Over the last few years, Indian brands have gained increasing recognition for balancing craftsmanship, regional identity, and experimentation in ways that stand apart from traditional Scotch or Japanese whisky formats. Indian single malts have steadily moved from being known as a niche domestic spirit to becoming serious contenders on the global whisky stage.
Godawan is the latest Indian whisky brand to push that momentum further. The Rajasthan-based artisanal single malt has now secured three Gold Quality Awards at the Monde Selection Quality Awards 2026, positioning itself among the most awarded Indian whiskies in recent years.
The Godawan portfolio received Gold Quality Awards in the Spirits category at Monde Selection 2026. These include Godawan 173, Godawan 01 Rich & Rounded, and Godawan 02 Fruit & Spice.
The awards were granted following an evaluation conducted by an independent international jury, with Monde Selection continuing to remain one of the more established global quality institutes for food and beverage products.
For Godawan, the recognition reinforces the brand’s growing international reputation while also highlighting the larger rise of Indian single malts in premium whisky conversations globally.
Godawan 01 Rich & Rounded forms part of the brand’s core single malt portfolio and focuses on a softer, fuller flavour profile. Crafted in Rajasthan, the whisky leans into warmer notes and a smoother structure that has helped shape the brand’s growing identity in Indian single malts.
Godawan 02 Fruit & Spice takes a slightly brighter direction, balancing fruit-forward flavours with spice-led complexity. Like the rest of the portfolio, it reflects the brand’s focus on approachable but distinct whisky profiles.
Godawan 173 stands apart as the more experimental expression within the lineup. Positioned as the world’s first liqueur-inspired whisky, the release references the growing population of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard.
The whisky combines the brand’s focus on innovation, storytelling, and conservation into a single expression, helping it stand out within the broader premium whisky category.
What separates Godawan from many other Indian whisky brands is the way conservation has been integrated into the brand narrative from the beginning. The whisky is closely associated with efforts supporting the revival of the Great Indian Bustard, one of India’s most endangered bird species.
Rather than focusing purely on luxury or heritage, Godawan has consistently tied its own identity back to the culture and traditions of Rajasthan, whilst also focusing on sustainability and regional storytelling. This combination of craft and purpose has helped the brand carve out a distinct position in the premium whisky segment.
Godawan operates under Diageo India, which continues strengthening its position within India’s premium alco-beverage space. Headquartered in Bengaluru, the company manages one of the country’s largest alcohol manufacturing networks and oversees brands including Johnnie Walker, Black Dog, Signature, Smirnoff, Tanqueray, and Royal Challenge.
Speaking on the recognition, Vikram Damodaran, Chief Innovation Officer at Diageo India, said the awards reflect the ambition to create whiskies that are “distinct in character” while representing “modern Indian whisky on a global stage.”
Indian single malts are no longer being viewed only through the lens of value or novelty. Brands are now competing more directly on quality, ageing, flavour complexity, and innovation, with international awards increasingly validating that shift.
For Godawan, this recognition is less about a single award cycle and more about reinforcing India’s growing position within premium global whisky culture. As more Indian brands continue experimenting with regional ingredients, climate-driven maturation, and new flavour styles, the category itself is beginning to feel far more distinct rather than derivative.
Godawan’s triple gold recognition at Monde Selection 2026 marks another strong moment for Indian whisky on the international stage. With Godawan 173, Godawan 01 Rich & Rounded, and Godawan 02 Fruit & Spice all receiving recognition, the brand continues building a reputation around craft, innovation, and regional identity. It helps reflect how Indian single malts are evolving into their own category with their own voice, rather than simply being known as another brand in the category
