It’s that time of the year when Christmas and New Year’s festivities are in the air. From Christmas dinners with family to year-end parties with friends, hosting during this season is all about creating memories. And nothing sets the mood quite like a good bottle of whisky paired with food that brings out its best. This year, whisky lovers are spoiled for choice, with Indian single malts standing tall along iconic global labels. So which one should you add to your festivities?
Monkey Shoulder Smokey Monkey
The new Smokey Monkey is a bolder, smokier version of the classic Monkey Shoulder blended malt Scotch. It smells of soft oak smoke, mellow vanilla, and a hint of citrus. When you drink it, you’ll taste creamy sweetness, subtle spice, and a pleasant, warming smoke, leading to a long finish with notes of charred wood and malt. This is a whisky that works well on its own or with water, but it truly shines in cocktails where it adds a smoky depth without being overpowering.
It’s an ideal choice for festive evenings and pairs wonderfully with rich foods like a cheese and charcuterie platter, garlic butter prawns, grilled sausage bites, or sushi rolls.
DOAAB Single Malt
This is a very special and hard-to-find single malt whisky from India, called DOAAB’s Expression 02. It’s inspired by an old Japanese story about time and being wise. Because they only made 500 casks of it, it’s a dream for collectors.
The whisky was aged in rare Mizunara oak barrels that came all the way from Hokkaido, Japan. This special wood gives the whisky a delicate, flower-like smell, a slight savory depth (called umami), and a mellow, rich flavour.
It’s made using Indian barley that was grown in a way that’s good for the environment. The result is a mix of the strong, earthy grain flavour with the complex taste that comes from the Japanese oak. This whisky is made for people who appreciate things that are rare, have a good story behind them, and show excellent skill.
It goes great with food like smoked cheese, chicken roasted in butter, honey-glazed ham, or dark chocolate truffles.
Glenfiddich 21-Year Reserva Rum Cask Finish
Glenfiddich, one of the world’s favorite single malt brands, has released a luxurious, special edition whisky: the 21-Year Reserva. This exceptional Scotch is aged for over two decades and then finished in Caribbean rum casks, which gives it a rich, tropical flavor layered with notes of toffee, fig, banana, and warm spice. Smooth and elegant, this whisky is an excellent choice for winter holidays and special occasions when hosts want to impress seasoned drinkers. You can pair this whisky with lamb chops, traditional Christmas fruitcake, and creme brulee.
Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt
Produced by South Seas Distilleries, one of India’s oldest malt houses, Crazy Cock has quietly built a strong reputation. At the seventh International Wine & Spirits Awards held at Taj Lands’ End, it won Best in Show in the Indian Single Malt category.
Matured in Bourbon and Sherry casks under Indian climatic conditions, the whisky delivers bold flavours with layered complexity. Each batch is hand-bottled, adding to its artisanal appeal. It’s smooth enough for newcomers while offering depth that experienced drinkers appreciate.
You can pair this exclusive whisky with spiced lamb kebabs, roasted nuts, and dark chocolate desserts.
Indri Agneya
Indri Agneya is a peated Indian single malt that balances smoke with fruit and sweetness. Matured in Sherry and Bourbon casks, it offers smoky undertones layered with rich, rounded flavours. The smoke here is gentle and lingering rather than aggressive, making it ideal for slow sipping.
It’s the kind of whisky that works well for quieter moments after a lively celebration, when conversations turn reflective and music slows down. Pair it with smoked meats, grilled mushrooms, dark chocolate brownies and your guests will relish it like never before.
GianChand Single Malt Whisky
Crafted by DeVANS Modern Breweries in Jammu, GianChand single malt is known for its delicate profile. With notes of pineapple drop candy, soft vanilla and a silky texture, it leans towards elegance rather than intensity. The distinct climate of Jammu plays a key role in shaping its refined character.
It pairs beautifully with creamy and mildly sweet dishes, making it a great choice for intimate Christmas dinners or relaxed year-end evenings.
