Earlier this year, Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal expressed surprise over a Swiss minister’s praise for an Indian whisky brand. “I was pleasantly surprised at a meeting in Zurich when a Swiss minister told me that there is an Indian whisky which is world famous and almost impossible to get in Europe,” he said during a question hour in Rajya Sabha. “I am not a whisky drinker and I was shocked. It is sold at a premium in the EU market,” the minister told the House.
The Indian whisky brand that Goyal was referring to is Indri-Trini and its award-winning expressions from the house of Piccadily Distilleries, an independent manufacturer and seller of malt spirits in India. “Indian single malts now rival global brands in complexity, craftsmanship, and innovation. Consumers are recognising the world-class quality of these single malt whiskies, further reinforced by international accolades,” says Shalini Sharma, head of marketing, Piccadily Agro Industries, the parent company of Piccadily Distilleries.
Since its inception in 2021, Indri-Trini has amassed several international awards, including ‘Best Whisky in the World’ at the Whiskies of the World Awards.
Beyond quality, there is a growing sense of cultural pride, with consumers actively seeking brands that celebrate Indian heritage. “Increased whisky awareness, tasting experiences, and exclusive releases have refined consumer palates, making them more eager to explore homegrown innovations. Additionally, Indian single malts now offer exceptional value and accessibility, providing premium quality at competitive pricing, making them a strong alternative to imported whiskies,” adds Sharma.
The distillery division of Piccadily posted an impressive 18.48% y-o-y growth in Q3FY25, driving revenue to Rs 183.91 crore. Indri single malt’s sales volume skyrocketed by 43.54% y-o-y, while the company’s premium alco-bev brands saw a 51.87% surge in sales.
Making waves
As per a report released last year by the World Spirits Alliance, an international trade body representing the sector, Indian whisky is set to be the fastest growing spirits category between 2022 and 2027. Also, more than half of the world’s top 20 most consumed whiskey brands are Indian, as per a report by Drinks International.
“This momentum is powered by a clear shift towards premiumisation, with consumers opting for higher quality offerings. Rising disposable incomes and a new generation of well-travelled Indians are driving more informed and aspirational choices. The revival of on-trade consumption, especially in urban centres, is also boosting demand,” says Anant S Iyer, director general of the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), the apex body of the Indian alcohol beverage companies, representing more than 20 major domestic liquor manufacturers.
And the figures speak for themselves. In CY2023, consumption of Indian whisky grew to over 243 million cases, registering a CAGR of 4% from 234 million cases in CY2022 and commanding a lion’s share of 96.5% in the whisky market in India, as per data from IWSR, a global authority on beverage alcohol data and intelligence. In comparison, Scotch whisky registered a higher CAGR of 6.9% from 7.48 million cases in CY2022 to 8 million in CY2023, but holding only about 3.2% market share.
Indian whisky isn’t just growing; it’s evolving, says Vikram Damodaran, chief innovation officer of Diageo India, makers of the highly popular Godawan Indian single malt whisky. “What was once a category dominated by the single malts of Scotland is now seeing serious competition from homegrown brands that match—and often exceed—global standards. Indian single malts today stand shoulder to shoulder with their international counterparts on every front—flavour, craftsmanship, quality, and innovation,” he adds.
Godawan is currently present in 13 states in India and seven international markets. “Our core expressions, 01 Rich & Rounded and 02 Fruit & Spice, were designed to cater to different ends of the flavour spectrum, and we’re continuing to build on that with new variants in development,” adds Damodaran.
The pioneers
Much like its Scotch, American or Japanese counterparts, Indian whisky is a broad category that covers products ranging from blended spirits to single malts. Molasses-based blends make up a significant portion of the spirits consumed as ‘whisky’ in India, although whisky wholly distilled from malt and other grains is now being manufactured and sold, and gaining worldwide prominence. “Indian distillers have created a niche globally within the single malt whisky category. This is because we are producing exceptionally good quality single malt whisky which is appreciated in India and around the world,” says Rakshit Jagdale, MD of Amrut Distilleries, an Indian company best known for its eponymous Amrut brand, which is the first single malt whisky to be made in India.
Amrut was launched in Glasgow, Scotland, on August 24, 2004, at an Indian restaurant called Cafe India. “Currently, we have close to 45 expressions of our range of single malt whiskies and are present in 60 countries,” says Jagdale, whose grandfather JN Radhakrishna Rao established the company in Bengaluru in 1948.
From the beginning, Amrut’s USP has been that it is Indian, not Scotch or Irish. “Our single malts are made from 100% malted Indian barley, fermented, distilled and matured in Indian tropical climatic conditions having its own uniqueness and character,” adds Jagdale, whose company is currently selling over 130,000 cases worldwide of its range of malt whiskies.
Another pioneer in the Indian whisky space is John Distilleries, which set up its first single malt plant in 2008, before launching its offerings four years later in 2012. “Our whiskies are made using the finest six-row barley, which is sourced locally, and matured in barrels that interact intensively with the tropical Goa environment, imparting deep, complex flavours in a shorter maturation period,” says Heemanshu Ashar, global brand ambassador of Paul John, a brand of Indian single malt and single cask whisky manufactured by John Distilleries.
“We offer a range of expressions such as Brilliance, Bold, and Select Casks, each showcasing a distinct profile—from smooth, approachable whiskies to robust, nuanced ones with innovative cask finishes,” says Ashar, adding that the company’s single malts have a year-on-year growth of 22-25% in terms of volume sales. The brand is currently available in 49 countries, winning over 320 acclaimed international awards to date.
Home advantage
From being a country mainly known for whisky consumption and imports, India is now shining globally as a producer and exporter. But what’s so special about Indian whisky? “India’s warm climate accelerates the ageing, delivering rich, complex flavours faster. Combined with decades of blending expertise and innovation, Indian whisky offers a unique taste,” says Amar Sinha, chief operating officer, Radico Khaitan, a leading manufacturer of Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL).
