Indian Whisky Brands you can Check Out this World Whisky Day

There's plenty to talk about when it comes to Irish, Scottish and Tennessee whisky. But, the spirits made in India are no less of a wonder so we're here to tell you all about Indian whisky brands that have left a mark not only in India but worldwide and have brought Indian liquor craftsmanship to light. Here are the top Indian whisky brands to try out in 2024.

Radico Khaitan

Radico Khaitan's Rampur Asava was declared the World's Best Whisky in a global competition at the John Barleycorn Awards 2023. Radico Khaitan Ltd., formerly Rampur Distillery & Chemical Company Ltd., is an Indian company that manufactures industrial alcohol, Indian Made Foreign Liquor, country liquor and fertilisers. It is the fourth largest Indian liquor company, making it a prominent name on the list of Indian whisky brands. These meticulously crafted spirits are then aged in imported American Standard Oakwood barrels. This ageing process imbues the spirits with exquisite flavours, perfect for their distinguished niche of premium brands. Radico brands are sold in more than 85 countries including the USA, Canada, South America, Africa, Europe, South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.

Amrut Fusion

Leading the charge in India's single malt revolution is Amrut, a Bengaluru-based Indian whisky brand with a rich history dating back to 1948. Initially producing a variety of spirits, Amrut turned its focus to single malts in the 1980s, becoming a pioneer in the category. They source their barley from the foothills of the Himalayas, where the cooler climate helps retain the grain's natural flavours. However, the hot and humid conditions of Bangalore accelerate maturation, allowing Amrut to achieve complex flavours in a shorter time frame compared to whiskies aged in cooler climates. Their flagship single malt, simply called Amrut Single Malt Whisky, is a great starting point, offering a delightful interplay of smoky liquorice and bourbon notes, balanced by hints of molasses, and barley, culminating in a creamy toffee finish.

Indri

Born in 2021, Indri single malt is distilled in Indri, Haryana, at the Himalayan foothills, near the Yamuna basin. The Piccadilly distillery in Haryana utilises time-tested methods to distill whisky from the unique six-row barley grown in India.  This barley imparts a slightly nutty character that sets the stage for Indri's true innovation — its maturation process. Trini, meaning three in Hindi, refers to the whisky's journey through three cask types – ex-bourbon, ex-French wine, and PX sherry. Each cask leaves its mark, with ex-bourbon lending vanilla notes, ex-wine adding a touch of pepper, and PX sherry imparting hints of blackcurrant. The result is a complex and well-rounded spirit. India's one of the best Indian whisky brands' carries hints of black tea, caramelised pineapple, and raisins.

Paul John

Paul John Distillery, established in 1992, is putting India on the single malt map, one innovative expression at a time. This Indian whisky brand ditches the typical Scottish barley and sources its six-row goodness from the Himalayas, where the cool air keeps the grain's natural sweetness intact.  But the journey doesn't end there. The casks make their way down to Goa, where the tropical climate acts like a time warp, accelerating maturation and infusing the spirit with a twist. Paul John Brilliance is a whisky that will be lapped up by those who prefer a rich and luxurious dram, you'll taste hints of oaky vanilla and intense chocolate fudge with lingering flavours of spices.

Kamet

Right from the label, the brand and the whisky reflect Indian styles. Inspired by the mighty Mount Kamet, a behemoth in the Uttarakhand, Himalayas, that stands sentinel near the distillery, this Indian whisky brand boasts a deep connection to the country's land. Kamet's mascot, the vibrant Indian parrot, reflects the rich cultural scene that thrives in the villages surrounding the Kurukshetra distillery. It's a subtle nod to the very spirit of India itself. Within the embrace of traditional copper pot stills, the whisky is gently coaxed to life, a magical transformation. Then comes the ageing process, where flavours waltz in a meticulous dance. Imagine ex-Bourbon American Oak casks serenading the spirit with whispers of vanilla and caramel sweetness, while ex-wine French Oak casks leave behind delicate hints of juicy fruit. 

Godawan

Godawan, which is Diageo India’s first artisanal single malt whisky, is an ode to the ethos of Rajasthan. Inspired too by the scarcity and sustainability of the desert state, the whisky is heated to over a hundred degrees Fahrenheit, with six-row barley that supposedly needs less water. They source six barley, a local ingredient, and mature the whisky in a combination of American ex-bourbon and European oak casks with temperatures reaching 38°C. The resulting expressions, like their Rich & Rounded and Fruit & Spice varieties, are known for their distinctive flavour profiles influenced by Rajasthan's warm climate and finished using casks infused with rare Indian botanicals. According to Tulleeho(provider of beverage education, training and consulting services in India), the whiskeys which has two variants- Rich and Rounded - are apparently fruity and spicy, respectively. They also use two local botanicals called Rasna and Jatamansi, which only adds to the exquisite flavour profile.

GianChand

Hailing from Jammu, India, GianChand is a single malt whisky brand named after its founder, Dewan Gian Chand, a visionary who championed the creation of high-quality malts in the country. Their flagship distillery, tucked away in the Himalayas on the banks of the Tawi River, benefits from the region's climate and geography. GianChand uses locally sourced ingredients and their signature long-necked copper pot stills to craft a single malt whisky known for its rich golden colour. The spirit boasts a distinctive flavour profile — a pleasant balance of sweetness, spice, and subtle peaty fruit notes — that reflects its Himalayan heritage. Currently, this Indian whisky brand can only be bought in Ladakh, Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Delhi.

Woodburns

Woodburns is a full-bodied whisky that offers a bold, smoky front, balanced by a well-rounded peated malt finish. Imagined in 2013 and created in 2019, Woodburns is a labour of love. Made at a stunning 11-acre state-of-the-art facility, this is the first product for the Indian market by Fullarton Distilleries. Fullarton is a family-run distillery based in Candepar, Goa. An award-winning whisky, Woodburns has won medals in 3 continents. The nose of their contemporary Indian whisky has subtle smoke and honeyed barley with a distinct peat underlay. Each sip is rich and sweet on the palate that lingers giving you that perfect finish. Made using 100% Indian malted barley, this whisky has a clear, deep coppery amber hue to it and is especially great for making cocktails.

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