India's Whisky Revolution: Rising Stars Of Single Malt

Forbes

09-07-2025

Two Whiskey Glasses with Ice Cubes Floating in the Air getty
India is the world's largest producer and consumer of whisky. Only in recent decades, however, has it become a serious contender in the global premium whisky scene. Once dominated by mass-market blends and molasses-based spirits sold as 'whisky,' India now produces some of the world's finest single malts, earning critical acclaim and international awards. Below is a brief overview of India's leading single malt producers and their whiskies.
Whisky arrived in India during British colonial rule. British expatriates introduced their preference for Scotch whisky to the region, and the spirit quickly gained popularity there.
Historically, Indian distillation was mostly industrial, prioritizing low cost and high volume over quality. Until the late 20th century, 'Indian whisky' was often a spirit made from fermented molasses, a method not recognized as 'whisky' by international standards.
It wasn't until the late 20th century that India began to develop a growing premium market for grain-based whisky, aligning with the country's economic liberalization and the rapid expansion of its middle class.
In the early 2000s, the Amrut distillery introduced India's first single malt, transforming perceptions of what Indian whisky could be. Other Indian whisky producers soon followed. The Rise of Indian Single Malt Whisky
The launch of Amrut Fusion in 2009 marked a significant milestone. Made from a blend of Indian and Scottish barley and aged in Bangalore's hot, dry climate, Fusion received praise from critics and was even featured in Jim Murray's Whisky Bible. It was the first Indian single malt to consistently earn medals at international spirit competitions.
Since then, the category has experienced rapid growth, driven by rising demand for premium spirits among India's urban middle-class consumers and increasing international recognition.
India's single malt whiskies now hold a niche but influential position in the global market, standing alongside well-known brands from Scotland and Japan. The primary challenge is the climate's impact on maturation.
Whisky matures much faster in India's hot climate. Typical 'angel's share' losses of 12–15% annually are common, compared to Scotland's 2%. This shorter aging period makes it difficult to achieve balanced maturation. However, rapid aging also produces the bold, flavorful profiles that distinguish Indian malts.
Below is a brief overview of India's leading single malt whisky producers, along with a short description of their aroma and taste profiles. Prices listed are for the entry-level expressions.
BANGALORE, INDIA - FEBRUARY 19: Images of Amrut whisky products and single Malt Amrut whiskies (Photo by Hemant Mishra/Mint via Getty Images) Hindustan Times via Getty Images Amrut Distilleries, Bangalore, Karnataka $62
Flagship Malts: Amrut Fusion, Amrut Peated, Amrut Single Malt
Founded in 1948, Amrut is recognized for launching India's first authentic single malt whisky. Located in the dry climate of Bangalore, at the heart of the high-altitude Mysore Plateau, Amrut whiskies age faster than their Scottish counterparts. Although this accelerated aging presents challenges, it also results in more extractive processes that develop intense flavors in less time.
Amrut Fusion exemplifies the distillery's typical aroma and flavor profile. On the nose, it offers notes of rich cooked cereal or barley malt, tropical fruit, toffee, and a hint of smoke. The palate displays wood spices, seasoned oak, cocoa, citrus zest, and a balance of sweet and smoky flavors. The finish is long and warming, with lingering spicy and fruity notes.
Amrut's whiskies are bottled without chill filtration or artificial coloring. Their experimentation with peated barley and port cask finishes has further expanded their whisky's aroma and flavor profile. Paul John, Paul John Brilliance, Goa $33
Flagship Malts: Paul John Brilliance, Paul John Edited, Paul John Bold
Paul John whisky was launched in 2012 by John Distillery. It quickly gained a reputation for elegance, balance, and a tropically influenced complexity. Goa's hot, humid climate accelerates aging while imparting the spirit's unique characteristics. The brand has earned multiple medals at international spirit competitions, cementing its position among the top Indian whiskies.
