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India is the world’s largest consumer of whisky, according to Statista. That's right, we knock back a whopping 46 per cent of the world's total consumption. With that said, we know there's a market dominated by blends both — domestic and international, to lure whisky aficionados. While international ones have their befitting place in the market, Indian whisky brands carve their path.
We're talking about smooth, easy-drinking options perfect for beginners, or complex single malts that rival the best in the world. But where do you even start? This guide will be your compass, navigating you through the thrilling world of Indian whisky brands. So, ditch the ordinary and get ready for a whisky adventure unlike any other.
Here is the list of the 10 best Indian whisky brands
Amrut
A craft Indian whisky brand lauded for its bold flavors.
Type: Single Malt
Highlights: Amrut is one of India’s first single malts and is globally renowned. Its flagship product, "Amrut Fusion," combines Indian and Scottish barley, offering a balance of smoky and fruity notes.
History: Established in 1948 in Bengaluru, Amrut was a pioneer in putting Indian whisky on the global map.
Famous Whiskies: Amrut Fusion, Amrut Spectrum and Amrut Madeira Finish
Price Range (750 ml): INR 3600 to INR 7000 (USD 45 to USD 85) approximately
How It’s Made: Amrut uses Indian barley grown at the foothills of the Himalayas, which is distilled and aged in oak barrels under tropical conditions, accelerating maturation.
Flavour Profiles:
| Flavour Profile | Notes |
|---|---|
| Aroma | Vanilla, citrus, and spice |
| Palate | Caramel, oak, and fruit |
| Finish | Long and warming |
Indri
Himalayan single malt offering flavours of fruit, spice, and oak.
Type: Single Malt
Highlights: Known for its triple cask finish (ex-bourbon, wine, and PX sherry), Indri offers a complex flavor profile.
History: Produced by Piccadilly Distilleries in Haryana, Indri is a recent addition to India’s premium whisky segment.
Famous Whiskies: Indri-Trini
Price Range (750 ml): INR 3000 to INR 5400 (USD 36 to USD 65) approximately
How It’s Made: Made using locally sourced barley and aged in multiple casks to create a layered flavor experience.
Flavour Profiles:
| Flavour Profile | Notes |
|---|---|
| Aroma | Dried fruits, vanilla, and spices |
| Palate | Honey, nuts, and dark chocolate |
| Finish | Smooth with a touch of oak and wine |
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Paul John
The whisky brand known for it's smooth texture and tropical fruit notes, with hints of spice.
Type: Single Malt
Highlights: Crafted in Goa, Paul John’s whiskies are known for their tropical and coastal influences. The "Bold" and "Brilliance" variants are top choices.
History: Launched in 2012, Paul John quickly gained international recognition for its high-quality single malts.
Famous Whiskies: Paul John Brilliance, Paul John Bold, Paul John Nirvana
Price Range: INR 3000 to INR 12000 (USD 36 to USD 140) approximately and upwards, depending on the rarity.
How It’s Made: Made using Indian six-row barley and aged in American oak casks in Goa’s tropical climate, which imparts distinct flavors.
Famous Whiskies: Paul John Single Malt and Paul John Mithuna (World's 3rd Finest Whisky)
Flavour Profiles:
| Flavour Profile | Notes |
|---|---|
| Aroma | Honey, apricots, and spice |
| Palate | Malt, chocolate, and orange peel |
| Finish | Crisp and smoky |
Kamet
Indian single malt boasting flavours of fruit and spice with a nutty finish.
Type: Single Malt
Highlights: Kamet is known for its smooth texture and unique maturation process, which uses ex-wine and ex-sherry casks.
Famous Whiskies: Kamet Indian Single Malt
Price Range (750 ml): INR 2999 to INR 5400 (USD 33 to USD 67) approximately
How It’s Made: Distilled using six-row barley and aged in a combination of French oak, sherry, and wine casks for complexity.
Flavour Profiles:
| Flavour Profile | Notes |
|---|---|
| Aroma | Floral, honey, and spices |
| Palate | Red berries, vanilla, and dark chocolate |
| Finish | Smooth with a touch of oakiness |
Heads Up: For now, finding Kamet might be an adventure in itself, with availability limited to select regions like Goa, Maharashtra, and Haryana. But trust us, the discovery is worth the effort.
Godawan
Indian single malt with spicy warmth balanced with creamy vanilla notes.
Type: Single Malt
Highlights: Crafted in Rajasthan, Godawan emphasizes sustainability, using locally sourced ingredients and traditional methods.
Famous Whiskies: Godawan Single Malt Rich and Rounded Artisan Whisky and Godawan Fruit And Spicy Whisky Godawan Desert Select
Price Range (750 ml): INR 5,400 to INR 5,500 (USD 65 to USD 67) approximately
How It’s Made: Aged in ex-bourbon barrels under the desert climate, which enhances evaporation and intensifies flavors.
Awards: Recently, their single malt whisky named Godawan Century was declared World's Best Single Malt at the 2024 London Spirits Competition.
