Indian whisky has been on a winning streak. In 2025, distilleries from Bengaluru to Goa and Jammu picked up some of the most respected awards in the spirits world. Competitions like the ones below are global benchmarks.
Here are seven Indian whiskies that claimed top honors this year, and that you should try if you can get your hands on them. Each one shows why India is no longer a rising star but a proven force in world whisky.
1. Amrut Peated Single Malt Cask Strength – World Whiskies Awards 2025 (Best Indian Single Malt, Gold)
Amrut Distilleries in Bengaluru helped put Indian single malts on the map. Their Peated Cask Strength expression uses Scottish barley smoked with Islay peat, then matured in India’s hot climate. Bottled at 62.8% ABV, it is powerful yet balanced. Expect vanilla, citrus, sweet malt, and an earthy smoke.
Winning Gold at the World Whiskies Awards confirms Amrut’s global status. This whisky stood out as the best Indian single malt in blind tastings against international competition.
2. Indri Refill Oloroso Sherry Cask Single Cask 03 – World Whiskies Awards 2025 (Best Indian Single Cask, Gold)
From the foothills of Haryana, Indri has quickly become one of India’s most exciting whisky makers. This single cask was matured in a refill Oloroso sherry barrel and bottled at 58.5% ABV. The result is rich with dried fruit, jam, and a touch of spice, rounded by a creamy texture.
Judges also noted eucalyptus and a hint of salt. It won Gold at the World Whiskies Awards as the best Indian single cask malt, a major achievement for a young brand.
3. Woodburns Contemporary Indian Whisky – International Whisky Competition 2025 (Best Blended Indian Whisky, 1st Place)
Woodburns is produced in Goa by Fullarton Distilleries and takes a bold approach to blending. Instead of grain spirit, it uses only malt whisky, matured in heavily charred oak barrels. The blend is smooth yet full of character, with notes of toasted sesame, caramel, and a touch of smoke.
At the International Whisky Competition in 2025, it was awarded first place for Best Blended Indian Whisky. This win shows that Indian blends can now compete with the best malts worldwide.
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4. Paul John Oloroso Select Cask – International Spirits Challenge 2025 (Gold Medal)
Paul John Distilleries in Goa has built a strong reputation for elegant single malts. The Oloroso Select Cask is an unpeated whisky first matured in ex-bourbon barrels, then finished in Oloroso sherry casks. Bottled at 48% ABV, it delivers layers of figs, raisins, toasted nuts, and warm spices, balanced by a velvety mouthfeel.
In 2025, it won a Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge. This award is one of the most respected in the industry and highlights Paul John’s world-class craftsmanship.
5. Amrut Fusion – San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2025 (Double Gold Medal)
Amrut Fusion remains one of India’s most iconic single malts. It is crafted from 75% Indian barley and 25% peated Scottish barley, which are distilled separately and then “fused” before maturation. Bottled at 50% ABV, it offers citrus, spice, chocolate, and gentle smoke.
At the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2025, it received a Double Gold. This rare honor confirms that Fusion continues to rank among the finest whiskies in the world.
6. The Kadamba XR Sherry Cask – San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2025 (Gold Medal)
The Kadamba is a newer Indian single malt from Goa that has already earned international recognition. The XR Sherry Cask expression is matured in a mix of bourbon, sherry, and virgin oak casks, with a light touch of peat. Bottled at 42.8% ABV, it shows notes of raisins, figs, cocoa, and gentle smoke.
In 2025, it won a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition with a score of 91 points, signaling a strong debut for this brand.
7. GianChand Adambaraa – International Whisky Competition 2025 (Best Indian Whisky, 1st Place)
From Jammu in the Himalayas, GianChand is a new name with deep roots. The Adambaraa expression is made from six-row Himalayan barley and matured in ex-bourbon casks. Bottled at 48% ABV, it delivers orchard fruits, honey, vanilla, and a silky finish.
At the International Whisky Competition in 2025, it was awarded first place as the Best Indian Whisky overall, with a score of 92.68.
