6 Must-Try Indian Whisky Brands For Curious Enthusiasts

Forbes

21-05-2025

whiskey
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When most whisky lovers picture the global map of great distilling regions, India probably doesn't come to mind—yet. But that's quickly changing.
Once known more for sheer volume than craftsmanship, India is now producing some of the most fascinating single malts and blends on the market. Brands like Amrut, Paul John, and Rampur are quietly building reputations as serious contenders, collecting international awards and turning heads in bars and collector circles from Mumbai to Manhattan.
India is also one of the world's largest whisky consumers, and for decades, most of what was labeled as "whisky" in the country wasn't actually whisky at all by global standards. Due to relaxed labeling laws, many popular Indian whiskies were made from molasses—technically rums—then blended with a small amount of grain spirit. They satisfied domestic demand but rarely left the subcontinent. That started to change in the early 2000s, when a few visionary producers set their sights beyond volume and toward quality.
With tropical aging conditions that accelerate maturation, native grains, and a growing appetite for innovation, Indian whisky is coming into its own. If you haven't yet explored what the country has to offer, here are six bottles that might change your perspective—and maybe your top shelf.
Amrut Fusion
Amrut
ABV: 50%Style: Single Malt
When Amrut released Fusion in 2009, it wasn't just making a statement—it was planting a flag. This was the first Indian whisky to get serious international attention, and for good reason. Fusion lives up to its name: it combines Indian barley grown in the foothills of the Himalayas with peated Scottish malt, creating a single malt that bridges two whiskey cultures.
Expect a rich aroma of dried fruit, toasted nuts, and a wisp of peat smoke. On the palate, it's bold and balanced, with flavors of tropical mango, cocoa, and spice, followed by a dry, oak-driven finish that lingers like a Scotch campfire with a mango lassi chaser.
Why Try It:
Fusion didn't just open the door for Indian whisky—it kicked it down. If you only try one bottle from the region, make it this one.
Rampur Asava
Rampur
ABV: 45%Style: Single Malt, Wine Cask Finished
Produced in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Rampur is distilled by Radico Khaitan, one of India's oldest and largest spirits companies. But Asava is anything but old-school. This expression is aged in American oak before being finished in Indian Cabernet Sauvignon barrels—adding a truly local twist to an international format.
The result? A whisky with juicy notes of stewed plums, dark cherries, and cinnamon, layered with vanilla, oak, and a whisper of red wine tannin. It's lush, spicy, and almost jammy, but finishes dry and elegant.
Why Try It:
Cabernet cask finishing is rare even in traditional whiskey regions. Rampur's use of Indian wine barrels adds a uniquely regional character that sets Asava apart.
Paul John Brilliance
Paul John
ABV: 46%Style: Non-peated Single Malt
Crafted on the shores of Goa, Paul John Brilliance offers a sun-drenched expression of Indian whiskey. Made from Indian six-row barley and matured in ex-bourbon barrels, this non-peated malt captures the coastal warmth of its surroundings. It's aged relatively quickly thanks to the tropical climate, which intensifies its vanilla and honey-forward character.
The nose gives you sponge cake and orange blossom. On the palate, there's honeycomb, barley sugar, and a smooth finish with a gentle kick of pepper. It's sweet, light, and perfect for sipping on a warm evening—or for easing a bourbon drinker into the world of single malts.
Why Try It:
If Amrut Fusion is India's statement whisky, Paul John Brilliance is its easygoing charmer. A great introduction to Indian single malt for Scotch and bourbon fans alike.
Indri-Trini
Indri-Trini
ABV: 46%Style: Triple Cask Single Malt
Relatively new on the scene, Indri-Trini comes from the Piccadilly Distillery in the northern state of Haryana and is already turning heads with its ambition. The name 'Trini' refers to its triple cask maturation: ex-bourbon, French wine, and PX sherry barrels all contribute to its layered profile.
The nose is redolent of candied orange, dried fig, and sandalwood. Sip it, and you'll get a generous swirl of baking spice, vanilla fudge, and oak, with the PX sherry's raisin-like sweetness emerging late. It's both approachable and intriguing—like a well-dressed dinner guest with a backstory.
Why Try It:
Triple cask aging is a bold move for a relatively young distillery, and Indri pulls it off with confidence. It's an exciting sign of where Indian whiskey is headed next.
Godawan 01 'Rich & Rounded'
Godawan
ABV: 46%Style: Single Malt
Godawan (pronounced go-da-vun) is Diageo India's foray into sustainable, terroir-focused Indian whiskey. Distilled in Rajasthan and matured using a mix of Indian and European oak, this single malt incorporates native Indian botanicals like vetiver and rasna—a subtle nod to Ayurveda and local flavor.
The whisky opens with nutty richness, dried dates, and almond brittle, followed by an earthy undertone of sandalwood and spice. There's a warm desert quality to it—dry, slightly smoky, and complex.
Why Try It:
If terroir matters to you, Godawan is one of the only whiskys that leans all the way into Indian identity—grain, botanicals, and climate included.
Solan No. 1
Solan
ABV: 42.8%Style: Blended Malt
Before Amrut and Paul John put India on the global whisky map, there was Solan No. 1. First launched in the 1930s and produced by Mohan Meakin (of Old Monk rum fame), it's named after the town of Solan in the Himalayas, where Asia's oldest distillery still operates.
Solan No. 1 doesn't have the polish or punch of a modern single malt, but it offers gentle charm: light malt notes, soft caramel, a bit of floral grassiness, and an easy-drinking finish. It's the taste of nostalgia for many Indians and a time capsule in a bottle.
Why Try It:
This is the gateway to India's distilling past. Not the flashiest dram on the shelf, but a fascinating one nonetheless.