The Indian whisky scene is evolving fast, and one of its rising stars is Godawan. Made in the heart of Rajasthan’s arid landscapes, this Indian whisky is shaped by an extreme climate, local ingredients, and a spirit of innovation. But Godawan is more than just a whisky—it’s a brand with a mission, supporting conservation efforts for the Great Indian Bustard while pushing the boundaries of Indian whisky-making.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes Godawan stand out in the growing world of Indian single malt. From its unique production process to its bold, spice-laden flavors, we’ll dive into how this whisky embraces its desert origins. We’ll also look at its connection to conservation, Bollywood, and even the Jaisalmer royal family—elements that make Godawan as rich in story as it is in taste.
How Godawan Whisky Is Bringing Indian Single Malt To The World
India is home to some of the world’s most exciting new distilleries. One of the latest to make its mark is Godawan.
Fans of whisky may assume that scotch whisky is the biggest selling in the world. It’s certainly up there. Johnnie Walker sold 22.7m cases in 2022. But four brands in India – Officer’s Choice, Imperial Blue, Royal Stag, and McDowell’s Whisky – each outsold it that year.
Of course, to some these spirits aren’t considered whisky. Most ‘whisky’ made in India constitutes a blend of spirits made from fermented molasses with either grain whisky (maize, wheat, rye, or barley) or pre-blended scotch whisky. If you bottled this in Europe, you could not sell it as whisky.
But in the last couple of decades, several brands have emerged making whisky in the single malt tradition. The likes of Amrut, Paul John, Rampur, and Godawan have proven there’s craft credentials in India.
The demand for whisky in India is huge. According to the latest available data, it’s the largest buyer of scotch whisky by volume and value. But most producers of Indian single malt either only allocate a small amount of stock to India or bypass it altogether and export everything. Demand would quickly outstrip supply in the local market.
But this allows those brands to take the good word of Indian whisky to the wider world. Godawan and its contemporaries have the opportunity to redefine what Indian whisky is and showcase the worthiness of its take on the spirit. India is currently 40th in the world for alcoholic beverage exports, but with the market for its whisky expanding, there’s untapped export potential for the likes of Godawan.
How Is Godawan Whisky Made?
Godawan is from Rajasthan, one of Earth’s hottest, driest regions, reaching up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.78 degrees Celsius). But it embraces the climate rather than fights it.
The single malt is produced at the Alwar Distillery, where water conservation techniques are used to minimize waste in an already arid region. Established in 1978, Alwar became the first spirit distillery in Asia to receive the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Certification in 2024.
The brand also supports sustainable agriculture. Locally sourced six-row barley is used, one said to have a more robust character than the two-row barley commonly used in scotch.
After distillation, the whisky is aged in American oak barrels, which impart notes of vanilla, caramel, and coconut. Godawan also experiments with rare cask varieties, such as barrels seasoned with Indian botanicals like saffron and Mahua flowers, which add floral, earthy undertones not found in traditional whisky. This demonstrates the potential Indian whisky has to experiment with cask types.
Why Does Indian Whisky Mature Faster?
The climate across India varies significantly. Godawan whisky ages in an environment so arid it adopted the moniker “The Spirit Of The Desert.”
In hotter, drier climates, whisky expands deeper into the wood during the day and contracts as temperatures cool at night. This accelerates the exchange of compounds between the spirit and the barrel.
The arid environment is a thirsty one too. The cask loses more water through evaporation than it does alcohol. This increases the whisky’s strength and intensifies the extraction of flavors from the wood, especially tannins, lignin, and vanillin.
Spirit is also evaporated, a process called “The Angel’s Share” (as the vapor rises to the heavens). This reduces volume and concentrates the remaining liquid, enhancing depth, richness, and mouthfeel.
This is why whiskies matured in dry, hot climates, like India, Australia, or Texas can develop a more intense character and darker color than scotch whisky or Irish whiskey of the same age. The trade-off is that it’s much harder to mature whisky for a long time in a climate like this as the cask influence can overwhelm the spirit.
What Types of Godawan Whisky Are There?
Godawan currently has two main expressions:
Godawan 01 – Rich & Rounded: This expression is aged in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks before being finished in second-fill ex-bourbon barrels treated with Indian botanicals.
Godawan 02 – Fruit & Spice: Godawan 02 Fruit And Spice was matured in cherry wood casks initially before being finished in botanical-treated casks, just like 01 Rich & Rounded.
What Does Godawan Whisky Taste Like?
Expect a bold, flavourful whisky with notes of rich spices, dried fruits, and hints of floral and herbal complexity. The extreme maturation process in Rajasthan’s heat ensures a depth of character that belies its age.
We recommend pairing the whisky with Indian cuisine, a much-underrated match.
Here’s a tasting note for Godawan 01 – Rich & Rounded:
Appearance: Deep amber with golden highlights.
Nose: Aromas of dried apricot, figs, vanilla, and toasted oak, with hints of saffron and spice.
Palate: Full-bodied and complex, with notes of dark chocolate, nutmeg, and caramelized nuts. A touch of floral sweetness lingers in the background.
Finish: Long and warming, with a balance of spice and honeyed richness.
The Great Indian Bustard
The Godawan is the Great Indian Bustard (GIB). Once widespread across India, this rare bird is now on the Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List and roughly 150 remain in Rajasthan.
With every bottle of Godawan sold, the brand contributes to conserving the habitat of these birds. It has rehabilitated water bodies in six villages, established nesting habitats, and raised awareness in local communities about Godawan conservation.
Other ongoing projects include reforestation and wetland restoration, the creation of desilting ponds, and rainwater harvesting.
Godawan, Bollywood, & The Jaisalmer Royal Family
Godawan has also launched a long-term initiative to preserve classic Indian films via digitization and color restoration. This plan was revealed at the Cannes Film Festival 2024, a nod to the brand’s launch at the 75th Cannes Film Festival 2022 by Diageo India.
Godawan also has a connection with the Jaisalmer royal family. Chaitanya Raj Singh is the 44th titular king and a social entrepreneur who works as a champion to promote conservation efforts for the GIB with the Indian Ministry of the Environment and Godawan.
Why Should I Buy Godawan Indian Whisky?
Godawan has a unique back story, one that envelopes conservation, royalty, cinema, single malt, botanical-spiced casks, and an extreme climate. It’s also won over 65 international awards, including Best Single Malt at the 2024 London Spirits Competition.
All of that would fall on deaf ears if the spirit wasn’t up to scratch. But Godawan’s rich, spice-laden single malts ensure it’s a rising star in Indian whisky.
Whether you’re a whisky enthusiast looking for something new or an intrepid collector, Godawan is a name to watch.
