10 Best Whisky in India 2024
Whisky enthusiasts around the world can attest that there is a unique charm to Indian whiskies, which have not only garnered attention for their rich flavors but also their smooth finishes. Whether you’re new to the world of whisky or a seasoned connoisseur, the Indian whisky market offers a diverse range of flavors and styles. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the 10 best whisky in India 2024, showcasing their unique features, history, and why they have earned a place in the hearts of whisky lovers.
Why Indian Whisky Stands Out?
When it comes to whisky, India may not always come to mind as the first place that comes to mind, but it should! The country has produced some of the finest whiskies that have earned global recognition. The growing popularity of Indian whiskies can be attributed to their craftsmanship, diverse flavors, and rich heritage that blends traditional Scotch whisky-making methods with locally sourced ingredients.
In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best whisky in India that have stood the test of time, satisfying the taste buds of countless whisky lovers. From affordable blends to luxurious single malts, these whiskies represent the diverse spectrum of flavors in the Indian whisky market. If you’re wondering which bottle to add to your collection or just want to know more about India’s contribution to the world of whisky, you’re in the right place!
Best Whisky in India 2024
| Whisky Brand | Alcohol by Volume | Introduced Year | Owned By | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McDowell’s No. 1 | 42.8% | 1963 | United Spirits Ltd | Scotch and Indian malt blend |
| Royal Stag | 42.8% | 1995 | Pernod Ricard | No artificial flavorings |
| Officer’s Choice | 42.8% | 1988 | Allied Blenders & Distillers | Affordable with premium variants |
| Imperial Blue | 42.8% | 2000 | Pernod Ricard | Known for its quirky “Men will be Men” campaign |
| 8PM | 42.8% | 1988 | Radico Khaitan Ltd | Fruity aroma with a hint of peat |
| Blenders Pride | 42.8% | 2001 | Pernod Ricard | Smooth, smoky profile with Scotch blend |
| Royal Challenge | 42.8% | 1980 | United Spirits Ltd | Unique blend of Scotch & Indian malt |
| Sterling Reserve | 42.8% | 2017 | Allied Blenders & Distillers | Premium brand with multiple variants |
| Director’s Special | 42.8% | 1988 | United Spirits Ltd | Legal battle over whisky categorization |
| Signature | 42.8% | 1994 | United Spirits Ltd | Blend of 10 scotches, aged malts, and fine grain spirits |
10 Best Whisky in India 2024
1. McDowell’s No. 1: India’s Whisky Icon
Launched in 1963, McDowell’s No. 1 has been one of the top-selling whisky brands in India, transcending borders with its bold blend of imported Scotch and select Indian malts. The whisky’s rich history and association with Bollywood and cricket have helped it maintain a strong presence in the market. Diageo India, the company behind the brand, has kept McDowell’s No. 1 relevant by aligning itself with popular cultural events and maintaining a high standard of quality.
Unique Features:
- Blending Scotch and Indian malts
- Widely available in various pack sizes
- Strong ties with Bollywood and cricket
2. Royal Stag: A Bold Pioneer
Introduced in 1995, Royal Stag has been a game-changer in the Indian whisky market. Unlike most whiskies of its time, Royal Stag did not use any artificial flavorings. The marriage of Indian grain spirits and Scotch malts redefined the standards for premium Indian whiskies. The brand’s affordable pricing and exceptional quality have made it a favorite among whisky drinkers of all types.
Unique Features:
- No artificial flavorings
- Affordable without compromising quality
- Global availability
3. Officer’s Choice: Affordable Luxury
In 1988, Officer’s Choice was introduced to cater to a wider audience with an affordable pricing strategy. Over time, it evolved, introducing premium versions like Officer’s Choice Blue and Officer’s Choice Black, which have attracted whisky enthusiasts from all walks of life. The brand is known for its innovative marketing strategies, including collaborations with popular events like the Indian Premier League.
Unique Features:
- Affordable pricing with premium variants
- Popular with the masses, especially in rural India
- Associations with sporting events
4. Imperial Blue: For the Bold
Launched in 2000, Imperial Blue, owned by Pernod Ricard, quickly rose to fame due to its superior blend of Indian grain spirits and Scotch malts. The whisky’s strong marketing campaign, including the popular “Men will be Men” slogan, connected it with younger consumers, giving it a quirky, bold identity. It remains a top choice among whisky drinkers in India.
Unique Features:
- Quirky marketing campaigns
- Popular with younger generations
- Blend of Scotch malts and Indian grains
5. 8PM: A Record-Breaking Success
When 8PM was launched in 1998 by Radico Khaitan Ltd, it immediately made waves in the Indian whisky industry. It broke records by selling over a million cases in its first year, earning it a place in the Limca Book of Records. The whisky’s fruity aroma and balanced flavor profile have helped it maintain a loyal following to this day.
Unique Features:
- Fruity aroma with a hint of peat
- Record-breaking sales in its first year
- Medium-bodied with a rich finish
6. Blenders Pride: A Premium Choice
Since its introduction in 1995, Blenders Pride has become synonymous with premium whisky in India. With a perfect blend of Indian grain spirits and Scotch malts, Blenders Pride is known for its smooth and smoky taste. The brand’s premium status is further solidified with its Reserve Collection, which was launched in 2011 for whisky enthusiasts seeking a more refined taste.
