Indian whisky is no longer the underdog – it’s beating scotch at its own game. Rampur Asava was crowned Best World Whisky at the 2023 John Barleycorn Awards, besting entries from Scotland, Ireland, and America. The Indian whisky market reached 260 million cases in 2024 and is projected to nearly double by 2034, growing at 7.6% annually, according to RareWhisky101.
What’s their secret? India’s tropical climate. In temperatures often reaching 30-40°C, whisky matures roughly 3-4 times faster than in Scotland’s cool climate. A 4-5 year old Indian malt can display the complexity of a 12-15 year old scotch. Here are the pioneering distilleries behind this revolution, and some delicious Indian whisky recommendations.
The Pioneers Changing the Game
Amrut Fusion (Bangalore) is where India’s whisky revolution truly began. At £55-60, this no-age-statement bottle punches well above its weight. Don’t be fooled by the lack of age statement – in India’s tropical climate, 4-5 years of maturation equals 12-15 years in Scotland. Fusion’s unique selling point is in its name: 75% unpeated Indian barley married with 25% peated Scottish barley, creating a delicious hybrid.
Expect rich barley sugar, tropical fruit, and a gentle smokiness with notes of coffee and dark chocolate. Critics can’t get enough – Jim Murray ranked it the world’s 3rd best whisky in 2010.
Paul John Bold (Goa, £65-70) demonstrates India’s mastery of peated whisky. Bold uses 100% peated barley (25ppm) for a robust bonfire character layered over tropical fruit sweetness.
Available in 38 countries, including traditional whisky strongholds, Bold has helped Paul John accumulate over 200 awards since launching in 2012, firmly establishing India as a serious whisky-producing nation.
The New Wave of Indian Excellence
Rampur Double Cask (Uttar Pradesh, £70-75) represents Indian whisky’s luxury ambitions. Aged in the foothills of the Himalayas, it experiences an unusual “double climate” maturation – scorching summers that accelerate aging and cool winters that allow the spirit to rest. Double Cask combines bourbon barrel aging with a European oak sherry cask finish for exceptional complexity.
Expect notes of cooked banana, peppery oak, plump raisin, and dark berries with a symphony of baking spices. Available in over 80 countries, Rampur sales spiked dramatically after winning Gold at the 2022 London Spirits Competition with an impressive 95-point score.
Indri Trini (Haryana, £50-55) is India’s newest whisky sensation. Named Best Indian Single Malt at the 2022 World Whiskies Awards, while its cask-strength variant Indri Drú won “Best in Show” at the 2024 USA Spirits Ratings. Trini’s triple-cask approach combines ex-bourbon, ex-sherry and French wine casks for remarkable complexity, with strong sales growth reported across international markets.
Godawan (Rajasthan, £80-85) embraces its desert terroir as a defining feature. Made with six-row barley from Rajasthan’s harsh landscape, the whisky takes on distinctive characteristics from extreme temperature fluctuations.
Diageo’s sustainability-focused approach includes water conservation initiatives and conservation efforts for the endangered Great Indian Bustard. The limited Godawan 100 scored 96 points to win Single Malt of the Year at the 2024 London Spirits Competition.
Why These Matter to Whisky Lovers
Indian single malts offer exceptional value compared to similarly rated scotch. A £50 Amrut Fusion delivers complexity on par with much pricier age-statement whiskies. In blind tastings, Amrut has matched popular 12-year-old Speyside malts.
The flavour diversity is remarkable – from Bangalore’s tropical fruit intensity to Goa’s coastal salinity and the Himalayas’ distinctive spice notes. Availability has improved dramatically, with specialist UK retailers now stocking extensive Indian selections.
The Spirit of India Awaits
India’s rapid ascent from whisky outsider to award-winning producer is nothing short of remarkable. These distilleries have created world-class spirits that deserve a place in every whisky lover’s collection.
Next time you’re browsing the whisky aisle, venture beyond Scotland and Ireland to discover these Indian gems. The tropical maturation, unique barley varieties, and innovative cask management create profiles you simply won’t find elsewhere.
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Which Indian single malt has surprised you the most? Share your experiences in the comments, or if you’re new to Indian whisky, tell us which one you’re most eager to try.
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