The Rise Of Homegrown Whiskies In India

There was a time when Indian whisky was rarely part of a serious conversation. It existed and was widely consumed; however, it didn’t always carry the same weight as its international counterparts. If anything, it was often seen as a more accessible alternative rather than something you would actively seek out. Preferences were shaped by a long-standing hierarchy, where global labels set the standard, and everything else followed.

Somewhere along the way, that perception has shifted. Today, Indian whisky is no longer positioned as an alternative but competes with international players. Indian whiskies dominated the World Whiskies Awards 2025, with Amrut Peated Single Malt Cask Strength winning "Best Indian Single Malt", Bacardi’s LEGACY won Gold in the Blended category, and others were Indri Founder’s Reserve 11YO (Category Winner), DŌAAB Craft Whisky, and Paul John. From curated tastings to bar menus that proudly feature homegrown labels, the presence of Indian whisky feels more intentional than it once did.

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This shift hasn’t happened overnight. It has been shaped by a mix of legacy distilleries that laid the groundwork and a newer wave of brands that are redefining what Indian whisky can look like.

The names that built the foundation

Any conversation around Indian whisky today inevitably traces back to a few key names that helped establish its credibility. Brands like Amrut Distilleries were among the first to challenge the idea that world-class single malts could only come from traditional whisky-producing regions. With expressions like Amrut Fusion, the brand introduced a flavour profile that felt distinct, shaped as much by local conditions as by global techniques.

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Similarly, Paul John Whisky brought a different attention to Indian single malts, with its Goa-based distillery and a range of expressions that balanced approachability with complexity. Whiskies like Paul John Edited offered a gateway into the category, making it easier for newer drinkers to engage without feeling overwhelmed. Rampur Indian Single Malt, which positioned itself at the more premium end of the spectrum, emphasises craftsmanship and ageing techniques. Variants such as Rampur Double Cask reflect a more layered approach, appealing to those who are already familiar with the nuances of whisky and are looking to explore something that feels both refined and rooted in its origin.

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At the same time, the story of Indian whisky isn’t just built on single malts. It’s also shaped by the brands that made whisky a part of everyday life in the first place. McDowell’s No.1 is probably one of the most recognisable names in that space. It has been around for decades, and for a lot of people, it’s where their introduction to whisky began. Blenders Pride sits in a slightly different space. It feels a bit more polished, something people often reach for when they want something familiar but a step up. There’s a smoothness to it that makes it easy to drink, whether it’s neat, on the rocks, or with a mixer. It’s the kind of whisky that has become a go-to without needing too much. Also on the cards is Royal Stag, which has built its identity around accessibility and consistency. It’s one of those brands that shows up across settings, from casual house parties to larger gatherings. Officer's Choice, on the other hand, speaks to scale more than anything else.

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The new wave of Indian whiskies

What makes the current moment particularly interesting is the emergence of newer labels that are building on this foundation while taking it in different directions. These are not just extensions of what already exists but attempts to reshape the identity of Indian whisky in ways that feel more contemporary.

Take Indri-Trini the Three Wood, for instance, positioned as India’s first triple wood single malt, it reflects a growing interest in experimentation, particularly in how whisky is aged and finished. The focus here is not just on the final product, but on the process itself, which becomes part of the larger story the brand is trying to tell. Similarly, Godawan Single Malt introduces a slightly different narrative, one that draws from regional identity and sustainability. It signals a shift towards whiskies that are not just about taste, but also about context, where the origin and the environment play a more visible role in shaping the product.

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Alongside these, a wave of newer launches has begun to reflect how wide the category has become, not just in terms of flavour, but in the kind of identities brands are building around themselves. There is also a noticeable intersection with pop culture, with celebrity-backed labels entering the space and bringing with them a different kind of visibility.

D’YAVOL Vortex, co-founded by Aryan Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, is one such example. While positioned as a premium blended Scotch, its presence in the Indian market reflects how whisky today is as much about lifestyle as it is about the drink itself. With a profile that leans into sherried sweetness, orchard fruits, vanilla, and a touch of peat, it is designed to feel layered yet approachable.

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A similar crossover can be seen with The GlenJourneys Cask Series, co-founded by Ajay Devgn, which takes a more traditional route while still adapting to Indian preferences through cask finishes like rum, bourbon, and sherry. The result is a whisky that feels familiar but carries a certain softness and depth that appeals to evolving tastes.

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The Glenwalk Blended Scotch Whisky, co-owned by Sanjay Dutt, follows a similar space, focusing on a smooth, easy-drinking profile with subtle fruit and spice notes. These labels, while rooted in Scotch traditions, highlight how Indian consumers are increasingly open to blending heritage with contemporary branding.

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At the same time, there is movement across segments within Indian whisky itself. Brands like Madhvan Whisky represent a new wave of premium yet accessible blends, offering familiar notes of honey, vanilla, and gentle spice while staying within a price range that feels approachable for a wider audience.

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On the other end, labels such as Morpheus Premium Whisky push further into the super-premium space, focusing on smoothness, layered aromas, and a more refined overall experience. Even within the budget segment, options like Mahavat Whisky continue to hold their place, offering consistency and ease, particularly in more casual, social settings.

Even established names are continuing to evolve. Rampur 1943 Virasat, for instance, builds on legacy while introducing newer finishing techniques, bringing together tradition and experimentation in a way that reflects the direction the category is moving in.

What sets Indian whisky apart

Part of what allows Indian whisky to feel so distinct comes down to its environment. The climate plays a significant role in how whisky matures, with higher temperatures accelerating the ageing process and influencing the interaction between the spirit and the cask. This often results in whiskies that develop rich, bold, and spicy flavours, something that sets them apart from their counterparts in cooler regions.

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But beyond the technical aspects, there is also a certain openness in how Indian whisky is being shaped. There is less pressure to adhere strictly to tradition, which allows for more room to experiment. Whether it is the choice of grains, the type of casks used, or the way the final product is positioned, there is a willingness to try something different, even if it challenges conventional expectations.

What’s interesting is that this shift isn’t just happening within the industry; it’s showing up very clearly in the way people are actually consuming whisky now. You see it in bars where Indian labels are no longer tucked away but placed right alongside international ones, sometimes even leading the menu. Bartenders are more comfortable recommending them, not as an alternative, but as a first choice.

It shows up in more casual settings, too. At house parties or small gatherings, it’s no longer unusual to see someone bring an Indian single malt instead of the usual international bottle. There’s also a certain curiosity that wasn’t as visible before. People are more open to trying different Indian whiskies.

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Indian whisky does not feel like it is trying to catch up anymore. If anything, it feels like it is moving at its own pace, shaped by a mix of legacy and experimentation. The presence of established names provides a sense of continuity, while newer launches keep pushing the category forward, ensuring that it does not become predictable. But even without looking too far ahead, it is clear that the space Indian whisky occupies today is very different from where it once stood.