7 Premium Indian Craft Whiskies Under INR 5,000 To Try In 2026

In 2026, the global perception of Indian spirits has shifted from curiosity to genuine reverence. What began as a gin revolution led by pioneering craft distilleries has evolved into a sophisticated whiskey movement. Indian distillers are no longer simply mimicking Scotch; they are leveraging the subcontinent’s unique tropical climate – where whiskey matures three times faster than in colder regions – to create bold, complex expressions that hold their own on the world stage.

If you are looking to explore the best of Indian craftsmanship without crossing the INR 5,000 mark, these seven premium whiskies offer an incredible range of flavor, history, and innovation.

Premium Indian Craft Whiskies Under 5k

1. Otherside Subcontinental Whiskey

The New Perspective

The Rule-Breaker From Third Eye Distillery – the makers of the world-renowned Stranger & Sons Gin – comes Otherside, a spirit designed to be "For, Of, & By The Subcontinent." After leading India’s gin revolution, Third Eye is now redefining the country's largest spirits category.

• The Craft: This is a blended Indian whiskey using malts made and aged entirely in India. It embraces the land’s extremes – relentless heat and monsoons – to create a whiskey with depth and intensity. Its distinct profile is elevated by a Solera Finish in charred ex-bourbon barrels, a meticulous process that layers complex flavors into a singular expression. As CEO Rahul Mehra puts it, "It’s about time India starts writing its own story."
• Tasting Profile: Bold and unmistakable; it breaks the monotony of "Scotch-like" brands with a profile that represents Indian provenance rather than traditional labels or legacy.
• Goa Price: ~INR 2,200 | Maharashtra Price: ~INR 3,250

2. Indri Trini: The Three Wood

The Award-Winning Titan

Indri Trini has arguably become the face of the modern Indian single malt movement. Produced by Piccadilly Distilleries in Haryana, Trini refers to the three distinct types of casks used for maturation: ex-Bourbon, ex-French Wine, and PX Sherry.

• The Craft: This is the first Indian single malt to use this specific three-wood maturation process, resulting in a profile that is exceptionally smooth for its age.
• Tasting Profile: Notes of black tea, caramelized pineapple, and a hint of oaky spice. It is velvety and rich, making it a perfect neat pour.
• Goa Price: ~INR 3,100 | Maharashtra Price: ~INR 3,800

3. Amrut Fusion Single Malt

The Global Trailblazer

You cannot discuss Indian craft whiskey without Amrut. Amrut Fusion earned its name by fusing Indian malted barley with peated Scottish barley. For years, it has been a staple for those who want a world-class single malt at an accessible price.

• The Craft: Distilled in Bengaluru, the fusion of East and West creates a complex, smoky profile that famously helped put Indian whiskey on the map two decades ago.
• Tasting Profile: A thick, custard-like mouthfeel with heavy peat, citrus, and a long, spicy finish.
• Goa Price: ~INR 3,050 | Maharashtra Price: ~INR 5,000

4. Paul John Nirvana

The Smooth Introvert

Hailing from the sunny shores of Goa, Paul John Nirvana is an unpeated single malt designed for those who enjoy a delicate, soft dram. It is widely considered the best entry-level premium malt for those transitioning from blends to single malts.

• The Craft: Distilled using six-row barley from the foothills of the Himalayas and aged in charred American oak.
• Tasting Profile: Honeyed sweetness with a touch of salt (typical of Goa’s coastal aging) and a burst of fruit cake and caramel.
• Goa Price: ~INR 1,850 | Maharashtra Price: ~INR 3,200

5. Kamet Single Malt

The Himalayan Soul

Named after Mount Kamet, the second-highest peak in Uttarakhand, this whiskey is a collaboration between Peak Spirits and the legendary Surrinder Kumar (the master blender behind many of India’s most famous malts).

• The Craft: Aged in a combination of ex-Bourbon, ex-French Wine, and ex-Sherry casks. It is un-chill filtered, preserving its natural oils and textures.
• Tasting Profile: A vinous quality with notes of dark chocolate, dried raisins, and a gentle woody smokiness.
• Goa Price: ~INR 2,999 | Maharashtra Price: ~INR 3,800

6. Godawan Rich & Rounded (01)

The Sustainable Luxury

Produced by Diageo India, Godawan is a tribute to the Great Indian Bustard (Godawan). It is a mindful luxury brand that emphasizes Rajasthani provenance, using six-row barley that requires less water to grow.

• The Craft: What sets it apart is the finishing in casks infused with Indian botanicals (Rasna and Jatamansi), offering a flavor profile found nowhere else in the world.
• Tasting Profile: Rich, creamy, and nutty with a distinct herbal undertone and a finish of dried fruits.
• Goa Price: ~INR 4,100 | Maharashtra Price: ~INR 5,400 

7. GianChand Single Malt

The Gentleman from Jammu

From the house of DeVANS Modern Breweries in Jammu, GianChand is a relatively recent entrant that has quickly gained a reputation for its linen suit elegance. It represents the colder, northern style of Indian maturation.

• The Craft: Unlike the tropical aging of Goa or Bengaluru, the Jammu climate allows for a slightly slower maturation, resulting in a more refined and less aggressive oak influence.
• Tasting Profile: Significant pineapple and vanilla notes with a backbone of toasted oak and honey.
• Goa Price: ~INR 4,600 | Maharashtra Price: ~INR 4,850

Summing Up

The Indian whiskey landscape in 2026 is no longer about competing with the West – it’s about defining a new category of Subcontinental Whiskey. Whether it’s the bold, rule-breaking approach of Otherside or the coastal elegance of Paul John, these bottles prove that premium quality doesn't always require a five-figure price tag.