GianChand Whisky has won Gold medals for its Manshaa and Adambaraa expressions at the World Whisky Masters 2026. The award makes the brand the only Indian single malt to earn recognition across eight leading global whisky competitions over the past year.
The World Whisky Masters is one of the industry’s most respected blind-tasting competitions. Both GianChand expressions earned Gold at the 2026 edition.
The latest wins add to a run of accolades earned over the past 12 months. GianChand has now been recognized at the World Whisky Masters, San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), International Spirits Challenge (ISC), International Whisky Competition (IWC), Meininger’s International Spirits Award (ISW), Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and the Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards.
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READ THE STORYWinners at these competitions are selected through blind tastings judged by international experts.
GianChand Adambaraa is matured in premium American bourbon casks. According to the official notes from the brand, it offers “elegant floral aromas, delicate fruit notes and refined malt character.”
GianChand Manshaa is crafted using traditional peat-smoking techniques and matured in Jammu’s climatic conditions. The brand’s official notes describe “a beautifully balanced smoky profile complemented by sweet malt and subtle caramel notes.”
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The whiskies are produced by DeVANS Modern Breweries Ltd.
Prem Dewan, chairman and managing director of DeVANS Modern Breweries Ltd., commented on the milestone.
“This recognition is particularly significant because it reflects consistent appreciation from the world’s most respected whisky competitions, each judged independently by internationally acclaimed experts,” he said. “To be recognised across eight of the industry’s foremost global judging platforms within a year is a proud milestone not only for GianChand, but also for Indian single malts.”
Dewan added: “These honours reaffirm our commitment to creating whiskies of exceptional quality that can confidently stand alongside the finest expressions from anywhere in the world.”
India’s single malt category has gained momentum in recent years, led by brands such as Amrut and Paul John. Indian single malt sales overtook Scotch in the domestic market in 2023, according to industry data.
The country’s warm climate accelerates maturation, a factor producers increasingly cite as a point of distinction. GianChand said the latest recognition reinforces “India’s growing reputation as a producer of world-class single malts.”
