Forget plane tickets and heather-clad hills, for the essence of Scotland lies closer than you think! Dive into the world of Scotch whisky in India with our curated list of the top 10 brands, complete with their 2024 price points.
This guide caters to every palate, from budget-conscious blends to luxurious single malts. So, whether you’re a seasoned Scotch aficionado or simply curious about its smoky allure, let us be your compass as you navigate the diverse and exciting landscape of Scotch whisky in India.
First we understand the what is mean by Scotch whisky?
What is Scotch whiskey?
Scotch whisky is a type of whiskey, specifically a malt whisky or grain whisky (or a blend of the two), that is made in Scotland. It has a distinct flavor profile that can range from light and floral to rich and smoky, depending on the type of whisky and how it is made.
Top 10 Scotch whiskey brands
#1 Glenfiddich
Within the vast realm of scotch whisky brands, Glenfiddich shines as a beacon of Speyside single malts. Founded in 1886 by William Grant, the distillery boasts a rich heritage and unwavering commitment to craftsmanship.
| Base | Barley |
| Taste | A strong apple flavor with sweet malty notes, light honey, and vanilla. The finish has a sherry influence and a light alcoholic bite |
| Manufacturer | Glenfiddich distillery owned by William Grant & Sons |
| Introduced in | 1886 |
| Variants | Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old, Glenfiddich 15-Year-Old, Glenfiddich 18-Year-Old, and Glenfiddich 21-Year-Old |
| Alcohol by Volume | 40% |
Today, it holds the title of world’s best-selling single malt, a testament to its quality and enduring popularity.
#2 Glenlivet
The Glenlivet brand is the biggest selling single malt whisky in the United States and the second biggest selling single malt brand globally after Glenfiddich. So this is the second best scotch whisky brands in our list.
| Base | Barley |
| Taste | Nose Apricot, pineapple, greengages, citrus blossom and toasted teacake |
| Manufacturer | Chivas Brothers (Pernod richard) |
| Introduced in | 1824 |
| Variants | The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve, the Glenlivet Captains Reserve, the Glenlivet 12 Year Old, the Glenlivet 14 Year Old |
| Alcohol by Volume | 40% |
Glenlivet 12 Year Old is a smooth, fruity, and easy-drinking whisky that is perfect for beginners and experienced drinkers alike. It is a classic Speyside single malt that has won numerous awards over the years.
#3 Macallan
The Macallan distillery was founded by Alexander Reid, a barley farmer and school teacher. The Macallan is generally considered to be the second or third highest-selling single-malt scotch, next to Glenlivet.
| Base | Barley |
| Taste | Tasting notes from experts often mention characteristics like rich oak, dried fruits, spices, and a velvety smooth texture |
| Manufacturer | The Macallan Distillers Ltd |
| Introduced in | 1824 |
| Variants | Double cask 12 old, Colour collection 18 years old, Harmony collection rich cacao, the macallan classic cut 2023 edition. Etc. |
| Alcohol by Volume | 46% |
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#4 Johnnie Walker
If we talk about Scotch whisky brands in India, Johnnie Walker stands as a titan, its striding man logo instantly recognizable amongst a sea of competitors. More than just a name, it represents a legacy of blending artistry, dating back to 1820 when John Walker dared to push boundaries and create a smoother, more consistent whisky experience.
| Base | Cereal, Barley or Grains |
| Taste | Nose Winter spice and treacle, hints of white pepper and a little citrus. Palate Rich and full with notes of wood smoke and dry spice, hints of barley and cereal with creamy toffee and a distinct herbal note |
| Manufacturer | Diageo |
| Introduced in | 1820 |
| Variants | Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 years, Johnnie Walker Red Label, Johnnie Walker Red Label Reserve, Johnnie Walker Double black, Johnnie Walker green Label 15 year, Johnnie Walker aged 18 years, Johnnie Walker blue Label, Johnnie Walker king George V and Johnnie Blonde |
| Alcohol by Volume | 40% |
Today, its diverse range caters to both discerning connoisseurs and adventurous newcomers, offering a flavor journey through the very heart of Scotland, all from within the vibrant Indian market.
#5 Talisker
Talisker is a single malt Scotch whisky. It’s double distilled and aged for a minimum of 10 years in American oak casks.
| Base | Malted barley |
| Taste | Known for its bold, complex, and slightly peaty character. Influences from the sea air, including salty and peppery notes, are often present |
| Manufacturer | Diageo |
| Introduced in | 1830 |
| Variants | Talisker 10 Year Old, Talisker Skye, Talisker Storm, Talisker Dark Storm, Talisker 18 year Old |
| Alcohol by Volume | 45.8% |
The Talisker family all have a peated, smoky flavor from the peat burned during the malting process.
