Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky has claimed the top Indian whisky ranking at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2026, with its Madhuca III expression earning a Gold Medal and 95 points. Producer South Seas Distilleries swept the three highest Indian single malt positions at the competition through its pioneering Madhuca range.
Crazy Cock Madhuca I and Madhuca II each secured Silver Medals with 93 points, placing them directly behind Madhuca III in the Indian whisky standings.
Two additional expressions from the portfolio also performed strongly. Crazy Cock Rare and Crazy Cock Dhua were both awarded Silver Medals with 91 points each.
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READ THE STORYThe five medals make Crazy Cock one of the most awarded Indian whisky portfolios at IWSC 2026.
Crafted at South Seas Distilleries, described as India’s oldest single malt distillers, the Madhuca expressions are recognized as the world’s first single malt whiskies finished in Mahua casks. The range draws on one of India’s oldest indigenous distillation traditions, reflecting a distinctly local approach to maturation.
Established in 1969, the IWSC is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous awards platforms in the global beverage alcohol industry. Medals are awarded through a comprehensive blind-tasting methodology, where spirits are assessed solely on quality, balance, complexity, character, and craftsmanship.
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This year’s judging panels featured prominent figures in the global spirits community, including Dawn Davies MW, Richard Paterson OBE, Ian Burrell, Joel Harrison, Olivier Ward, David T. Smith, Deano Moncrieffe, and Marie Cheong-Thon. The panel collectively represents decades of expertise spanning whisky production, spirits education, blending, criticism, and international judging.
The results reflect a broader evolution underway within Indian whisky. Increasingly, Indian distillers are earning recognition not only for technical quality but also for their ability to create distinctive expressions rooted in local ingredients, climate, and maturation traditions.
As international judging panels grow more familiar with the category, originality and authenticity are emerging as important differentiators alongside technical excellence. Indian single malts are no longer merely competing on the world stage but are increasingly helping shape the future direction of global whisky.
