19 Indian Whisky Brands, Ranked

While whisky has a long history in Scotland and Ireland, India's foray into whisky production is relatively more recent, with the industry taking significant strides over the past few decades. Different grains, varied climates, and innovative production techniques are contributing to a wide spectrum of taste profiles, ranging from fruity and spicy to sweet, rich, and complex, all conspiring to help make Indian whisky unique. There's also experimentation; several Indian distilleries have shown innovative approaches, experimenting with grains, cask types, and maturation techniques with creative results. We also need to take into account India's tropical climate, which significantly impacts the whisky maturation process. Unlike Scotland's cool, damp cellars, Indian distillers face the challenge of a hot and humid climate, which leads to an accelerated aging process. The whisky interacts intensely with oak barrels, extracting flavors and aromas at a quicker pace. This climatic influence imparts a distinctly rich and complex character to Indian whiskies.

Ranking the best Indian whiskies is a subjective enterprise, with personal preferences as well as specific expressions and releases from different distilleries taken into consideration. Still, we can look at the aroma, taste, and finish of each whisky, as well as sweetness, spiciness, fruitiness, and complexity. In our time tasting Indian whiskies, we've found them to be as surprising and delightful as whiskies from Scotland, Japan, or anywhere else in the world. If you're a fan of the spirit, you should really be trying whisky from India. Here are our top Indian whiskies, ranked.

The Himalayan highlands are home to several distilleries, including Kasauli Brewery and Distillery, which has been producing Solan No. 1 for close to 200 years now. What was in the past India's most popular malt whisky is still produced using traditional Scottish methods, including the same copper pot stills that were used when the distillery was opened in the mid 19th century. They were brought there by businessman Edward Abraham Dyer, who was determined to produce a whisky as good as any from Scotland, but using local ingredients.

If you can find a bottle of the more recent offering, Solan Black, you'll recognize many of the traits associated with other whiskies from the area. A quick sniff gives up citrus notes, as well as caramel and spices, but the initial taste will reward you with black pepper and cinnamon flavors. What really stands out is the orange, which hits you right off the top, nearly masking a hint of nutmeg. That orange flavor and general sweetness stick around through the warm burn at the back of the throat. Harder to find than many of the newer brands, it's also less distinctive in many ways. The best way to enjoy this whisky might be to give it a splash of water and see how it develops.

It's possible that we wouldn't even be discussing Imperial Blue if it weren't for some genius marketing on the part of the whisky's owner, Pernod Ricard. Ever since 1995, India has banned all advertising of alcohol, but Pernod Ricard found a way to get around this in 2011 by commissioning and releasing what they called a feature-length film called "Men Will Be Men." While promoted as a movie, it was a series of ads sunk into a casually sexist narrative. Needless to say, it was a huge hit in India and elsewhere, though recent years have seen it called out as toxic.

Aside from the controversy over this complicated ad campaign, you'll taste a touch of citrus on the nose as well as a hint of caramel. Imperial Blue's status as a cool kid blend hides the fact that, like many Indian whiskies, it also makes use of Scotch malts and Indian grains. This is a fine entry-level blend, and while it's acceptable as a sipping whisky, it might be best used as an alternate choice for making Scotch cocktails.

Another blended whisky in a market glutted with them, and a top-selling brand, Officer's Choice Blue Label made its debut in the Indian market in 1985, but only really made its mark in the mid-2000s during a relaunch. Since then, it has emerged as one of the leading whisky brands, carving a niche for itself in the country's spirits landscape. A blend of Indian grain spirits, this whisky has a mild nose and grainy finish, with a hint of nuttiness, as well as strong notes from the charred oak barrels it steeps in.

There are few surprises to be found in this whisky, which has the appealing taste of fresh fruit, pepper, and vanilla coursing through each sip. It's triple distilled and thus quite smooth, and it's also sweeter compared to most of its rivals, with a slight hint of butterscotch at the finish. Its current status as one of the premier whiskies in the world of Indian spirits attests to some excellent marketing, but it's also a very good budget brand to have on hand for get-togethers. It's okay, placing it in 10th place.

A blended whisky enjoyed as much for its accessibility as affordability, McDowell's may not be as complex as the vaunted single malts on the market but it's an easy-drinker redolent with dried fruits and spices on the nose. Swirl the glass, and you'll pick up everything from warm vanilla and caramel to hints of oak and spice. This is a sweet whisky that may not appeal to everyone. That being said, it's very versatile, whether sipped neat or on the rocks, or used as a base for cocktails.

There's a velvety mouthfeel and a lingering finish in this golden-hued spirit, which makes use of imported scotch malts to augment locally produced whiskies. While it's not quite as distinctive as other Indian whiskies, it has some cachet in the world of entertainment. In the same way that Jack Daniels is the tipple of choice for many rockers, McDowell's No. 1 Reserve Whisky has become heavily associated with big Bollywood films.

