India’s Godawan Distillery has unveiled its most exclusive release yet — a limited edition single malt finished in century-old royal liqueur casks, with only 173 bottles available worldwide.
The new Godawan 173: The Collector’s Edition carries a price tag of $5,600 (INR 5,00,000) per bottle and marks a significant moment for Indian whisky on the global stage. The release coincides with the recovery of the Great Indian Bustard population from 100 to 173 birds, with each bottle representing one surviving member of the critically endangered species.
The whisky underwent a unique finishing process in Asha Liqueur Casks, wooden vats originally used by Thakur Karni Singh Ji of Mahanser more than 100 years ago. These Sal wood vessels were seasoned with 42 ingredients, including fruits, spices, botanicals, honey, and milk, creating what the distillery describes as an unprecedented flavor profile in single malt production.
Godawan 173 Features Triple-Cask Maturation Process
The nine-year-old spirit began its journey in American white oak ex-bourbon casks before moving to European Oloroso and PX Sherry casks. The final stage in the Asha Liqueur Casks represents the first time any whisky brand has employed this finishing method.
According to official tasting notes, the whisky presents aromas of roasted nuts, dried figs, raisins, and polished oak. The palate reveals walnuts, dark chocolate, oak tannins, and cinnamon, while the finish delivers toasted nuts and lingering dried-fruit richness. The spirit is bottled at 46% ABV.
Each 700ml bottle features hand-crafted packaging inspired by Jaipur Blue Pottery, created in collaboration with creative studio Butterfly Cannon and Neerja International. The bottles are made from quartz, salts, and natural glaze rather than traditional clay, ensuring each piece is unique.
Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor unveiled the first bottle at The Savoy London during London Fashion Week 2025. She and Diageo India donated $50,000 toward Great Indian Bustard conservation efforts.
Conservation Story Behind Godawan 173: The Great Indian Bustard
The Godawan brand takes its name from the Great Indian Bustard, one of the world’s most critically endangered birds. In 2022, the distillery released Godawan 100 when the bird population stood at just 100. Conservation initiatives, including grassland restoration and protected hatcheries, have helped increase numbers to 173.
“Godawan for us has always been about purpose and mindful luxury. The Collector’s Edition is a true celebration of a milestone in our journey and a tribute to the 173 Great Indian Bustards,” said Vikram Damodaran, Chief Innovation Officer at Diageo India.
“We were clear that it had to be special, so we dug deep into the roots of Rajasthan. Jaipur Blue Pottery inspires the bottle, and the liquid inside is spectacular as we have finished the liquid in Asha liqueur casks, something no brand has done before. The combination of the triple cask, along with this heritage liqueur, makes the Collector’s Edition rare and something to cherish,”
The limited release will be available at Bangalore Duty Free and select premium outlets in London, including The Whisky Exchange. Distribution will extend to 173 locations worldwide, though specific markets have not been announced.
The release follows growing international interest in Indian single malts, with several distilleries gaining recognition at major spirits competitions. Industry analysts note that ultra-premium releases like Godawan 173 help establish Indian whisky as a serious player in the luxury spirits market.
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