Flavour Profiles:
| Flavour Profile | Notes |
|---|---|
| Aroma | Honey, dried fruits, and oak |
| Palate | Spices, caramel, and toasted nuts |
| Finish | Long with a hint of desert dryness |
GianChand
Indian whisky brand with delicate sweetness, with a hint of spice.
Type: Blended Whisky
Highlights: GianChand is a hidden gem, crafted with precision to deliver a luxurious drinking experience.
Famous Whiskies: GianChand Indian Single Malt and GianChand Reserve
Price Range (750 ml): INR 4,490 to INR 5,200 (USD 54 to USD 63) approximately
How It’s Made: A blend of Indian grain spirits and Scotch malts, matured in oak barrels.
Flavour Profile:
| Flavour Profile | Notes |
|---|---|
| Aroma | Malt, honey, and soft spices |
| Palate | Creamy, with hints of caramel |
| Finish | Mellow and lingering |
Heads Up: Currently, this Indian whisky brand can only be bought in Ladakh, Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Delhi.
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Rampur Distillery
Indian single malt that offers tropical twist on classic spice.
Type: Single Malt
Highlights: Produced by Radico Khaitan, Rampur captures the essence of Indian heritage. Its "Double Cask" variant is especially revered.
History: Rampur is one of India’s oldest distilleries, established in 1943.
Famous Whiskies: Rampur Indian Single Malt Whisky, Rampur Asava, Rampur Double Cask Single Malt Whisky and Rampur Select
Price Range (750 ml): INR 1,000 to INR 5,00,000 (USD 12 to USD 6100) approximately
How It’s Made: Distilled in traditional copper pot stills and matured in oak barrels under the subtropical conditions of Uttar Pradesh.
Fun Fact: They boast one of the largest malt spirit maturation units, capable of handling a staggering 2.6 million litres annually.
Flavour Profiles:
| Flavour Profile | Notes |
|---|---|
| Aroma | Apple, dried fruits, and spice |
| Palate | Creamy vanilla and oak |
| Finish | Smooth with a hint of pepper |
Cotombi Reserve
Indian whisky brand with a hint of charred coconut.
Type: Premium Blended Whisky
Highlights: Known for its rich and velvety flavor, Cotombi Reserve is crafted in small batches.
Famous Whiskies: Cotombi Reserve Premium and Old Oak Cotombi Reserve Charred Whisky
Price Range: INR 2,500 - INR 4,000 approximately and upwards, depending on the rarity.
How It’s Made: A blend of imported malts and Indian grains, aged under tropical conditions for depth.
Flavour Profiles:
| Flavour Profile | Notes |
|---|---|
| Aroma | Sweet, with hints of oak |
| Palate | Rich, with notes of dried fruits |
| Finish | Smooth and satisfying |
Crazy Cock
Indian whisky with a spicy kick and a touch of sweetness.
Type: Blended Whisky
Highlights: Popular for its affordability and bold flavor profile, Crazy Cock is a favorite among budget-conscious drinkers.
Famous Whiskies: Crazy Cock Rare Whisky and Crazy Cock Dhua Whisky
Price Range (750 ml): INR 8,900 to INR 10,000 (USD 107 to USD 120) approximately and upwards, depending on the rarity.
How It’s Made: A mix of Indian grain spirits and imported malts for a robust taste.
| Flavour Profile | Notes |
|---|---|
| Aroma | Earthy, with a touch of malt |
| Palate | Bold, with hints of spice |
| Finish | Short and sharp |
Radiant Manufacturers
This Indian whisky brand offers bold and smoky flavours.
Type: Blended Whisky
Highlights: A relatively new player, Radiant Manufacturers focuses on high-quality blends for the premium market.
Famous Whiskies: Castle Hill’s Dark Knight Whisky
Price Range: INR 2,000 - INR 4,000 (approx.)
How It’s Made: Crafted using a mix of Indian grains and imported malts, matured in carefully selected barrels.
Flavour Profiles:
| Flavour Profile | Notes |
|---|---|
| Aroma | Sweet, with a hint of vanilla |
| Palate | Balanced, with notes of honey |
| Finish | Smooth and delicate |
Now that you’ve traversed through India’s top whisky brands, isn’t it amazing how each bottle carries a unique personality? Whether it’s Amrut’s boldness, Paul John’s coastal charm, or Rampur’s elegant heritage, Indian whiskies are more than just beverages—they’re stories bottled up, ready to be savored. So, the next time you’re choosing a whisky, skip the usual suspects and go for something extraordinary, something Indian. Trust us, every sip is a celebration of craft, culture, and creativity. Here’s to good company, great conversations, and even better whisky—cheers!
Disclaimer: At ZeeZest, we do not promote or endorse drinking habits. We firmly believe in the importance of responsible consumption and awareness. Please remember that drinking alcohol can be injurious to your health. We encourage all our readers to make informed and responsible choices regarding alcohol consumption.