"Why must the wood burn," you ask? Well, Woodburns has an answer for you in a single, smoky sip of their popular blended whisky, which happens to be aged in homegrown, charred oak barrels crafted by India's finest coopers.

Produced by Fullarton Distilleries, which is another Goan institution, Woodburns uses 100% Indian malts, though they don't reveal the source of their peat. The result is a complex palette of woodsmoke, dry oak tannins, iodine, and rich, honeyed barley that can also bring out sweet banana tones when mixed with water.

First released in 2019, this whisky has made a splash in the international spirits scene and has scored silver medals on three different continents, most recently with a silver medal at the 11th Spiritz Awards in October 2024. Being, according to its label, a "contemporary Indian whisky," just know that you're in for a ride far from bland, traditional territories and into the limitless richness of the diverse Indian terroir.

A mass-market whisky that is simple and smooth, Royal Stag is also very affordable compared to many other brands. Well balanced, with a touch of oak and sweet on the nose, it's one of the many whiskies under the banner of Pernod Rickard. Introduced to the Indian market in 1995, Royal Stag shot forward in global popularity due to its approachability and tastiness. Notes of ripe apples, pears, or other orchard fruits are apparent, as well as honey and caramel. The oak casks that the whisky matures in gives it a soft vanilla undertone.

There's a lot going on in this whisky if you allow it to linger on the tongue. Gentle hints of baking spices like cinnamon or nutmeg make their way through, and there's a sweet aftertaste that endures, leaving a pleasant and lingering impression. Royal Stag undergoes a triple distillation process, a technique that gives the product a smoother taste and a more subtle finish. It's also big in the cricket world, with marketers closely aligning the sport with the brand.

This popular single malt whisky is produced in the territory of Jammu, nestled in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. The location provides unique climatic and geographical conditions that are ideal for the production and maturation of malt spirits. DeVANS Modern Breweries (named after their founder, Dewan Gian Chand, from which the whisky also takes its name) designs and produces their own proprietary swan-neck copper pot stills, which reflect local heritage while adding to the uniqueness of its offering.

GianChand has a brilliant gold color and a delicate, sophisticated nose of gingerbread and brandy snaps, prunes, and dried apricots while finishing off with a rich honeycomb toffee and dry oak on the back end. The palate offers a delightful sweetness of pineapple drop candy with an elegant balance of barley, vanilla, and thin oils, ascending like Himalayan heights into a dry, lightly tannic dimension with touches of spice throughout. The finish takes its sweet time, allowing you to savor hints of bitter chocolate and zingy white pepper.

They say that there's nothing new under the sun, and while that might be true, there is always something that tests the boundaries. Like Sula Vineyards Eclipse, which perked up ears in 2017 due to reports that it was a "grape wine-based whisky." This isn't completely accurate; Eclipse mixes grain spirit, malt Scotch, and peated malt spirit with a dose of grape spirit, which makes it unique but not quite the proposed wine-whisky synthesis. Still, it's an indication that Indian whisky makers are very interested in seeing just how far traditional methods can be stretched.

Surprise, surprise, Eclipse is a very fruit-forward whisky, light and smooth. It probably won't win over aficionados of smokiness or peatiness, though there is an element of peat due to the malt spirit. It's on the sweeter side, with a touch of vanilla, and the scent of citrus is quite pleasing. Can you taste the grape spirit? Hard to tell unless you're blind tasting, but there is something unusual going on here. This is a hard-to-find whisky, but well worth it if you're up for an adventure.

This is a premium whiskey brand produced by Radiant Manufacturers in the unassuming village of Khatkhati, Assam, in the corridor of Northeast India tucked between Bhutan and Bangladesh. From one of the most unlikely of places, they offer a flagship called "Dark Knight," which is known for its smooth and slightly spicy combination of blackberry and coffee notes.

You'll notice we spelled this one "whiskey," as it follows in the American tradition of being based on corn, which is sourced from the nearby state of Nagaland. They also use a bamboo charcoal filtration process, similar to the process used by Jack Daniels. Castle Hill claims that their Dark Knight is the first 100% maize-based whiskey in all of India and distilled in water channeled directly to the distillery from a tributary of the holy Brahmaputra river. This unique expression is also matured in new, charred American oak and ex-bourbon casks in either two- or four-year agings. The founder, M. Chand, has worked very closely with John MacDougall, a legend in the Scotch whisky world who has over five decades of experience.

Goa is the party capital of India, so it probably comes as no surprise that some of the best spirits in the country are also produced there. Feni is the drink of choice in the southwestern state, but there are a few whiskies that have made their mark, including Royal Tiger Whisky. There's a certain aristocratic flair to Royal Tiger, likely because the water that they use comes from a spring on master distiller Craig Henriques' private estate, but it's also in the elegance of the whisky itself.

