In addition to beer and vodka Whisky is definitely the most loved alcoholic beverage across the country. It is true that whisky was made available in India during the late 19th century and since then it has earned many supporters here. In fact, whisky from Scotland (yeah it’s originates from Scotland) declares India it’s new residence since just recently India was the most important market for scotch whisky around the world.
Do you believe it? That’s insane, right? You shouldn’t be too surprised that the demand of whisky consumption in India continues to grow even into 2024. With that in mind we’ve made a decision to create a our most well-known whisky brands from India to 2024. If you’re a whisky lover, then you have to try these brands. Let’s start with the basics let’s get started, shall we?
1. INDRI
You’ve heard of the majestic Himalayas and the tranquil Yamuna river, don’t you? Imagine a whisky brewed in the shadows of these mountains! That’s INDRI. In the Piccadily Distillery is where magic occurs. The drink has a long background, it’s tied to the historic GT Road which has witnessed hundreds of travellers. The most impressive thing is that the brand utilizes specially-crafted barley that comes from Rajasthan and age its whisky over three distinct barrels! This is why it has been awarded prizes all the way from Tokyo from the World Whiskies Awards. It’s like old-fashioned ways meeting new techniques and giving us a flavor to cherish.
2. Amrut
As you might already know that the word “Amrut” in Sanskrit, Amrut means “Elixir of Life”. The whisky is the title of being the first single malt from India. The story of the brand started at Bangalore beginning in the year 1948. They had to face some obstacles such as finding the right equipment however they refused to give up. Instead of using molasses like the rest of us, they chose barley. Their whisky was so unique that it was noticed by experts such as Jim Murray. It’s cool that due to India’s warmer temperature, their whisky grows more quickly! This is why they brought whisky into consumers in the European market and got positive response.
3. Blenders Pride
You can see, Blenders Pride came out in 1995 and quickly became a cult drink in India. It’s cool that it’s created by combining Indian grains with something distinctive from Scotland. Pernod Ricard, the company which owns it, is very happy about it. IBlenders Pride used to be owned by a different company named Seagram. In 2001, however, Pernod Ricard and another company called Diageo purchased Seagram and acquired Blenders Pride. They even created a more luxurious version of the bottle in 2011 that was a bit expensive for the time. A UK team worked on the bottle in order to make it appear classy. From its humble beginnings, Blenders Pride has grown significantly. The company went from selling just the first few bottles of the brand in 2003 and generating millions of dollars in 2012!
4. Black Dog
Originating from Scotland but loved by all by India the whisky is a part of a fascinating history. It all began in 1883, when James MacKinlay first mixed and whisky and then bottled the whisky. But, here’s an interesting surprise! The bottle in 1992 received its final touches in India despite the fact that the whisky was from Scotland. They came up with a clever plan. Instead of shipping ready-to-go bottles of whisky from Scotland and spending a lot in shipping costs, they ship large quantities of whisky and then bottle it to Nasik, Maharashtra. It’s a smart way to save money you say? Did you know that the name “Black Dog” was derived from a fly fishing? Yes, it’s a device used for fishing. Whisky has a long history, and you’re now one of the characters!
5. Imperial Blue
Another star is Imperial Blue. Some call it IB. It’s been in existence since 1997, and features an exclusive mix with Indian grain and Scotch imported from overseas. You may have seen their original ads featuring the slogan “Men Will Be Men”. Although they aren’t allowed to show alcohol in advertisements however, they came up with a clever solution to avoid the issue. They even produced a film named “Men Will Be Men”. In addition, they’ve been part of events for sports and music events. This isn’t just a beverage It’s a brand all over the place. From selling only some cases at the time of 2000 they had sold huge 8.8 million cases in 2012. It’s a huge leap, isn’t it?
