South Seas Distilleries’ Crazy Cock Madhuca III earned a Gold Medal and a whopping 95 points at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) UK 2026. This makes the whisky the highest-scoring Indian whisky at the 2026 IWSC UK 2026. Not only that, but the whisky’s Rare and Dhua expressions have also won prestigious Silver medals at the global competition.
Crazy Cock Madhuca I and Madhuca II secured Silver medals with 93 points each, giving South Seas Distilleries the three highest-ranking Indian single malt positions at one of the world’s most respected blind-tasting competitions.
The award-winning Madhuca expressions are crafted at South Seas Distilleries, India’s oldest single malt distillers. These expressions are recognized as the world’s first single malt whiskies finished in Mahura casks. The range reflects a unique take on maturation, drawing inspiration from one of India’s oldest indigenous distillation traditions while also showcasing to the world what Indian single malt whisky is capable of.
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Crazy Cock Indian Whisky’s portfolio was further strengthened by Crazy Cock Rare and Crazy Cock Dhua that won Silver medals with 91 points each.
The results place Crazy Cock among the most awarded Indian whisky portfolios at IWSC 2026. Indian single malts are gaining more and more acclaim in globally renowned blind tastings – judged against some of the world’s finest whiskies.
Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky won the following awards:
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The International Wine & Spirit Competition is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious and influential competitions in the alcobev space. Unlike other competitions that place branding, packaging, and marketing into the evaluation process, IWSC weighs in winners based on a comprehensive blind-tasting methodology. Spirits are purely evaluated based on their quality, balance, complexity, and craftsmanship.
This year’s judging panel consisted of some of the most respected names in the global alcobev space, including Dawn Davies MW, Richard Paterson OBE, Ian Burrell, Joel Harrison, Olivier Ward, David T. Smith, Deano Moncrieffe and Marie Cheong-Thon. Collectively, the panel represents decades of expertise spanning whisky production, spirits education, blending, criticism and international judging.
Lately, homegrown Indian spirits have been performing exceptionally well at these prestigious awards. Indian distillers are being recognized not only for their quality but also for their ability to create expressions that are uniquely local. As the world shifts its focus on homegrown, local flavors and exquisite craftsmanship, authenticity becomes an important differentiator too.
IWSC 2026 results show that Indian single malts are not merely competing on the world stage but are increasingly helping shape the future direction of the category.
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Crazy Cock Madhuca Indian Whisky won big at the IWSC UK 2026. Crazy Cock Madhuca III won the prestigious Gold medal while Madhuca I and Madhuca II won Silver medals. Crazy Cock Rare and Dhua expressions also won Silver medals at the IWSC UK 2026.
