Indian Spirits On The Global Stage: Rampur Ranked 4th Among World’s Trending Whiskies

The global whisky landscape is undergoing a tectonic shift. Once dominated exclusively by the heritage distilleries of Scotland and Ireland, the industry is now witnessing the meteoric rise of "New World" whiskies. Leading this charge is Rampur Indian Single Malt Whisky from Radico Khaitan, which was recently ranked fourth among the Top Trending World Whiskies for 2026 in the prestigious Drinks International Report.

This accolade is more than just a win for a single brand; it is a definitive marker of the "India moment" in the global spirits industry.

A Global Endorsement: The Drinks International Report

The annual Drinks International report is one of the most respected barometers in the drinks industry. Unlike sales volume rankings, the "Trending" list tracks brand momentum, prestige, and "cool factor" within the world’s best bars.

Ranking fourth globally indicates that Rampur is not just selling well, but is increasingly the brand that elite bartenders and connoisseurs are talking about, recommending, and pouring. This recognition places Rampur alongside – and often ahead of – established legends from Japan, Taiwan, and Europe.

The Secret Of The Himalayan Terroir

Produced by Radico Khaitan at one of India’s oldest distilleries (established in 1943), Rampur’s unique profile is a product of its environment.

• Climate-Driven Maturation: Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, the distillery experiences extreme temperature swings. The intense Indian summers cause the whisky to interact more aggressively with the oak casks, accelerating the maturation process. This results in a depth of flavor that might take 15 to 20 years to achieve in the cooler climates of Scotland.
• Artisanal Craftsmanship: Despite its global scale, Rampur maintains an artisanal approach, using traditional copper pot stills and non-chill filtration to preserve the oily, rich mouthfeel and tropical fruit notes that have become its signature.

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Leadership Vision: From India To The World

The ranking reflects Radico Khaitan's successful long-term strategy of premiumization.

Abhishek Khaitan, Managing Director of Radico Khaitan, noted that this recognition strengthens the belief that Indian single malts are now competing at the highest levels of global luxury. Meanwhile, Sanjeev Banga, President of International Business, emphasised that the brand’s rise reflects a broader global curiosity about Indian spirits. By focusing on quality over volume in international markets, Rampur has successfully transitioned from a domestic favorite to a global icon.

The Broader Impact: The "Indian Single Malt" Revolution

Rampur’s success is a flagship for a larger movement. For decades, "Indian whisky" was often dismissed internationally as a molasses-based spirit. However, the emergence of true grain-to-glass single malts like Rampur has shattered those stereotypes.

Today, Indian single malts are:

• Winning Blind Tastings: Consistently outperforming traditional Scotch in international competitions.
• Expanding Footprints: Gaining significant shelf space in major markets including the UK, USA, UAE, and Singapore.
• Defining a New Category: Establishing a distinct flavor profile characterized by notes of lychee, mango, and spices that are unique to the subcontinent.

Summing Up

The ranking of Rampur as the 4th most trending world whisky for 2026 is a watershed moment for Indian manufacturing and craftsmanship. It proves that with the right blend of traditional heritage and modern branding, Indian products can command the same respect as the world's most storied luxury goods.

As Rampur continues to climb the global charts, it carries with it the reputation of an entire nation’s distilling industry, signaling to the world that the future of fine whisky may very well be forged in the foothills of the Himalayas.