My earliest memory of whisky is watching my father pour that amber-hued spirit from a sturdy bottle into a round-bottom glass, dropping in three cubes of ice and a splash of club soda during family get-togethers. To me, it was the grown-up drink, a symbol of wisdom and experience, something that could only be unlocked after decades of adulting.
Back then, whisky belonged to dads. Today, it belongs to everyone. No longer just the domain of older generations, whisky has become a spirit of choice across age groups. While Scotch and Irish whiskies have long dominated conversations around quality and complexity, Indian whisky is now making serious waves.
Once the underdog of the global whisky world, India has stepped confidently into the spotlight. With small-batch craftsmanship, bold experimentation, climate-driven aging, and rich, terroir-influenced profiles, Indian whiskies are earning global accolades—and deservedly so. These spirits don’t just stand up to the best Scotch; they bring something new and exciting to the table.
In celebration of World Whisky Day and your evolving palate, we’ve curated a list of 10 standout Indian whiskies. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just starting to explore, there’s something here for every kind of whisky lover: peat enthusiasts, sweet sippers, and adventurers chasing something a little offbeat. Pour yourself a glass (neat, if you please) and let’s get into it.
Otherside Whisky
From the founders of Stranger & Sons, a brand that stirred a storm in the gin scene in India, comes a bold, new whisky. Launched in 2025, Third Eye Distillery’s Otherside Whisky is aged in the intense climates of the Deccan Plateau and Sahyadri Range. This maturation imparts a dark fruity richness, warm spice, and a hint of peat, capturing the essence of India’s diverse terroir.
Amrut Single Malt
The pioneer of Indian single malts, Amrut, introduced the world to India’s potential in whisky-making. The company’s journey started in 1948, which led to the launch of the Amrut Single Malt Whisky in 2004 in Glasgow, Scotland. It made its way to the Indian markets in 2010. Matured in Bengaluru‘s unique climate, Amrut Single Malt smells like burnt honeycomb and toffee and offers a bittersweet profile with notes of spice, honey, and fruit. Amrut’s legacy is a testament to India’s place on the global whisky map.
Paul John Brilliance
From Goa’s tropical shores straight to your glass, Paul John Whisky’s flagship expression, Brilliance, launched in 2013, is made from barley sourced from the Himalayan foothills. It’s an unpeated single malt that exudes honeyed sweetness, subtle spices, and a hint of cocoa. Brilliance brings to you the woody finish of American Oak mixed with creamy notes of Vanilla, creating a flavour balance. Its maturation in bourbon barrels under Goa’s humid climate accelerates aging, delivering a rich and smooth profile.
Godawan Rich and Rounded
One of the few spirits that have been aged in a warm climate, Godawan’s Rich and Rounded, launched in 2022. Crafted in Rajasthan’s arid weather, it is a beautiful golden-brown coloured whisky that strikes a delicate balance between spice and sweetness with notes of dried fruit, raisins and dark chocolate mingling with nutmeg, cloves and oak. Named after the Great Indian Bustard, it stands as a tribute to both conservation and craft.
Kamet Single Malt
Launched in 2021 and named after Mount Kamet, India’s third-highest peak, this whisky is made from barley grown at the foothills of the Himalaya and distilled in Kurukshetra. It’s aged in a combination of ex-bourbon, French wine, and sherry casks. Kamet offers a bold yet balanced whiff of vanilla, caramel, raisins, and dark chocolate, while the tasting notes are a blend of smoky vanilla, dried fruit, spice, and dark chocolate. The complex spirit embodies the spirit of the Himalayas.
Soorahi
Meaning ‘good traveler’ in Hindi, Soorahi, launched in 2025, is a Delhi-based whisky that takes you on a flavourful journey. Inspired by the north star that guides us during dark nights, Soorahi is meant to be your constant. The amber coloured spirit has layers of toffee caramel, oak, and a subtle hint of smoke that unfold with each sip, inviting exploration.
Cotombi Reserve
Named after the village it originates from in Goa and a tribute to local traditions, Cotombi Reserve, launched in 2023, is the world’s first whisky aged in coconut shell-charred barrels. This innovative approach imparts unique tropical notes balanced with hints of vanilla and caramel, making it a standout expression that celebrates its coastal origins.
Woodburns Contemporary Indian Whisky
Another gem from Goa launched in 2019, Woodburns Contemporary Indian Whisky is a bold, smoky whisky with a well-rounded malt finish. Aged in matured oak wood barrels, its contemporary profile appeals to modern palates while staying rooted in traditional craftsmanship. The smooth spirit offers a whiff of caramel and vanilla with subtle smoke, dark chocolate, and peat, while it tastes like a delightful combination of honey, spice, and a hint of fruitiness.
GianChand Single Malt
From the scenic landscapes of Jammu, GianChand Single Malt is a premium whisky, launched in 2022. Sweetish and spicy, aged in swan neck copper pots, its mountain origin, the water, and unique weather conditions give the spirit a novel character. It imparts an aroma of gingerbread, dried apricots, and prunes while the tasting notes start off sweet and creamy and unfold into layers of nutty honeycomb, hints of dried ginger, and spice.
Longitude 77 Indian Single Malt
Launched in 2023 and named after the 77° East meridian that runs through India, Longitude 77 is distilled in Nashik and double matured in American bourbon barrels and wine casks. It has a rich mahogany colour, a proof of its ageing and a flavour profile of caramel, vanilla, and subtle peat smoke, embodying the spirit of India.
This World Whisky Day, venture beyond the familiar and explore the rich tapestry of Indian whiskies. Each bottle tells a story of its origin, craftsmanship, and the diverse landscapes of India. Cheers to discovering new favourites and celebrating the spirit of innovation.