Royal Tiger is peated, but not excessively so, and beautifully structured with elements of smokiness and an almost vanilla taste intertwining through. You'll pick up a lot in this one, from a subtle nuttiness to an earthy finish, a tinge of citrus, and even coffee. Produced from grains sourced at the foothills of the Himalayas, Royal Tiger is matured and double-barreled in charred oak barrels, giving it a delicately burnished finish.

Master blender and distiller Surrinder Kumar looms large in the current whisky scene. Not only did he help set Amrut on the path to success and craft Indri-Trini Single Malt into an award-winning product, but he's also part of the team that has given us Kamet Indian Single Malt Whisky, named after the third largest mountain in the area. Distilled in pot stills at Piccadilly Distillery in Karnal, Haryana, this single malt takes from the Kumar playbook and also makes use of bourbon, wine, and sherry casks as part of the maturation process, along with 6-row barley from the region.

This is a delicate and sweet whisky, fruity with chocolate and caramel notes. It's non-chill filtered, and it's not artificially colored. There's a spicy finish to it and a smell of citrus just as you're tipping forward for your first sip. Add water if you must, but this one begs to be drank neat.

Despite its arresting name, Crazy Cock is the first original bottling (OB) to come out of legendary South Seas Distilleries in four decades. This whisky is crafted from six-row Indian barley and is known for its exceptionally complex-tasting flavor that brings you a balance of chocolate, nuts, fruits, and spices. The whisky undergoes traditional malting and distillation in copper pots and is double-matured in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks.

Being India's oldest distillery, they have generations of experience working with the finest Indian malts, hand-selected oak casks, and intimate knowledge of the climate of the Deccan peninsula — which is a combination that intensifies the maturation process, creating spirits with flavors similar to whiskeys that have aged for 25 years in cooler climates. Two parallel expressions are being released: One is the Rare single malt, and the other is the single malt Dhua, which translates to "smoke" in Hindi, bringing layers of warmth through a peated profile that leads to an amber complexity.

The Crazy Cock himself (the rooster was chosen as a symbol of a new beginning) adorns this lovely bottle, which can only be acquired at duty-free airport shops in India or through vendors in the UAE. The ABV of this one comes in at a potent 46%.

A relatively recent entrant into the world of Indian spirits, Rampur Indian Single Malt Whisky is crafted at the Radico Khaitan Distillery, which is situated in Rampur, a city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Launched in 2016, the single malt uses local Indian barley and undergoes distillation in copper pot stills, a traditional method often associated with the production of premium whiskies. This process is known for its ability to impart nuanced flavors to the spirit.

Matured in oak barrels, Rampur Single Malt is a delight on the tongue, with fruity, spicy, and oaky notes. Vanilla, honey, and a subtle hint of spices are also part of the flavor profile, helped along by the process of non-chill filtration. This means that the whisky retains more of its natural oils and flavors, enhancing the overall mouthfeel and preserving the integrity of the spirit. Complex and rich, it's nudged past quite a few Scotches as a top 10 tipple.

Goa, India's smallest state, gives us Paul John Single Malt Whisky, a single malt that has picked up a fair amount of acclaim in just a decade of operation. The distillery uses six-row barley sourced from the foothills of the Himalayas, giving the whisky a robust flavor profile. Environmental conditions in Goa play a significant role in shaping the whisky's character. It's a hot and tropical climate, which accelerates the maturation process, resulting in whiskies that exhibit remarkable depth and complexity in a relatively short time. The angel's share, the portion of whisky that evaporates during maturation, is notably higher in Goa compared to more temperate regions, which contributes to the concentration of flavors in each bottle.

Paul John Single Malt offers a range of expressions, each with its distinctive character. Among them is Brilliance, an elegant offering with notes of honey, tropical fruits, and a touch of spice, while Edited introduces an appealingly subtle peatiness and a distinctive flavor profile. Also of interest is the use of different cask types, including American oak and sherry casks, which impart a range of flavors and aromas from vanilla and toffee to dried fruits and oak spices.

Named for the longitude line that runs through India from north to south, this single-malt whisky is crafted using locally sourced ingredients. Some of these ingredients bear a Geographical Identification (GI) tag, which is a system first implemented by the French (think Champagne, Burgundy, Cognac, for instance) to identify products that have a specific geographical origin and unique qualities linked to that place.

Smooth and full-bodied, this whisky is brewed in small batches in Nashik, Maharashtra (one of my personal favorite Indian cities), but is owned by Seagrams under the umbrella of Pernod Ricard. Longitude 77 features notes of caramel with subtle peat smoke and is double-matured in American bourbon barrels and wine casks, which lend a sweet aroma that brings to mind vanilla and berries. Unless you happen to be passing through Delhi Duty-Free or traveling India proper, this premium spirit is going to be hard to find, though it can be ordered from the UAE.

