India’s whisky scene is having a global moment — and fans around the world are raising their glasses. Once overshadowed by Scotch, Japanese, and Irish whisky, Indian single malts are now collecting international awards, topping expert rankings, and appearing on elite bar menus from London to New York. What’s driving the hype? A combination of bold flavours, fast tropical ageing, innovative cask finishes, and craftsmanship that rivals the world’s best. Here are five Indian single malts making a global impact — and exactly why they deserve a spot on your shelf.
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Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt – The Game Changer
Hailing from the storied legacy of South Seas Distilleries, one of India’s oldest malt houses that predates the single malt revolution, Crazy Cock sustains a quiet obsession that blends passion and meticulous artisanal craftsmanship. At the seventh edition of the International Wine & Spirits Awards (IWS) held at Mumbai’s iconic Taj Lands’ End, it proudly took home the highest rating and the title of Best in Show in the Indian Single Malt category, solidifying its place among the world’s finest. Sourced from a unique selection of global Bourbon and Sherry casks, each hand-bottled batch matures under the warm Indian sun, resulting in a bold character and remarkable complexity that whisky lovers around the globe cherish.
Why you should try it: It’s a smooth, versatile whisky that appeals to both beginners and seasoned drinkers — a great discovery bottle for any home bar.
Amrut Fusion – The Under-the-Radar Rising Star
When Amrut Fusion burst onto the global whisky scene, it rewrote the rules for what Indian spirits could achieve. Crafted using both Indian and Scottish barley, Fusion offers a flavour explosion of dark chocolate, pepper, and warm oak. Its long list of international awards makes it a favourite among whisky critics. What makes it truly special is its ability to balance intensity with smoothness — a signature of tropical maturation.
Why you should try it: It’s the iconic bottle that introduced Indian single malts to the world, offering a taste of India’s pioneering whisky spirit.
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Paul John Bold – Goa’s Smoky Masterstroke
Paul John Bold brings the rugged charm of smoky whisky, but with an unmistakable Indian twist. Distilled in Goa and aged in the region’s warm, coastal humidity, this whisky delivers earthy peat layered with honey, spice, and toasted coconut. Its complexity and smooth finish have earned it praise from global whisky circles. Fans of Islay-style smokiness will find something familiar yet refreshingly new.
Why you should try it: It’s the perfect introduction to Indian peat — smoky, flavourful, and irresistibly bold.
Rampur Asava – A Luxurious Wine-Cask Innovation
Rampur Asava has made headlines for its unique finishing process in Indian red wine casks — a technique that sets it apart on the world stage. This bold experiment pays off in a whisky bursting with notes of berries, dry fruits, vanilla, and warm spices. Its velvety sweetness and depth have won it several international awards, including praise for redefining modern Indian whisky.
Why you should try it: Its wine-cask finish offers a luxurious, dessert-like profile unlike anything from Scotland or Japan.
GianChand – An Indian Single Malt Whisky
From the house of DeVANS, GianChand Single Malt Premium Whisky stands as a refined home-grown creation that captures both delicacy and complexity. Named after the company’s visionary founder Dewan Gian Chand, these whisky marks DeVANS’ foray into the premium single malt segment—crafted with the same precision that has defined its award-winning beers and malt spirits.
Distilled in the unique climatic conditions of Jammu, GianChand offers a distinctive pineapple drop-candy sweetness, balanced with soft barley, a firm vanilla backbone, and gentle oak influence that lets exotic fruit notes shine.
Recognized in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2022, the legendary critic hailed it as “unquestionably the most delicate Indian malt” he has encountered in nearly three decades of exploring the region’s distilleries.
Why you should try it: Its signature pineapple candy sweetness and soft barley notes create a flavour profile unlike any other Indian single malt.
Why Indian Single Malts Are Winning Big Worldwide
India’s climate accelerates ageing, its distillers aren’t afraid to experiment, and its terroir adds a boldness that stands out in the global whisky market. The result? Whiskies packed with character, complexity, and charm — often ready within just a few years.
Whether you prefer smoky, fruity, sweet, or spicy, Indian single malts offer something for every palate. And with brands like these leading the charge, India’s place in the world of premium whisky is only getting stronger.
Raise a glass — the Indian whisky wave is just getting started.
