The Indian whisky landscape in 2025 is no longer just about volume; it is about vibrancy, variety, and a voracious appetite for premiumization. According to the latest What India Is Drinking (WIID) 2025 report – a comprehensive survey of 125 top-tier bars across 17 cities – the Indian consumer is pivoting toward "liquid storytelling." While household names still anchor the market, a new wave of homegrown single malts and international craft expressions are redefining what it means to order a "peg" in Mumbai, Bengaluru, or Delhi.
The Rise of Indian Single Malts: A Global Gold Standard
For the first time, Indian single malts are not just considered "good for Indian whisky"; they are now being ranked among the best in the world. The 2025 report highlights a fierce competition at the top, where heritage meets high-octane innovation.
- Indri (Rank 1): Leading the charts, Indri’s Diwali Collector’s Edition 2025 recently won the title of "Best World Whisky" at the Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards, achieving a near-perfect score of 99.1. Its flavor profile, featuring stewed apricots and chocolate, has made it the fastest-growing single malt in the country.
- Paul John (Rank 2): Based in Goa, Paul John continues to captivate connoisseurs with its tropical maturation process. The Christmas Edition 2025, finished in rare Sherry Cream casks, has become a highly sought-after collectible.
- Godawan (Rank 3): This "Artisanal Indian Single Malt" from Rajasthan has surpassed established brands. Distilled in the arid heat of Alwar, it uses six-row barley and a unique finishing process with Indian botanicals, earning Double Gold at the 2025 Monde Selection.
- Amrut (Rank 4): As the pioneer that initiated the Indian single malt revolution, Amrut remains a favorite among purists, known for its intense, spice-forward character.
.webp&w=1920&q=75)
Indian Premium Whisky: The New Everyday Luxury
This category represents the "bridge" for consumers moving from mass-market brands to aspirational drinking. It is defined by high-quality blends that offer a sophisticated palate at a competitive price point.
- Oaksmith (Rank 1): A "Made-for-India" masterpiece crafted by Shinji Fukuyo (Chief Blender at Suntory). It uniquely blends Scotch malts and Kentucky Bourbon with Japanese precision, offering a smooth, "clean" finish that has made it a favorite in cocktail bars.
- Blenders Pride (Rank 2): A long-standing titan of the Indian market, it maintains its position through consistent quality and a deep-rooted association with lifestyle and fashion.
- Otherside (Rank 3): A rising star in the premium segment, signaling the entry of newer, independent players who are successfully challenging the hegemony of legacy brands.
The Scotch & Malt Legacy: Familiarity Meets Craft
Despite the surge in local malts, the affinity for Scotland’s finest remains unshakable. However, the way Indians drink Scotch is changing – moving away from heavy "on the rocks" serves toward highballs and complex cocktails.
Blended Scotch & Malt
- Johnnie Walker (Rank 1): The "Striding Man" remains the undisputed king of the Indian bar, driven by the massive popularity of the Black Label.
- Monkey Shoulder (Rank 3): Its high ranking reflects the "Cocktail Revolution" in India; its malt-forward, playful profile makes it the go-to for modern mixology.
Scottish Single Malt
- Glenfiddich & The Glenlivet (Ranks 1 & 2): These two continue their decades-long rivalry at the top. Their approachable, fruity profiles serve as the primary entry point for new single malt drinkers in India.
- Laphroaig (Rank 4): The presence of this heavily peated Islay malt in the top five indicates a maturing palate among Indian consumers who are now embracing bold, medicinal, and smoky flavors.
International Whiskies: From Kentucky to Kyoto
The 2025 data shows a significant "Eastward Shift" in preferences, alongside a robust demand for American classics.
- The Japanese Wave: Yamazaki (Rank 1) and Hakushu (Rank 3) lead the International Single Malt category. Despite global supply constraints and rising prices, the Indian elite views Japanese whisky as the ultimate status symbol, prized for its floral and delicate "Mizunara" oak notes.
- American & Irish Staples: Jameson remains the #1 International Whisky, thanks to its smoothness and "easy-drinking" reputation. Meanwhile, Jack Daniel’s and Jim Beam hold strong as the backbone of the American whiskey segment, bolstered by the growing popularity of Old Fashioneds and Whiskey Sours.
Summing Up
The "What India Is Drinking 2025" report confirms three major shifts:
- Provenance Matters: Consumers want to know where their grain comes from, whether it’s the six-row barley of Rajasthan or the peat of Islay.
- The "Highball" Culture: Whisky is no longer a "sit-down-only" spirit. It has entered the high-energy bar scene through refreshing, long drinks.
- Homegrown Pride: Indian single malts are no longer alternatives; they are first-choice picks that often outperform global brands in blind tastings and sales volume.
As the Indian bar industry continues its aggressive expansion into Tier-2 cities, the "Sip of the Year" reveals a nation that is drinking less, but drinking significantly better.
