distillery in Rothes, Scotland, created this Speyside whiskey. The lush, golden liquid, which has been aged for a decade in bourbon barrels, is ideal either neat or on the rocks; it has a soothing flavour profile of fruits and malt. This mild dram is perfect for balmy summer nights since the liquor lingers in the tongue for a longer period of time. The strong tastes, accentuated by a touch of vanilla, enhance the lemony scent, which contributes to the product's popularity among young customers.
Bushmills
Bushmills 12 Year Old is a full-bodied, complex whiskey that has been aged in former Spanish Oloroso sherry barrels. It has fortified and sweet vinous undertones and a beautiful scent of dried fruits. Sherry, dark cocoa, and spice are prominent notes in this Irish whiskey. For those just getting into single malts, this is the ideal whiskey: mild, complex, and finished smoothly.
Jameson
During the monsoon season, instead of drinking whiskey neat, try making a tasty cocktail with bitters. Jameson Black Barrel is the ideal foundation spirit for an Old Fashioned because of its butterscotch and vanilla flavours.
The Famous Grouse
The Famous Grouse is one of the best inexpensive Scotch whiskies; you can acquire it for less than $20 a bottle. With an annual sales volume of over 2 million cases, The Famous Grouse is proud to be the best-selling Scotch whisky in Scotland. With hints of honeycomb, apple, biscuit, and tobacco, it may be used to create a wide variety of cocktails.
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Glenfiddich
When it comes to single malt Scotch whiskies, Glenfiddich 12 Year Old is up there with the finest of them. The wonderful aroma of orchard fruits, including pears, green and red apples, a hint of peaches, and a medley of sweet vanilla and cinnamon, sets the stage for an exquisite palate experience. Palate flavours of apple pie, powdered sugar, and a trace of spice from cardamom and nutmeg reflect the fruity aromas, which are light and crisp. An ideal traditional Speyside whiskey to enjoy with company, thanks to its buttery malt, dry oak, vanilla, and clove-tinged finish.