India is known for its diverse culture, rich history, and delicious cuisine. But did you know that it’s also home to some of the best whiskey brands in the world? Whether you’re a connoisseur or just starting your whiskey journey, the Indian market has something for everyone.
From the smoky and peaty flavors of Islay to the smooth and mellow notes of Speyside, the variety of whisky brands available in India is truly outstanding.
In this article, we’ll explore the top whiskey brands in India that are making waves in the industry and satisfying the taste buds of whiskey lovers across the country.
Whether you’re looking for a bold and adventurous flavor or a smooth and subtle taste, there’s a whiskey brand in India that’s sure to tickle your fancy. So, grab your glass, and let’s dive into the world of the best whisky brands in India.
Best Whisky Brands in India
Amrut
Amrut is India’s first, most awarded and most loved Single Malt Whisky. It is a premium Indian whiskey brand that has gained international recognition for its exceptional quality and unique flavors.
| Base | Barley |
| Manufacturer | Amrut Distilleries |
| Type | Single Malt Whiskey |
| Country of Origin | India |
| Variants available | Amrut fusion single Malt Whisky(46%), Amrut Intermediate Sherry, Amrut Kadhambam, Amrut Greedy Angels(50%), Amrut Double Cask |
| Alcohol by volume | 46% of single Malt Whisky |
Founded in 1948, Amrut is based in Bangalore and uses locally-sourced barley to create its distinct range of single malt and blended whiskies.
Amrut is considered one of the best whiskey brands in India and has won numerous awards and accolades for its exceptional quality and distinctive flavor. If you’re looking for a high-quality Indian whiskey brands, then Amrut is definitely worth trying.
Find more about the amrut Whiskey brand on amrutdistilleries.com
Imperial Blue
Imperial Blue is a popular whiskey brands in India that was launched in 1997 by Pernod Ricard India, a subsidiary of the French liquor company Pernod Ricard.
| Base | Indian grain spirits & Scotch malt |
| Manufacturer | Pernod Ricard |
| Type | Scotch malts |
| Country of Origin | India |
| Variants available | Imperial Blue |
| Alcohol by volume | 47% |
The brand has since become one of the top-selling whiskies in India, known for its smooth taste, affordable price, and wide availability.
Imperial Blue is a reliable and affordable Indian whiskey brand that has gained a strong following among consumers in India. Whether you’re looking for a smooth and easy-to-drink whiskey or a brand with a strong cultural identity, Imperial Blue is definitely worth considering.
Know more about the Imperial Blue on pernod-ricard.com/en/brands/imperial-blue
Royal Stag
Royal Stag is a one of the top Indian whisky brands that is owned by Pernod Ricard India, a subsidiary of the French liquor company Pernod Ricard.
| Base | Demineralised Water, Grain Neutral Spirit and Scotch Malts |
| Manufacturer | Pernod Ricard |
| Type | Scotch malts |
| Country of Origin | India |
| Variants available | Royal Stag Deluxe, Royal Stag Barrel select |
| Alcohol by volume | 40% for delux and 43% of Barrel select |
Launched in 1995, Royal Stag has since become one of the top-selling whiskies in India, known for its smooth taste, premium quality, and affordable price.
Royal Stag is made from a blend of Indian grain spirits and imported Scotch malts, and is aged in oak casks to develop its distinctive flavor.
The brand is known for its smooth and mellow taste, with hints of vanilla and caramel, which make it a popular choice among both casual and experienced whiskey drinkers.
Whether you’re looking for a smooth and mellow whiskey then Royal Stag is the best brands in India to try.
Know more about royal stag on pernod-ricard.com/en/brands/royal-stag
Paul John
Paul John is a premium whiskey brands in In India that was founded in 1992 by entrepreneur Paul P. John. Based in Goa, India, the brand has gained international recognition for its exceptional quality and unique flavors.
| Base | Barley, Water, & American Oak Casks |
| Manufacturer | John Distilleries |
| Type | India single malt whisky and single cask whisky |
| Country of Origin | India |
| Variants available | Brilliance, Editan, Bold, Nirvana, Mars Orbiter, Oloroso, Kanya |
| Alcohol by volume | 46% (single malt) & 57% (single cask) |
Paul John is a premium Indian whisky brand that is definitely worth trying if you’re looking for a high-quality and distinctive whiskey. You’re a casual drinker or a seasoned connoisseur, Paul John’s range of single malt whiskies is sure to impress you.
Want more information about Paul John Whiskey visit their official site pauljohnwhisky.com
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Johnnie Walker
Johnnie Walker was created in 1860 when John Walker & Sons began to export the family’s whisky. More than 150 years later, it is world’s biggest-selling Scotch whisky brand, available in almost every country worldwide.
| Base | Cereal, Barley or Grains |
| Manufacturer | Diageo |
| Type | Scotch whisky |
| Country of Origin | Scotland |
| Variants available | 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% |
Overall’s Johnnie Walker is a world-class whisky brand that has earned its place among the best Whiskey brand in India and around the world.
Official site johnniewalker.com
Jack Daniel’s
It is an iconic American whiskey brand that has been producing premium whiskies since 1866. The brand is known for its unique flavor and distinctive bottle design and has gained a strong following among whiskey drinkers around the world including in India.
| Base | 80% corn, 12% rye, and 8% malted barley |
| Manufacturer | Brown–Forman Corporation |
| Type | Tennessee whiskey |
| Country of Origin | Lynchburg, Tennessee |
| Variants available | Old no.7, Ready to Drink, Tennessee Rye, Gentleman jack, Single barrel, Tennessee honey, Tennessee fire and Special edition |
| Alcohol by volume | 40% - 70% |
Jack Daniel’s offers a range of whiskey expressions, including the classic Old No. 7, which is a Tennessee whiskey made from a unique blend of corn, rye, and barley. The brand also offers a range of flavored whiskeys, including Honey, Fire, and Apple, which have become popular choices for mixing and cocktails.