Paul John Brilliance reflects the typical aroma and taste profile of Paul John's whiskies. On the nose, it offers notes of honey, cooked cereal or barley malt, vanilla, and light citrus aromas. The palate has a creamy texture, with hints of spice, cinnamon, and a subtle sweetness. The finish is long, smooth, and slightly peppery.
Paul John Edited and Bold highlight different levels of peat, providing Indian interpretations of smoky and peaty malt styles. Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, Rampur Asava $74
Flagship Malts: Rampur Select, Rampur Double Cask, Rampur Asava
Owned by Radico Khaitan, one of India's oldest liquor companies, Rampur Single Malt was launched in 2016 and has quickly gained popularity in international markets. Aged in the Himalayan foothills, Rampur's whisky reflects a unique, cooler microclimate.
Rampur Select is floral and fruity, with notes of ripe apple, apricot, and honey, along with subtle floral undertones. It is spicy and flavorful on the palate, revealing hints of fruitcake, vanilla, and dried fruit. The finish is long and elegant, with lingering notes of seasoned oak and spices.
Rampur Asava is especially notable for its finish in Indian Cabernet Sauvignon casks. This was the first case of an Indian malt whisky finished in a domestically produced wine cask. Kamet, Kurukshetra, Haryana $51
Flagship Malt: Kamet Single Malt
Launched in 2020, Kamet is a joint venture between Piccadilly Distillery and Peak Spirits. Kamet is matured in ex-Bourbon, wine, and Sherry casks. The whisky reflects Indian terroir while appealing to global palates.
The whisky shows a noticeable Sherry influence. It features notes of golden raisins, dried fruit, sweet spices, and vanilla. It's rich, flavorful, and complex on the palate, revealing hints of chocolate, dried fruit, and leather. The finish is long and fruity, with lingering notes of roasted nuts and subtle seasoned oak.
The still room at the Indri whisky distillery Photo, courtesy Indri/Picadily Distillery Indri, Haryana, Indri-Trini, $58
Flagship Malt: Indri-Trini, DRU Single Malt, Indri 7 YO Red Wine Cask.
One of the newest entrants in the Indian single malt scene, Indri-Trini is produced by Piccadilly Distilleries. It features a unique triple cask maturation process using ex-Bourbon, French wine, and PX Sherry casks. Launched in 2021, it has quickly gained recognition for quality and affordability.
Indri whisky offers notes of vanilla, orange zest, sweet spices, and various fruits. It is smooth on the palate, with a distinctive viscosity and flavors of dried fruit, citrus, spices, and chocolate. The whisky is medium length and warming, with lingering notes of spice and seasoned oak. Looking Ahead
India's tropical climate offers both opportunities and challenges. The rapid maturation allows distillers to create rich, flavorful whiskies. However, it also results in higher evaporation rates and increased risks of over-extraction and over-oaking.
To handle the challenges of India's hot climate, Indian distillers have become skilled at shorter barrel aging, using various cask types for wine and sherry finishes, and closely managing warehouse environmental conditions.
Water sources, indigenous barley varieties, a hot climate, and seasonal changes resulting from the monsoon cycle contribute to the unique regional signatures. Although there is currently no single malt whisky regulation in India comparable to Scotland's, many producers follow international best practices, avoiding additives and chill filtration.
India's single malt market is small but growing quickly. Domestic demand is fueled by an urban middle class switching from blends to craft spirits. Meanwhile, export demand continues to rise as Indian malts appeal to global connoisseurs. New producers and experimental batches, including cask finishes in Indian wine barrels, sherry butts, and rum casks, show that innovation is just beginning.
Indian single malts are no longer novelties. They're credible, collectible, and growing more sought after. With their bold character, unique terroir, and impressive complexity, Indian whiskies are beginning a new chapter in the global whisky story — one sip at a time. Their very attractive prices are a bonus. If you're not familiar with Indian single malts, now is a great time to start exploring. More from Forbes Forbes The Top Single Malt Scotch Whisky, According To The International Wine And Spirit Competition By Joseph V Micallef Forbes Best American Single Malt Whiskey From The 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition By Joseph V Micallef Forbes Top Irish Single Malt Whiskey, According To The San Francisco World Spirits Competition By Joseph V Micallef