Indian whiskies are making significant strides in the global spirits market, with brands like Godawan recently winning the three-star “Superior Taste Award” at the 2025 International Taste Institute awards. This marks part of a broader trend, as Indian single malts consistently earn accolades at international competitions, making waves in the whisky world.
In just 20 years, pioneering distilleries like Amrut and Paul John have transformed India’s whisky reputation, outshining even established scotch producers in blind tastings. A country once known mainly for whisky consumption has emerged as an exporter of premium, internationally recognized spirits, bringing with it unique advantages from climate and production methods that are reshaping the global whisky landscape.
The Pioneers: Amrut and Paul John
The Indian whisky revolution began in earnest in 2010 when Amrut Fusion caught the world’s attention, earning praise from whisky critic Jim Murray as the “third finest whisky in the world.” This Bangalore-based distillery changed perceptions, proving that Indian whisky could be more than just an imitation of scotch.
In 2012, Paul John from Goa entered the scene, eventually becoming “Asia’s most awarded single malt” with over 300 international accolades.
Both brands thrived by combining Scottish distillation methods with Indian innovations, leveraging the country’s hot climate to age whisky three times faster than in Scotland. They also use Indigenous six-row barley, resulting in a unique flavor profile.
The Unique Indian Whisky Advantage: Climate and Ingredients
India’s tropical climate accelerates whisky maturation, where the hot conditions speed up the interaction between spirit and wood. In just 3-5 years, Indian whiskies mature to a level that takes 10-12 years in Scotland, resulting in richer, more complex flavors.
This accelerated process does come with challenges, particularly the “angel’s share” — whisky lost to evaporation. While Scotland loses about 2% annually, distilleries in India experience losses of 11-12% in Bangalore, and up to 25% in Rajasthan’s desert. Despite these losses, the whisky that remains is concentrated, with intense flavor profiles.
Additionally, Indian distilleries use six-row barley, which has a higher protein content than Scotland’s two-row variety. This gives Indian whiskies a grainier, bread-like character, with tropical fruit, spice, and a sweetness that distinguishes them from scotch.
The New Wave: Emerging Distilleries
A new generation of distilleries is building on the successes of Amrut and Paul John. Rampur Single Malt, from the Himalayan foothills, uses dramatic temperature fluctuations to develop unique rose water and tropical fruit notes. The brand was recently named among the “Top 100 Premium Spirits Brands of the World.”
Diageo’s Godawan, launched in 2022, embraces Rajasthan’s desert terroir with a focus on sustainability. It uses local six-row barley that requires less water and finishes its whisky in casks seasoned with Ayurvedic herbs — a first in single malt production.
Meanwhile, Mohan Meakin has revived Solan, India’s first single malt, adding historical depth to the country’s whisky renaissance. Industry veteran Prem P. Diwan notes, “Indian makers love to experiment,” pushing boundaries with techniques like extreme climate maturation and the use of indigenous ingredients.
Global Reception and Future Outlook
Indian single malts have earned substantial international recognition. Paul John has won over 320 awards, and Amrut regularly garners medals at the IWSC and San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Whisky expert Jim Murray has praised several Indian whiskies in the 90+ “Liquid Gold” range.
Indian whisky exports have grown over 200% from 2016 to 2021, with availability in over 60 countries. Key markets include the UK, USA, Europe, and East Asia. Domestically, Indian-origin single malts now account for over 50% of India’s market, surpassing Scotch in volume for the first time.
Despite challenges like steep taxes (sometimes 150-200%) and distribution issues, industry experts predict a 20% annual growth rate for the Indian single malt market over the next decade. With its unique advantages, rising investment, and ongoing innovation, India is on track to become one of the world’s most influential whisky-producing regions.
Indian Whisky’s Unstoppable Rise
In just two decades, India has transformed from a whisky importer to a renowned producer, achieving what took other regions centuries. Traditional whisky powerhouses are not just acknowledging India’s rise, but are also studying its methods, as shown by Diageo and Pernod Ricard’s own ventures into Indian single malts.
As India continues to innovate with rapid maturation, local ingredients, and botanical influences, it may very well redefine global whisky traditions, proving that innovation can come from unexpected corners of the whisky world.