Get more information about the Jack Daniels on their site jackdaniels.com
Jameson
Jameson whiskey is a world-renowned Irish whiskey brand with a rich history and a reputation for producing some of the finest spirits in the industry. The brand Founded in 1780 by John Jameson, the brand has been a staple in the Irish whiskey industry for over two centuries and is considered one of the most iconic and respected names in the business.
| Base | Barley |
| Manufacturer | Irish Distillers |
| Type | Irish Whiskey |
| Country of Origin | Ireland |
| Variants available | Jameson Irish Whiskey, Jameson Black Barrel, Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition |
| Alcohol by volume | 40% |
Jameson whiskey offers something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of whiskey. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as part of a classic cocktail, Jameson whiskey is a timeless classic that continues to impress whiskey lovers around the globe.
Official site jamesonwhiskey.com
Chivas Regal
Chivas Regal is recognized as one of the most iconic & respected names in the whisky industry, and is known for its smooth and complex taste, as well as its luxurious packaging and branding.
| Base | finest malt and grain |
| Manufacturer | Pernod Ricard |
| Type | Scotch whisky |
| Country of Origin | Scotland |
| Variants available | Chivas Regal 12, Chivas Extra, Chivas XV, Chivas Regal 18, Chivas Ultis, Chivas 25, Chivas The Icon |
| Alcohol by volume | 40% |
Whether you are a seasoned whisky drinker or a newcomer to the world of spirits, Chivas Regal is sure to impress with its rich history, exceptional quality, and timeless appeal.
For more information visit their official website chivas.com
Glenfiddich
In India, Glenfiddich offers a range of different whiskey expressions, including its signature 12-year-old single malt, as well as the 15-year-old, 18-year-old, and 21-year-old varieties.
| Base | Barley |
| Manufacturer | Glenfiddich distillery owned by William Grant & Sons |
| Type | Single malt Scotch whisky |
| Country of Origin | Dufftown, Scotland |
| Variants available | Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old, Glenfiddich 15-Year-Old, Glenfiddich 18-Year-Old, and Glenfiddich 21-Year-Old |
| Alcohol by volume | 40% |
These whiskies are widely available in both online and offline stores across the country, and are enjoyed by whisky enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
Official site of Glenfiddich is glenfiddich.com
The Glenlivet
The Glenlivet has gained popularity in India over the years thanks to its consistent quality and reputation for excellence.
| Base | Barley |
| Manufacturer | Pernod Ricard |
| Type | Single malt Scotch whisky |
| Country of Origin | Scotland |
| Variants available | Glenlivet 18 Year Old Batch Reserve, Glenlivet 12 Year Old, Glenlivet 15 Year Old, Glenlivet 2007, Glenlivet 1966, Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve etc. |
| Alcohol by volume | 40% to 48% |
The brand is often seen as A symbol of luxury and sophistication, and is a popular choice among whisky enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
Site for more information about the Glenlivet theglenlivet.com
Black Dog
Black Dog is a popular whiskey brands in India, known for producing high-quality blended Scotch whiskies with a smooth and rich flavor profile.
| Base | Aged malt and grain whiskies |
| Manufacturer | United Spirits Ltd (USL) |
| Type | Scotch whisky |
| Country of Origin | Scotland |
| Variants available | Black Dog Black Reserve, Black Dog Gold Reserve Aged 12 Years, Black Dog Reserve Aged 18 Years, Black Dog Quintessence Aged 21 Years |
| Alcohol by volume | 42.8% |
The brand is owned by United Spirits Limited, one of the largest spirits companies in India, and has been a favorite among Indian whisky drinkers for many years.
Website – diageoindia.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is number 1 selling whiskey brands in India?
The number 1 selling whiskey brand in India is McDowell’s No. 1 Whisky. It is produced by United Spirits, the Indian arm of Diageo. In 2021, it sold 30.1 million cases, which is a 17.2% increase from the previous year. McDowell’s No. 1 Whisky is a blended whisky that is made with Indian grain whisky and scotch malts. It has a smooth and mellow flavor that is popular with Indian consumers.
Which is the smoothest whiskey in India?
- Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky
- Paul John Brilliance Single Malt Whisky
- Chivas Regal 12 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky
- Johnnie Walker Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky
These whiskies are all aged for at least 12 years, which gives them a smooth and mellow flavor. They are also made with high-quality ingredients, which results in a delicious and enjoyable drinking experience.
If you are looking for a smooth whiskey that is also affordable, then McDowell’s No. 1 Whisky is a good option. It is a blended whisky that is made with Indian grain whisky and scotch malts. It has a smooth and mellow flavor that is popular with Indian consumers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the whiskey market in India is growing continuously and there are many fantastic options available for those looking to enjoy a quality drink. From the classic taste of Johnnie Walker to the unique flavors of Amrut Fusion, the top 11 whiskey brands in India as per 2023 offer something for everyone.
Whether you prefer a smooth and mellow whiskey or one with a bold and complex flavor, you can find a brand that suits your taste. So go ahead, try out these top-rated or best whisky brands in India and discover your new favorite. Cheers!