Radico’s Rampur single malt, with eight global expressions and presence in over 50 countries, reflects the success of Indian whisky worldwide, with Royal Ranthambore becoming the company’s fastest growing brand. “The company is blending tradition with modern techniques, helping put Indian whisky firmly on the global map,” adds Sinha.
Radico Khaitan has seen strong momentum across brands. In the December 2024 quarter, the company achieved a turnover of Rs 100 crore from its luxury and semi-luxury portfolio and is expecting a sharp `500-crore turnover in FY 2026.
The company has experienced significant growth in its Indian whisky segment, driven by the expanding demand for premium and luxury spirits. “In Q3 of FY25, Radico’s ‘prestige and above’ brands—including Rampur Indian single malt—contributed approximately 51% to total IMFL volume and approximately 73% to value,” adds Sinha.
India’s rise as a global whisky producer is driven by a unique blend of quality, value, and heritage, says Iyer of CIABC. “Indian single malts have gained international acclaim for their rich, complex profiles shaped by the country’s diverse climate and rapid ageing process. Competitive price points make them accessible luxury offerings in global markets,” he adds.
Flowing forward
India’s homegrown whisky scene is on fire, and brands, both old and new, are coming out with new products—high on innovation, flavours and craftsmanship.
Earlier this year, Amrut Distilleries launched Expedition, a limited-edition single malt whisky, to commemorate its 75th anniversary. This ultra-exclusive release, priced at over `10 lakh, is India’s oldest and rarest single malt, aged for 15 years. Only 75 bottles were produced, with a global release spanning across key markets, including India, the US, the UK, Europe, Dubai, Singapore and Australia.
Similarly, in April, John Distilleries announced the launch of two new additions to its portfolio—Paul John Port Select Cask Whisky and Paul John Madeira Select Cask Whisky.
Piccadily, too, announced the launch of its award-winning Indri Founder’s Reserve 11-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky in April. With a limited release of only 1,100 bottles available worldwide—split evenly between India and select international markets—the whisky can be both a collector’s treasure and a connoisseur’s delight.
Meanwhile, late last month, Radico Khaitan announced the launch of its Morpheus Super Premium Whisky. Crafted with imported Scotch malts and fine Indian grain spirits, aged in Bourbon barrels and carrying a signature fruity floral flair, this whisky is a masterstroke of smooth sophistication and bold character.
India has always had an affinity towards “brown drinks”, as per Ankur Sachdeva, CEO and co-founder of Uppal Brewers & Distillers (UBD); hence, it was natural for homegrown whisky brands to grow in the fast-expanding Indian alco-bev market. “This momentum is driven by global exposure led by enhanced travelling, increased urban consumption led by aspirational living, and rising confidence in homegrown quality. The category has evolved with the times; whisky is now seen as both a classic drink and a flexible option for modern mixology,” he adds.
Earlier this year, the Delhi-based UBD released its Soorahi blended Indian whisky. Currently present in over 250 premium outlets in Delhi, the company sold more than 6,000 bottles within the first three months of its launch. “We have also recently expanded to Punjab. With steady month-on-month growth, we are looking at increasing retail presence across north India,” says Sachdeva.
Premium whiskies are now more easily available in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, and not just metros, says Paritosh Bhandari, master blender of 55°North, a premium whisky brand that was launched by Three Brothers Distillery, known for its award-winning craftsmanship and deep-rooted family legacy, in January this year. “Also, modern liquor stores are making it easier for consumers to go and shop in a very different environment,” he adds.
55°North is inspired by the legendary 55° North latitude—a nod to the birthplace of some of the world’s greatest whiskies. “It captures this heritage while being proudly crafted for the modern Indian palate. It’s where global craft meets local soul,” offers Bhandari, adding that the whisky is a carefully crafted blend of aged Indian grain spirits and imported Scotch malts. “55°North is designed for depth and smoothness—full-bodied flavour without the burn. Our whisky appeals to seasoned whisky drinkers and curious upgraders alike,” he adds.
Positioned in the sweet spot of the premium segment, 55°North sits strategically between mass semi-premium IMFLs and expensive Scotch imports.
Indian whisky is gradually finding its identity, but there’s still a long way to go, as per Vicky Chand, director and CEO of Radiant Manufacturers that makes the popular Castle Hill Dark Knight whisky. “We’ve only scratched the surface when it comes to understanding how soil, grain, fermentation, and climate influence the final spirit. Even in terms of casks, we haven’t explored the use of locally sourced wood yet, which could shape a more distinct profile,” explains Chand. “That said, internal demand remains steady, and global recognition is growing, particularly for producers who focus on integrity, craftsmanship, and traceability. There’s also a sense of curiosity building around Indian whisky styles that don’t imitate international benchmarks but create something original,” he adds.
The company has developed two distinct expressions that reflect both technique and regional character. The Castle Hill Dark Knight small batch whisky is made using 100% locally sourced corn spirit. It undergoes bamboo charcoal filtration and is then matured for either two or four years. “We bottle it without any flavouring or colouring agents, and the result is a robust, smokey profile that carries a strong imprint of Northeast India,” says Chand.
Radiant’s other label, Infamous Northeast Rebel Double Barrel Whisky, which it unveiled in April this year, is an experimental blend. “We take imported Scotch malts and mature them further at our facility, with copper-pot-distilled Indian single malts, sourced from Jammu and continuous-column-distilled corn and rice whiskies from our distillery, something not commonly done. Alongside this, we age corn spirit in ex-Tennessee barrels and finish it in Oloroso casks. This layered approach brings complexity and character that set it apart from conventional blends,” adds Chand.