Hey there, Whisky Explorers! Get set for a ride through the finest Scotch whiskies available in India! We’re about to embark on a flavor-packed journey that’ll uplift your taste buds and ignite your senses. Whether you’re a whisky wizard or a newbie, get ready to be dazzled by the magic of Scottish craftsmanship right at your fingertips.
From smooth blends to smoky single malts, we’ve got something to tickle every taste bud. So, grab your glass, kick back, and dive headfirst into this epic whisky escapade! Let the adventure begin!
Top Scotch Whiskey Brands In India
- Lagavulin (Single Malt)
- The Glenfiddich (Single Malt)
- The Glenlivet (Single Malt)
- Chivas Regal (Blended)
- Johnnie Walker (Blended)
- Ballantine’s (Blended)
- Amrut (Single Malt)
- Monkey Shoulder (Blended)
1. Lagavulin
Founded in 1816, Lagavulin is an iconic Islay malt whisky. Known for its aromatic flavors and uncompromising smoke, it is exclusively matured in ex-bourbon casks, giving it a distinctive salted-fish character. Lagavulin remains a favorite among malt enthusiasts worldwide. Produced in the southern part of Islay, the distillery offers breathtaking views over Lagavulin Bay and boasts about its five varieties of Lagavulin whisky. Why not start with our favorite Lagavulin, the 16 Years Single Malt?
Type: Single Malt
Origin: Islay
Price Range: INR 12,000 to INR 16,000
2. The Glenfiddich
This brand can be recognized by its iconic Stag logo, an image dedicated to what the brand follows. Glenfiddich is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, named after the Gaelic “valley of the deer.” It is matured in diverse casks like Caribbean rum, American bourbon, and Spanish sherry. Glenfiddich accounts for 30% of global single malt sales and was first marketed outside Scotland. It is known for its mild, clean palate, fruity aroma, and sweet, creamy mouthfeel.
Type: Single Malt
Origin: Also Scotland
Price Range: INR 4,000 to INR 24,000
Also Read: Whiskey Sour Recipe: Celebrating Whiskey Sour Day!
3. The Glenlivet
This one was founded in 1824. The Glenlivet distillery has grown to become the top-selling single malt whisky in the United States and the second largest globally. This brand is known for its refreshing character, offering a delightful citrusy punch. Its smooth aroma features notes of grapefruit and lemon, accompanied by juicy citrus undertones that linger long after you finish your drink.
This distinctive flavor profile makes The Glenlivet a favorite among whisky enthusiasts, who appreciate its balanced combination of citrus zest and smooth finish. The distillery’s commitment to quality and tradition sets it apart in the single malt game.
Type: Single Malt
Origin: Scotland
Price Range: INR 5,000 to INR 13,000
4. Chivas Regal
Chivas Regal, produced by Chivas Brothers, is a renowned Scotch whisky with roots dating back to 1801. It comes from the oldest operating Highland distillery. Known for its refined blend, Chivas Regal offers flavors of herbs, honey, and fruit. F. Paul Pacult, a renowned alcohol consultant, praised it as “the blend for grown-ups,” giving it a 9 out of 10. If that doesn’t convince you, then what will? Between 2002 and 2008, the brand’s sales grew by 61%, solidifying its reputation as a top-quality whisky in the market.
Type: Blended
Origin: Scotland
Price Range: Starts from INR 4300
5. Johnnie Walker
Johnnie Walker, one of the most well-known Scotch whisky brands, comes from the charming town of Kilmarnock, Scotland, and is now owned by Diageo. Originally crafted by grocer John Walker, this whisky is the global star of blended Scotch, sold in almost every country on Earth. Imagine a nose full of honey, caramel that sticks to your senses, and a hint of nutmeg spice. Take a sip, and you’ll be greeted with smooth, sweet vanilla and a finish so sweet, it could charm your socks off.
Type: Blended
Origin: Scotland
Price Range: INR 3,000 to INR 8,000
Also Read: Know The Difference Between Bourbon And Whiskey
6. Ballantine’s
Viktor Colov
Ballantine’s whisky combines fingerprint malts with a blend of fifty single malts and four single grains, crafting a flavorful adventure. It’s the world’s second-best-selling Scotch whisky, adorned with awards. Picture smokey barley, creamy vanilla, and sweet caramel flavors dancing on your palate.
Type: Blended
Origin: Scotland
Price Range: INR 4,000 to INR 36,000
7. Amrut
Meet Amrut: born from rum and brandy roots in the late 1940s, this spirit rebel shook up the whisky scene with its Indian single malt debut in the UK in 2004. Breaking stereotypes faster than you can say “cheers,” Amrut’s whisky is like a Bollywood blockbuster—fun, spontaneous, and utterly entertaining.
Crafted in Bangalore’s climate, it’s a whisky that dances to its own beat, refusing to be boxed in by tradition. Get ready for a taste adventure that’s as wild and vibrant as an Indian street festival.
Type: Single Malt
Origin: India
Price Range: INR 5,000 to INR 13,000
8. Monkey Shoulder
This cheekily named spirit is bursting with personality and a dash of Scottish history. Imagine malt men flexing their muscles back in the day, hence the name! It’s a blend of three Speyside single malts—Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and Kininvie—creating a fruity, rich flavor explosion.
Smooth, creamy, and oh-so-malty, Monkey Shoulder is a gem, and you can enjoy it perfectly neat, on the rocks, or mixed into cocktails. Picture yourself sipping marmalade-infused bliss with a hint of spice, feeling like James Bond in a tuxedo wetsuit—or better yet, riding bareback through Scotland’s wild moors.
Type: Blended
Origin: Scotland
Price Range: INR 4,000 – INR 8,000
Also Read: Whiskey Traditions Around The World
Summing Up
When it comes to the best Scotch whiskies, it’s no surprise that many of the top picks hail from Scotland! With their rich flavors and smooth finishes, these whiskies bring a touch of global sophistication to Indian palates. Here’s to raising a dram and saying, “Slàinte mhath!” (which means ‘cheers’ in Scottish) to the finest Scotch whiskies that make India a wee bit more Scottish, one sip at a time!
FAQs
Which Is The Best Scotch Whisky In India?
There are various Scotch Whiskey brands available in India. The popular ones include Johnnie Walker, Amrut, Ballentine’s, Chivas Regal, Antiquity Blue, and Glenlivet.
Which Scotch Is Tasty?
Scotch whiskey comes in different taste notes and smoothness which opens a wide palette to its consumers. Depending on your preference, you can choose the one that suits your taste.
Which Is The Costly Scotch In India?
Rampur Signature Reserve Single Malt Whisky is the most expensive whiskey in India which costs around INR 5 lakhs. Other expensive whiskeys include Chivas Regal 16 years and Johnnie Walker’s Blue Label.
What Is The Smoothest Scotch?
The Glenmorangie 18-Year-Old Extremely Rare is claimed to be one of the smoother whiskeys in the market.
How To Drink Scotch?
Scotch whiskey can be consumed neat or over ice. This lets the consumer taste the whiskey’s original flavor and taste its highlighting notes. You can also add mixers if that’s your style.
