Long known for its deep ties to whisky legends in Scotland, Ireland, and Japan, the world of fine whisky is now witnessing a quiet revolution from an unexpected contender: India. Once associated primarily with mass-market blends, India has confidently stepped into the premium whisky spotlight—crafting award-winning single malts and small-batch expressions that are capturing global attention and reshaping long-held perceptions.

This rise isn’t accidental. It’s the result of high-quality native ingredients, skilled distillation practices, and a warm climate that accelerates maturation, creating flavour depth in a fraction of the usual time. With global interest in craft spirits exploding, Indian distilleries are weaving heritage, terroir, and innovation into whiskies that speak both of regional identity and global ambition.

Here are five standout Indian whiskies redefining the country’s reputation, one remarkable bottle at a time.

Indri Drú Cask Strength

Bold and unapologetically expressive, this Piccadily Distilleries creation earned a coveted place among the Top 15 Whiskies of the Year* at the 2024 International Whisky Competition. Full-bodied with an oily texture and a lingering finish, Indri Drú is a layered tapestry of sweet spices, dried fruits, dark chocolate, and burnt coconut. Warm, complex, and beautifully balanced—this is Indian craftsmanship at its finest.

Castle Hill Dark Knight Corn Whiskey

Crafted in Assam and inspired by American whiskey traditions, Castle Hill’s Dark Knight is India’s foray into 100% corn-based whiskey. Made using Nagaland-grown corn and Dhansiri River water, it’s aged in charred American oak and bamboo-charcoal filtered. Expect a rich, faintly spicy profile with notes of blackberry, coffee, and a delicate smokiness. A small-batch gem that seamlessly blends Indian terroir with global style.

GianChand Single Malt

From the DeVANS distillery in Jammu comes GianChand, an elegant and gentle single malt named after founder Dewan Gian Chand. Soft barley sweetness takes centre stage here, supported by hints of pineapple candy, light vanilla, and minimal oak influence. The result is a refined, almost lyrical whisky that highlights finesse over force.

Longitude 77° Single Malt

Pernod Ricard India’s offering from Dindori, Maharashtra pays tribute to the meridian that runs through the heart of the nation. Longitude 77° delivers mellow, rounded flavours—vanilla, oak, and gentle fruit—crafted in small batches. Its indigo-accented packaging, adorned with a postal-stamp motif, celebrates India’s diversity, heritage, and evolving whisky identity.

Mithuna by Paul John

A global sensation, Mithuna from Paul John’s Goa distillery is part of its Zodiac series and named after the Indian sign for Gemini. Matured first in virgin American oak and then ex-bourbon barrels, it offers aromas of honey, liquorice, and beeswax. On the palate: coffee, orange peel, cinnamon, and chocolate unfold in decadent layers. With a near-perfect 97/100 from critic Jim Murray, Mithuna stands tall as one of India’s greatest whisky exports.

Creating Their Own Niche

Indian whisky has arrived—not as an imitator, but as a confident innovator. With every new expression, the country’s distilleries showcase their ability to respect tradition while crafting flavours that are unmistakably their own. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned connoisseur, these bottles offer more than excellent whisky—they offer a fresh, compelling perspective on what world-class distilling can be.

Cheers to India’s whisky renaissance.

The next pour might just surprise you.