6. Paul John
Then, Paul John is not only a name for a person, but also a fantastic whisky. This Indian whisky made its debut for sale to all the world’s palates on the streets of London at the end of 2012. And guess where it’s produced? It’s just here, in Sunny Goa! Every sip could bring back memories of beautiful beaches and good moments. The name is a reference to the great man who owned John Distilleries, Paul P. John. The distillery has a huge facility situated in Goa where they can make magic happen. You might even be able to visit. They began making whisky in 1996, however, they decided, “Why not try something unique?” That’s why they created the single malt in 2008. Due to the warm weather in Goa and the whisky’s maturation quicker. Therefore, if you’ve got an old bottle that’s five years old or older, you’re similar to a 15-year-old Scotch.
7. Johnnie Walker
Johnnie Walker is a famous Scotch whisky made in Well, Scotland. It’s the reason it’s known as Scotch whisky. Right? There was a man named John Walker started it all in a town known as Kilmarnock. In 2016, they were able to sell more than 223.7 million bottles. it’s quite plenty of whisky! There’s an interesting fact, John Walker wasn’t always fan of whisky. At first, he ran a store where he offered various things. Then, he began to concentrate on whisky and put his label on his bottles. Following John died his grandson and son have made the brand more popular throughout the world.
8. Chivas Regal
The next is Chivas Regal Another fantastic Scotch whisky that comes from Scotland. It has been available since 1786. It is from a region known as Strathisla Distillery in Speyside, Scotland. From 2002 to 2008 plenty of people discovered the pleasure and not only in India but across the world, and sales were up 61 percent! There are many varieties of whisky, such as Chivas Regal 12 and Chivas Regal 25. Two brothers called James Chivas and John Chivas who run the Chivas Regal brand. The company began as a small shop, and since they produced such a great whisky, the Queen Victoria was their first customer in 1843!
9. Antiquity
We’ll now discuss an Indian brand dubbed Antiquity. It’s manufactured by a company known as United Spirits Ltd, which is part of the larger Diageo Group. The brand was first introduced in 1992. Since the time, it has offered us two types of spirits: Antiquity Blue and Antiquity Rare. An interesting thing to note is the fact that 2012 was when Antiquity Blue was awarded a gold award in the international contest! If you go through GQ publication, they awarded Antiquity Rare a rating of 4.2/10 and said it had an individual taste that could not be a good fit for all.
10. Royal Challenge
And lastly there’s The Royal Challenge, often just known as RC. It’s an Indian brand that is produced by United Spirits Ltd. It’s existed from the early 1980s. If you’re thinking about what’s unique about it, it’s a mix of flavors, certain from India and others from Scotland. It’s true, despite the fact that whisky is a common name it’s actually a little similar to the rum! The company was initially an entity known as Shaw Wallace in the 1980s. Later, United Spirits Ltd took over the brand and made it larger. It became extremely well-loved in India in the 1990s and 1980s. In 2003-04 the company sold more than 1 million bottles in one year!
Conclusion
Perhaps you’re someone who is a lover of whisky It could be that you are just looking to begin your journey to whisky by choosing the finest options available there on the Indian market. Right? If this is the case, then we hope that today’s blog about whisky brands been of some help to you.
FAQs
Q. What are the most popular single malt whiskies made in India?
Amrut Fusion, Paul John Brilliance, and Rampur Select are some of the top single malt whiskies made in India. Amrut Fusion was even ranked as one of the best whiskies according to Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.
Q. What exactly is IMFL in relation to Indian whisky?
IMFL is Indian made foreign liquor which is a term used to describe spirits produced in India by using the same processes as those used to make foreign liquors. They typically include spirits made from molasses mixed with flavors.
Q. Why is there such a huge need for whisky from Scotch in India?
Despite the tax burdens on imports Scotch whisky is appreciated for its authenticity and quality. Brands such as Johnnie Walker and Chivas Regal are highly sought-after by Indian customers.
Q. Are there any rules for the production of whisky in India?
To be labelled as whisky, the spirit has to be matured at least three years. However, a majority of Indian whiskies age more quickly due to the heat of the climate, which is comparable to a longer period of aging in cooler climates, such as Scotland.
