In the last decade, India has emerged from being just a massive whisky consumer to a globally competitive producer of world-class single malt whiskies. While Scotch and Japanese malts historically dominated the premium whisky conversation, Indian craft distillers have rapidly evolved in quality, innovation, and global recognition. Indeed, Indian single malts like Amrut Expedition and Indri are now earning top spots in international whisky competitions, gaining accolades alongside the biggest Scotch names.
This article explores the top 10 Indian single malt whiskies, blending tradition, terroir, and bold experimentation — from household names to artisan expressions reshaping India’s whisky narrative.
1. Indri (Piccadily Distilleries)
Few Indian whiskies have made a splash like Indri. Named after the village in Haryana where it’s produced, Indri’s Diwali Collector’s Edition 2025 Marsala Cask Finish was crowned Best World Whisky at the Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards with an extraordinary near-perfect score — a colossal achievement for Indian whisky globally.
What makes Indri so compelling:
- Triple-cask maturation — typically bourbon, wine, and sherry — offering layered complexity and balance.
- Rich fruit, spice, and sweet cereal notes that appeal to both new drinkers and seasoned connoisseurs.
- A smooth finish that lingers with subtle warmth and vanilla echoes.
Indri has shifted from boutique cult favorite to global trailblazer, showing Indian whisky can not only compete with but outrank traditional whisky regions.
2. Amrut Fusion Single Malt (Amrut Distilleries)
A pioneer of Indian single malts, Amrut from Bangalore was among the first brands to earn widespread international acclaim. Its Fusion expression blends Indian and Scottish barley, producing a compelling mix of fruit, spice, and subtle smoke.
Key attributes:
- Vibrant fruitiness with cinnamon and nutmeg.
- A hint of smokiness balanced with creamy oak and caramel.
- Extremely expressive for its age and price, making it a favorite for both sipping and sampling India’s whisky prowess.
Amrut’s influence in establishing India on the global whisky map cannot be overstated: it helped challenge the perception that premium whiskies must come from Scotland or Japan.
3. Amrut Expedition 15-Year-Old
If Amrut Fusion put India on the map, Amrut Expedition pushed it into world-class territory. This rare 15-year-old Indian single malt — aged first in European sherry casks and then in bourbon casks — was ranked third best whisky in the world in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.
Why it stands out:
- Extended aging lends profound depth, rare for Indian expressions due to India’s intense climate.
- Enticing aromas of dried fruit, rich spice, and oak.
- A luxurious, multi-layered palate with honeyed sweetness and spicy complexity.
An iconic collector’s whisky, Expedition represents India’s ability to compete at the highest echelons.
4. Paul John Oloroso Select Cask (Paul John Distillery)
From the sunny coasts of Goa comes Paul John, another flagship of Indian single malt innovation. The Oloroso Select Cask expression finished in sherry barrels showcases superb fruit complexity and nuanced spice.
Tasting highlights:
- Aromas of peach and apricot, complemented by dark chocolate and molasses.
- A long, sweet finish with gentle spice and nutty notes — ideal for contemplative sipping.
- A refined balance of age and tropical maturation, giving it a distinctive Indian character.
Paul John has consistently garnered top scores in international competitions and critical acclaim for its accessible yet rich profile.
5. Rampur Asava (Radico Khaitan)
India’s heritage single malt, Rampur, from Radico Khaitan, leans into regional terroir with climate-driven maturation and innovative cask finishes. Its Asava expression combines bourbon and wine cask influence, creating a soft yet complex whisky.
Why Rampur deserves its place:
- Fruity and spicy undertones with apricot, honey, and vanilla.
- A mellow texture that reveals layers of oak, spice, and dried fruits.
- Acclaimed internationally, including top finishes in award shows that compare it with worldly peers.
Rampur represents India’s premium heritage, blending tradition with contemporary whisky craftsmanship.
6. Godawan Single Malt (Godawan Spirits)
Crafted from Rajasthan’s unique barley and matured in desert conditions, Godawan has already collected significant accolades, including World’s Best Single Malt at the London Spirits Competition.
Characteristics:
- A complex bouquet of honey, dried fruit, and oak.
- Palate notes featuring caramel, toasted nuts, and gentle spice.
- A long, rich finish with hints of desert dryness providing distinction.
Godawan’s expressions — such as Rich & Rounded and Fruit & Spice — spotlight India’s innovative approaches to terroir-influenced whisky making.
7. Godawan Century
Another premium offering from the Godawan stable, Godawan Century specifically earned acclaim for topping its category at the London Spirits Competition, reinforcing India’s capacity for excellence.
Highlights:
- A luxurious profile with refined fruit and spice.
- Exceptional balance between traditional malt character and regional uniqueness.
- A testament to India’s growing craftsmanship at the high end.
8. GianChand Adambaraa
At the 2025 International Whisky Competition, GianChand Adambaraa was named Best Indian Single Malt — a remarkable accomplishment proving the depth of quality in India’s whisky landscape.
Profile:
- Elegant sweetness with echoing spice.
- Mature and expressive palate, suited for whisky aficionados.
- Small-batch refinement with artisanal character.
GianChand’s success highlights that India’s smaller distillers can stand shoulder to shoulder with larger, more established names.
9. Paul John Brilliance
An accessible, highly regarded expression from Paul John, Brilliance delivers classic tropical and spicy notes with honied malt and vanilla.
Why whisky lovers choose it:
- Smooth, balanced, and complex — perfect for both newcomers and seasoned drinkers.
- Sophisticated yet approachable — a great representation of Indian whisky artistry.
Brilliance is a strong ambassador for Goa’s whisky scene and India’s growing diversity in whisky styles.
10. Godawan Fruit & Spice Artisan Whisky
Rounding out this list with another excellent Godawan expression, the Fruit & Spice Artisan balances bold fruitiness and nuanced spice.
Notes include:
- Raisins and fig on the palate.
- Finish with warm wood and gentle caramel.
- Unique desert-inspired flavor profiles that set it apart from traditional malts.
This whisky underscores that India’s single malt range isn’t just about prestige bottles — it’s also about diverse tasting experiences.
Conclusion
India’s single malt whisky scene is not just expanding — it’s thriving on the global stage. From Indri’s world-beating expressions to Amrut’s pioneering legacy, and Paul John’s tropical elegance to Godawan’s desert-borne richness, Indian whiskies offer diversity that appeals to all palettes.
While Indian craft distillers continue refining their techniques — experimenting with cask types, indigenous barley, and climate-driven aging — the recognition and awards flowing in show that Indian single malts are here not just to participate, but to excel.
Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or an eager whisky enthusiast, these top 10 Indian single malts are essential additions to your spirit journey — each bottle telling its own story of heritage, innovation, and exceptional taste.
