The Indian whisky market is huge. The three top selling whiskies in the world are all Indian whisky blends. However Indian single malt is something of a newcomer to the whisky scene. Indian single malt whisky only appeared on the international market in 2004 but over the last 20 years it’s been making quite the positive impression on whisky lovers.
In 2022 Godawan single malt Indian whisky was introduced to the global market and has quickly become the most awarded Indian single malt whisky. Earlier in 2024 Godawan launched officially in the USA with existing availability in Dubai, Malaysia, Australia. If you enjoy stretching your drinking pallet then enjoy this introduction to Godawan, including five things you probably didn’t know about Godawan.
Godawan Whisky Is Distilled And Matured In The Desert
The climate across India varies significantly throughout the massive country; from tropical to arid and through to the foothills of the world’s tallest mountain range. Godawan whisky is distilled in Alwar, a city in the northern state of Rajasthan that is largely hot and dry. The arid environment has led to it receiving the moniker “The Spirit Of The Desert.” Their location means fast maturation and a high loss to “the angel’s share,” which in turn creates a distinctive profile that is uniquely Godawan Indian whisky.
“The amount of alcohol we lose during the maturation process is an order of magnitude, or two, higher compared to what is seen in Scotland,” Vikram Damodaran, Chief Innovation Officer for Diageo India, explained over an email. “Additionally, the rate of maturation is also three times more in India. This makes our whisky maturation process much more differentiated, pronounced, and accelerated, and therefore, the matured spirit a lot more precious.”
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It’s not just the climate that is non-traditional with Godawan, as Damodaran clarifies, “Godawan leverages Rajasthan’s elevated temperatures, heritage techniques, and unique botanicals to bring to life a range of Indian single malts that will cater to every palate.”
Whisky Matured In Cherry Wood Casks
The variety of whisky, and whiskey, as created throughout the world is part of what makes the drink so enjoyable. Just like bourbon is distinct to scotch in its profile and the rules of classification, Indian whisky has its own rules and character. This allows Indian whisky producers to create flavor notes that are distinctly Indian.
For Godawan their own distilling and maturing guidelines are that the spirit must be at least 12 months maturing in a cask. It’s important to remember that their local climate means maturation happens much faster—Godawan’s climate is more akin to Texas and the southwest USA than cool and wet Scotland (where the minimum cask maturation period is three years).
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Godawan is a brand that is trying to define itself within an existing framework of expectations for single malt whisky/whiskey. It’s appropriate therefore that their maturation process and cask choices are a combination of “traditional” and aspects that are distinctly Indian.
For Godawan 01 the wood used is oak, but for Godawan 02 the wood they have chosen is cherry wood. “cherry wood casks release abundant vanilla and clove aromas into the liquid. This results in flavors of vanilla, sweet ginger, and coconut at the forefront,” explained Damodaran.
As well as using unusual wood choices, all there casks are also treated with two Indian botanicals prior to maturation. The two botanicals, Rasna and Jatamansi, have been selected from among 5,000 options for their ability to complement the whisky’s flavor profile. The process may be unusual by international standards, but the awards they have collected so far show that their choices of wood and botanicals are working.
Godawan Whisky Has More Than 46 Awards
Indian single malt whiskies are best known for their notes of sweet, tropical fruits. They are sometimes compared to a traditional Speyside profile, although, just like with scotch, there is a lot of variation to be had within the traditional expectations. Godawan produces two core releases to cater to different pallets; 01 is “Rich and Rounded” while from 02 drinkers can expect “Fruit and Spice”.
The craftsmanship and skill of the distillers has clearly paid off. Collectively Godawan 01 and Godawan 02 have received 46 awards since 2022. In addition Godawan 100, which is a bespoke collector’s edition, was awarded Single Malt Whisky of the Year at the 2024 London Spirits Competition. This makes Godawan firmly the most awarded single malt whisky from India.
The Focus On Sustainability Is Clear
As a distillery in an arid region Godawan has an environmental and business need to be water conscious. They are proud to explain that their regional water projects began before the brand’s public launch. Godawan have worked hard to ensure they replenish more water than they use through ongoing reforestation projects, wetland restoration, desilting ponds, and rainwater harvesting.
In the whisky making process itself Godawan’s water consciousness begins with the barley they choose. The locally sourced six-row barley requires less water compared to the two row barley most often used for whisky distilling elsewhere in the world. While the barley is ideal in the arid region, it also creates a distinctive character for their spirit.
“Indian barley typically offers a slightly different grain character, which can influence the whisky’s texture and sweetness,” clarified Damodaran.
It isn’t just a nod to a current trend either. The distillery and brand has been constructed around three pillars—conservation, sustainability, and conscious consumption. Sustainability is increasingly important for today’s consumer and this is a key aspect of Diageo India’s “The Good Craft Co.”
Damodaran explained further, “The Good Craft Co. is Diageo India’s craft and innovation hub. It was set up in 2022 to accelerate transformational innovation and strengthen the brand’s craft and premium drinks portfolio.”
As part of this core ethos the whisky brand itself has been named for the endangered Great Indian Bustard, whose image also adorns the label. “A majestic bird once widespread across India but now marked Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List. With approximately 150 left in India, these regal creatures have taken their last refuge in Rajasthan. With every bottle of Godawan sold, we contribute to conserving the habitat of these birds, allowing them to flourish,” continued Damodaran.
Embracing India’s Cultural Heritage
Their ethos of big picture thinking extends beyond just environmental factors. Protecting the rich heritage of India is also an important part or the brand ethose. As part of this Godawan has also been working to help preserve classic Indian films.
“At the Cannes Film Festival 2024, we strengthened our commitment to conservation and restoration by launching a long-term project to preserve classic Indian films via digitization and color restoration,” explained Damodaran over email. “Our film restoration project underscores our core belief in the power of storytelling and upholding cultural heritage, and we look forward to sharing the richness of India’s artistic legacy with audiences worldwide.”
If you want to expand your whisky pallet Godawan is currently available in Dubai, Malaysia, Australia, and the USA. European drinkers can expect a UK launch soon.
This article is adapted from one originally written by me for Forbes.com
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