#6 Laphroaig
Laphroaig, the iconic Islay single malt, is a whisky for the bold. Renowned for its intense peat smoke character, reminiscent of campfires and coastal breezes, it’s a flavor explosion that lingers long after the last sip.
| Made from | Barley |
| Taste | It has a pleasant rich aroma of Peat smoke, ash, seaweed, sea minerals, citrus and dark chocolate It has a prominent smoky, musty woody and medicinal taste like tcp or clove |
| Manufacturer | Beam Suntory |
| Introduced in | 1815 |
| Variants | Laphroaig 10 Year Old, Quarter Cask, Laphroaig Select, Laphroaig Lore |
| Alcohol by Volume | 40%, 43%, 48% or 55.3% |
Matured in ex-bourbon barrels, it balances its smoky punch with hints of seaweed, iodine, and a surprising touch of sweetness.
#7 Ardbeg
For discerning palates seeking an adventure beyond the ordinary, Ardbeg emerges as a crown jewel amongst scotch whisky brands in India. This iconic Islay single malt, born from rugged Scottish shores and steeped in centuries-old tradition, offers an unparalleled journey into the world of peaty perfection.
| Base | Barley |
| Taste | Sweet vanilla counterbalanced with lemon and lime followed by that surging Ardbeg smoke |
| Manufacturer | Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy |
| Introduced in | 1815 |
| Variants | Ardbeg Corryvreckan, Ardbeg Uigeadail, Ardbeg An Oa, Ardbeg Traigh Bhan Batch 3, Ardbeg 25 Years Old, Ardbeg BizarreBQ |
| Alcohol by Volume | 46% |
#8 Balvenie
Balvenie is a renowned Scottish whisky brand known for its premium single malt Scotch whiskies. Established in 1892, it is situated in Dufftown, Scotland. Balvenie produces a range of expressions, including aged variants and special releases, prized for their craftsmanship and distinctive flavors.
| Made of | Locally grown barley |
| Taste | Syrupy sweetness, fresh citrus, creamy vanilla and honey, and ends with a cinnamon and ginger spice |
| Manufacturer | William Grant & Sons |
| Introduced in | 1892 |
| Variants | The Balvenie DoubleWood 12, The Balvenie PortWood 21, The Balvenie French Oak 16, Balvenie 1972 Vintage |
| Alcohol by volume | 40% most in product but vary by product to product |
However, it may not be as widely available in India compared to other Scotch whisky brands due to its
premium positioning and limited distribution channels in the Indian market.
#9 Aberlour
Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky is produced in the village of Aberlour, Speyside, Scotland. And is currently owned by Pernod Ricard.
| Made of | Ben Rinnes and barley |
| Taste | Crisp, citrus, and a subtle and balanced flavor |
| Introduced in | 1879 |
| Variants | Aberlour 12 Year Old, Aberlour double cask, Aberlour Triple Cask, Aberlour forest reserve 10 years, Aberlour 18 Year Old Etc . |
| Manufacturer | Chivas Brothers (Pernod Ricard) |
| Alcohol by Volume | 46% |
Aberlour is known for its range of single malts, which are aged in a variety of cask types, including sherry casks, bourbon casks, and Oloroso sherry casks. The distillery also produces a blended Scotch whisky, Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured.
#10 Lagavulin
Last but not the least in our list, Lagavulin is a world-renowned Islay single malt Scotch whisky known for its complex flavor profile and peaty character.
| Made of | Water from the Solan Lochs, while the peat – so crucial to their distinctive flavour – comes from the extensive peat bogs in the west of the island |
| Taste | A massive mouthful of malt and Sherry with good fruity sweetness, but also a wonderful sweetness |
| Manufacturer | Diageo |
| Introduced in | 1816 |
| Variants | Smoky flavor profile and a rich, meaty taste |
| Alcohol by volume | 43% |
It is one of the most respected and sought-after Scotch whisky brands in the world, and is a favorite among connoisseurs.
FAQ: Scotch whisky
Which is the best scotch whisky in India?
Some popular and highly regarded Scotch whisky brands available in India include Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Macallan, and Talisker.
What is difference whisky and Scotch?
Whisky (or whiskey) refers to a wide range of distilled spirits made from fermented grain mash. Scotch is a specific type of whisky produced exclusively in Scotland. And remember all Scotch is whisky, but not all whisky is Scotch.
Is Scotch a strong alcohol?
Scotch Whisky is usually bottled at 40% or 43% abv. But you can also find 46%, 57% and all the numbers between, and sometimes even stronger stuff.
Conclusion
Now that we have a heart fully glimpse into the top Scotch whisky brands in India, what are you waiting for? Share your favorite drams in the comments below, and let’s continue the conversation. Remember, the whisky journey is meant to be shared, so raise a glass and toast to good times, good friends, and good Scotch.
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