World Whisky Day is the perfect excuse (not that we need one) to raise a glass and explore something truly exceptional. This year, we’re shining the spotlight on homegrown heroes. Indian whisky has come a long way from being just a budget bar staple. Today, it’s bold, complex, and refined enough to sit proudly on any top shelf next to global greats. Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or someone looking to graduate from your usual go-to, there’s never been a better time to explore what India has to offer. From single malts crafted in the foothills of the Himalayas to blends that are making waves internationally, these premium Indian whiskies are absolutely worth the splurge. So if you’re in the mood to treat yourself—or surprise someone with a gift that says “I know my spirits”—we’ve got just the list for you. These premium Indian whiskies are what you need this year!
Premium Indian whiskies to try on World Whisky Day
GianChand Single Malt Whisky (by DeVANS Modern Breweries)
GianChand Premium Single Malt Whisky by DeVANS has been a hot favourite among connoisseurs in India as well as globally. Matured in the foothills of the Himalayas in Jammu, GianChand stole the limelight at the previous edition of International Spirits and Wine Competition (ISWC) held in London, and it was also a showstopper at coveted Indian awards such as Spiritz Achievers’ and Ambrosia. While it won the silver medal at ICWC, it bagged the Gold for both taste & packaging at the Spiritz Achievers’ Awards. It was adjudged the ‘Best Indian Single Malt’ with the Best Packaging at the Ambrosia Awards. GianChand has been termed as the most ‘delicate’ & ‘refined’ Indian malt in the Whisky Bible by global whisky guru Jim Murray.
Price: Rs 4,600 in Goa, Rs. 4490 in Delhi
DŌAAB Limited Edition Single Malt Whisky
DŌAAB is an Indian single malt whisky crafted in limited batches, embodying tradition. Born from the vision of fourth-generation distiller and Globus Spirits Joint Managing Director, Mr. Shekhar Swarup, DŌAAB takes its name from the fertile alluvial soil between two rivers, symbolising richness in nature and in craftsmanship. Its inaugural release, “01: Six Blind Men and the Elephant,” takes its inspiration from the ancient Indian fable to toast the beauty of multiple perspectives.
Crafted from native six-row barley and matured entirely in ex-bourbon casks, the whisky develops on the nose with tropical fruit, golden honey, and creamy vanilla, unfolding on the palate with rich toasted almond, cinnamon, and spiced caramel. Every aspect embodies a deep respect for Indian craftsmanship, down to the Mandana folk motifs on the label and hand-stamped Channapatna wood cork.
Crafted by hand in batches of just 500 casks in an eco-friendly, vertically integrated distillery in Behror, Rajasthan, DŌAAB is a promise of grain-to-glass traceability. It has garnered strong international recognition, including a Gold Medal and Indian Whisky of the Year award at the 2025 Berlin International Spirits Competition, a Silver at the 2025 International Spirits Challenge in London, and many more.
Price: Rs 4500 to Rs 5500 depending on the state
Godawan
Traditionally, whisky is brewed in a cooler climate, though this one is brewed in the arid Rajasthan, where temperatures are always high. Named after the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, the whisky is as unique as its name. The whisky is full of dried fruits, lending it a rounded and rich expression. It also has sultanas on the nose, raisins, apricots, and figs in the palette. And it finishes off with a caramel, mature wood that withholds a buttery flavour like baklava. It was awarded as the ‘Single Malt Whisky of the Year’, Collector’s Edition artisanal single malt at the London Spirits Competition, 2024.
Price: Rs 4600 to 6600 depending on the state
Indri Trini
Piccadilly Distilleries’ Indri-Trini won the “Best ‘New World’ Whisky” category at the prestigious VinePair Awards. This follows its previous win as the ‘Double Gold Best In Show’ at the Whiskies of the World Awards. With more than 14 international awards, Indri Trini is one of India’s fastest-growing single malt brands. The nose is filled with aromas of black tea, caramelised pineapple, oak, vanilla, honey, raisins, and sweet cherry, which are accompanied on the palate by notes of oak, vanilla, blackberries, hazelnuts, orange zest, and caramel.
Price: Haryana: Rs 3,000 Delhi: Rs 3,700; Maharashtra: Rs 5,400/-
Indri X House of Dragon Exclusive Edition
This extraordinary collection is inspired by the Game of Thrones franchise – the ‘House of the Dragon’ Exclusive Edition. This limited release comprises two exceptional single malt whiskies, each paying homage to the esteemed houses of Westeros.
House of Black: Representing the fiery spirit of the Black Council from House of the Dragon, this single malt whisky entices with notes of sweet toffee, creamy vanilla and subtle peat on the nose. The palate unfolds with a symphony of flavours, from sweet chocolate and toffee to hints of earthiness, dates, figs and vanilla.
House of Green: In tribute to the refined tastes of the Green Council, this single malt whisky exudes elegance and sophistication. On the nose, hints of ripe bananas, vanilla, toffee, honey, raisins, and pineapple create an inviting aroma. The palate is delicate yet complex, offering a bouquet of sweet, fruity, floral, and nutty flavours, complemented by elegant spice, chocolate, and dried fruits. As the journey concludes, a subtle sweet finish with lingering fruitiness leaves a lasting impression, reminiscent of the luxurious courts of Westeros.
Price: Rs 6,000 – Rs 11,500
Crazy Cock
This Single Malt Whisky is a true standout, turning heads with its bold name and impressing palates with its exceptional character. Made at South Seas Distilleries — India’s oldest malt distillery with over four decades of mastering the art of whisky-making in India’s climate. These single malt whiskies are distilled in some of the oldest and the largest copper pot stills in the country and aged in India’s biggest maturation warehouses, all set in the unique microclimate of Dahanu. The result is a whisky full of depth, character, and complexity like no other and comparable to whiskies far greater in age which have been matured in colder climates.
The distillery’s two inaugural expressions have been bottled using some of India’s rarest and most aged malts:
The Single Malt Whisky RARE is a full-bodied single malt with a rich flavour profile
The Single Malt Whisky DHUA (meaning smoke), is a peated expression with a smoke laced profile and touch of barbecue notes. Both expressions have been matured in Ex-Bourbon and Ex-Sherry casks.
Price: Rs 6,000 – Rs 12,500
Rampur Asava
Named the ‘Best World Whisky’ at the John Barleycorn Awards, the Rampur Asava is matured in Indian Cabernet Sauvignon casks and ex-American bourbon. It boasts of rich aromas of apricot, manuka honey, and vanilla, with a peppery, spice-laden finish. So don’t wait any longer to host that much-delayed party, and splurge with the best whiskies.
Price: Rs 10,000-11,000