The world of whisky is always looking for the next big thing, and for many, that would be Indri-Trini Single Malt, a peated single malt matured in sherry casks. Overseen by former Amrut master blender and distiller Surrinder Kumar, the company has been making waves for a few years now, winning big at the 2023 Whiskies of the World Awards with their Indri Diwali Collector's Edition 2023, which claimed the prestigious Best in Show, Double Gold Award. That whisky isn't yet available in markets, but you can still find the acclaimed Indri-Trini Single Malt for a pretty decent price, considering the critical accolades showered on it.

There's baking spice and oak on the nose, with pineapple and lychee peeking out in that first sip. Let it roll around in your mouth, and you'll be rewarded with a touch of cinnamon and tropical fruit. Three casks are involved in the process of maturation, with bourbon, red wine, and sherry aiding and abetting in the final taste as our tastebuds will allow us.

Produced by Adinco Distilleries in Goa (which are also renowned for their expertise in rum, port wine, and tinto feni), this whisky is turning heads because of its unheard-of blend of charred coconut shells and usage of locally sourced, high-quality ingredients. It has a smoky, peaty flavor with a tropical twist, making it perfect for anyone needing a winter warmer. (But let's be honest, it's much better when enjoyed as part of a cocktail sipped on the lush beaches of Goa itself).

With a rich amber color and smooth texture, this whisky really benefits from the complex addition of the coconut shells, which make for a bold and balanced palate, with traces of oak chips and toasted vanilla notes as well as peanut undertones. The infusion of such a unique ingredient, blended in without being distracting or too potent, is more than enough reason to bring Cotombi Reserve to heights above and beyond the competition.

The first Indian single malt, according to Distiller, is hugely acclaimed for its rich and fruity taste, with mango notes and smoky, peppery undertones. Produced by Amrut Distilleries, a pioneering Indian distillery located in Bangalore, Fusion blends Indian and Scottish barley with water sourced from the Himalayan foothills. The intense tropical climate of Bangalore, characterized by high temperatures and humidity, accelerates interaction between the spirit and the oak casks, resulting in a faster and more dynamic aging process. Maturation occurs in a combination of new American oak and ex-bourbon casks, which impart a rich and complex flavor profile to the whisky. The use of peat in the malting process adds a subtle smokiness reminiscent of traditional Scottish whiskies, while the Indian barley imparts a unique tropical fruitiness.

There's a rich golden hue to Fusion, and the nose has hints of apple and mango, plus a touch of citrus, complemented by the gentle waft of peat smoke. Stay with it long enough, and you'll taste the sweetness of vanilla and toffee, followed by the warmth of cinnamon and cloves. A lingering impression of oak and a subtle hint of peat smoke characterize this exceptional single malt, all of which place it close to the top of our ranking.

Our top pick is none other than the best single malt whisky in the world (according to the London Spirits competition in 2024), Godawan Century. Hailing from the desert region of Rajasthan, which is world-renowned for its vibrant textiles and cuisine, it should be no surprise that this whisky brings an exotic palate to the tasting table.

With a light, sweet palate and long, dry finish, this whisky boasts hints of honeycomb, cinnamon, and vanilla. These profiles are more intense than in many competitors because of the harsh, arid climate of Rajasthan, which led to Godawan being known as the "Spirit of the Desert." When you combine temperatures that are regularly well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit with the mash of six-row barley (which requires less water), the result is a spirit with a higher-than-average angel's share and unparalleled quality.

To top it all off, Godawan is named for the great Indian bustard, a regal, majestic bird that was once widespread across India but is now an endangered species that makes its last refuge in Rajasthan. The bird adorns the elegant label of Godawan Century, the sale of which contributes toward conservation initiatives of the rare bird and its habitat. No better excuse exists for picking up a bottle of the world's best single malt whisky.

Our methodology for picking these brands started with an aggregate list of the top Indian whisky brands on the market, taking into consideration products that come from a diverse subset of regions that span the entire Indian subcontinent. We've selected brands in coastal and desert regions (Goa and Rajasthan) and brands manufactured in the foothills of the Himalayas near Kashmir as well as the Naga Hills. These brands use a wide array of ingredients, from the all-maize mash hailing from Assam, to the all-Indian malts, to distillates making use of charred coconut shells.

Once the line-up of candidates was developed, the list was trimmed down and then ordered using several factors, including price, quality, and availability. Due to limited access to these brands (some are only available in Indian airports), not all brands have been tasted by the authors. In these cases, online consumer reviews, trade publications, and insider feedback were taken into account to complete the gaps and find places within our ranking.