Unique Features:
- Premium blend of Scotch and Indian grains
- Smooth, smoky taste profile
- Reserve Collection for discerning whisky lovers
7. Royal Challenge: The Legacy Continues
Launched in the early 1980s, Royal Challenge has a rich legacy in the Indian whisky market. Known for its unique blend of Scotch whiskies and Indian malts, Royal Challenge became the first whisky to reach the 1 million case mark in the mid-prestige price segment. Its quality was recognized globally when it won the best Indian Whisky Gold at the International Whisky Competition in 2011.
Unique Features:
- A legacy brand with over 40 years of history
- Unique blend of Scotch and Indian malts
- Recognized globally for its quality
8. Sterling Reserve: Premium Excellence
Introduced in 2017, Sterling Reserve has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of India’s top premium whisky brands. Known for its multiple variants like Blend 7 and Blend 10, Sterling Reserve has built its reputation on quality. The brand’s recognition as the Indian Whisky Brand Champion for several years attests to its growing popularity.
Unique Features:
- Premium quality blends
- Multiple variants for different tastes
- Active marketing campaigns
9. Director’s Special: A Storied Brand
The introduction of Director’s Special (DSP) in 1988 brought with it a controversy when Shaw Wallace & Company faced legal challenges from the Scotch Whisky Association over the categorization of DSP as a whisky. Despite these hurdles, DSP’s popularity has soared, with sales increasing significantly in recent years.
Unique Features:
- Legal battles over whisky categorization
- Strong sales growth in recent years
- Owned by United Spirits
10. Signature: The Elegant Blend
Introduced in 1994, Signature by United Spirits has earned a reputation as one of India’s top-selling premium whiskies. The whisky’s unique blend of 10 imported Scotch whiskies, aged Indian malts, and fine grain spirits gives it an exceptional taste. With variants like Signature Rare and Signature Premier, Signature is a versatile choice for whisky connoisseurs.
Unique Features:
- Blend of 10 imported Scotch whiskies
- Variants for different palates
- Consistent sales growth
11. Radico Khaitan’s “Rampur Indian Single Malt”
Owned by: Radico Khaitan Ltd
Introduced: 2016
Alcohol content (ABV): 43%
Overview of Rampur Indian Single Malt Whisky
Rampur Indian Single Malt is a premium whisky offering from Radico Khaitan Ltd, one of India’s leading spirits manufacturers. Launched in 2016, this whisky stands out in the Indian whisky scene as one of the few Indian-made single malts, which is traditionally a category dominated by Scottish distilleries. With its unique blend of Indian grains, local craftsmanship, and meticulous aging process, Rampur Indian Single Malt has quickly gained a reputation for offering an exceptional whisky experience.
The Making of Rampur Indian Single Malt
What sets Rampur Indian Single Malt apart from the other whiskies in the Indian market is its traditional single malt production method. Unlike blended whiskies that use a mix of malt and grain spirits, Rampur is made solely from malted barley, which is mashed, fermented, and distilled in copper pot stills. The whisky is then aged in oak barrels, which impart deep flavors to the spirit. The company uses a unique blend of European and American oak barrels, adding complexity to the taste profile.
The tropical climate of Uttar Pradesh, where Rampur distillery is located, plays a significant role in the maturation process. The heat accelerates the aging process, resulting in a whisky that has matured more quickly than its Scottish counterparts, which typically undergo slower maturation in cooler climates.
Tasting Notes and Flavor Profile
Rampur Indian Single Malt offers a rich and full-bodied flavor profile that combines the sweetness of Indian grains with the complexity of traditional whisky aging. It boasts a golden amber color, accompanied by an aromatic bouquet of dried fruits, honey, and delicate spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. On the palate, it is smooth with flavors of caramel, toffee, and a hint of oak. The finish is long and warm, with a subtle smokiness that lingers.
This whisky is well-suited for those who enjoy a refined, rich taste with a slight Indian touch, distinguishing it from more common blended whiskies.
Recognition and Awards
Rampur Indian Single Malt has quickly gained recognition on the global stage, winning several awards at international spirits competitions. It has impressed whisky aficionados worldwide for its quality and craftsmanship. In 2020, it received a gold medal at the prestigious “San Francisco World Spirits Competition” for its smoothness and balance, which helped solidify its place among the best Indian whiskies.
Personal Recommendation:
If you’re looking for a whisky that offers both quality and tradition, I highly recommend McDowell’s No. 1. Its rich heritage, unique blend, and global recognition make it a standout option in the Indian whisky market. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a whisky connoisseur, McDowell’s No. 1 is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What makes McDowell’s No. 1 special?
A1: McDowell’s No. 1 is known for its unique blend of imported Scotch and Indian malts, making it one of the top-selling whiskies in India.
Q2: Is Royal Stag available worldwide?
A2: Yes, Royal Stag is available in many countries and has built a strong global presence since its launch.
Q3: What is the best premium Indian whisky?
A3: For those seeking premium options, Blenders Pride and Sterling Reserve are excellent choices.
Q4: Can I enjoy Officer’s Choice on a budget?
A4: Yes, Officer’s Choice is known for its affordability while still offering a high-quality drinking experience.
Q5: Which whisky is best for younger drinkers?
A5: Imperial Blue is popular among younger whisky enthusiasts due to its quirky marketing and smooth flavor.
Conclusion
The Indian whisky market is rich with diverse flavors, top-quality blends, and a legacy that continues to evolve. From McDowell’s No. 1 to Signature, each of the 10 best whisky in India brands offers a unique experience. Whether you’re on a budget or seeking something premium, India’s whisky offerings cater to every palate. Cheers to discovering your new favorite dram!