Single Malt Or Blends: Best Indian Whisky Brands To Gift Or Stock At Home

Straight from the Amrut Distillery in Bangalore, this one needs no introduction. The whisky that created a category of Indian single malt whisky and took the world by storm, it is a fusion of Indian and Scottish barley.

Why It Is A Must Try: A whisky that will find appreciation from all palates, from the ardent fans of peat to the connoisseurs who prefer malty and more delicate flavours, this whisky will score well across. A reliable pick when your guests' preferences are not known, and you want an Indian whisky to make its mark.

Price: INR 4,500 approximately

A collaboration between Nancy Fraley (Still Austin Whiskey Co.'s master blender) and Surrinder Kumar (one of India's foremost distillers) Kamet is a new age single malt whisky. Right from the label, the brand and the whisky reflect Indian styles. And why not, seeing at the distillery is located close to the historical town of Kurukshetra

Why It Is A Must Try: A new age whisky from India to further embody the quality whisky being churned out of India from different distilleries across the country. This whisky provides a fresh dimension for those who have experienced the predecessors from the Indian SM category. It's also a fabulous value-for-money whisky.

Price: INR 2,700 approximately

From the Rampur Distillery which mostly exports single malt whisky, this is a variant available in a few markets of India. Read: Delhi! A light and delicate whisky, which is preferred by those who like their malts easygoing, pick this one if you're just starting the whisky journey. Or if you're starting your drinking before the sun sets!

Why It Is A Must Try: If you are looking for a whisky that is ‘different’, this is a frontrunner. Quite different in its style, this whisky will give you loads of fruits. 

Price: INR 7,500 approximately

From the Mohan Meakin Distillery, this one is famous for using water from the Himalayas. And unlike many other brands that claim this, Solan Gold is genuinely made from Himalayan water as the distillery is in Kasauli And if you don't believe us, then know that this brand also makes Old Monk. See, now you trust us! 

But the brand is very quiet on their marketing front, so not much is known about the spirit, unless you've actually tried it! They really want you to enjoy your whisky however you like. No preconceived notions. No tasting notes. It's your drink.

Why It Is A Must Try: This is a whisky that will surprise many and will get the conversation going about discovering a true Indian gem. A light whisky with medium complexity, this dram will take you back in time where whisky making was a simple affair with little or no marketing. A piece of history in your whisky collection.

Price: INR 3,700

As much as Goa is for gin and rum, clearly Bangalore is thriving on other spirits! Say hello to Paul John Brilliance from the Amrut Distillery in Bangalore. A whisky that will be lapped up by those who prefer a rich and luxurious dram, you'll taste hints of oaky vanilla and an intense chocolate fudge with lingering flavours of spices.

Why It Is A Must Try: A wonderfully rounded whisky that will allow you to observe the malt from the 6-row barley. It can be enjoyed neat, with a sliver of ice and some wonderful cocktails.

Price: INR 3,300 approximately

Indri single malt is distilled in Indri, Haryana, at the Himalayan foothills, near the Yamuna basin. Apparently a phenomenal single malt made from indigenous six-row barley grown for 100s of years in Rajasthan, it is one of the few triple cask matured whiskys in the country. With black tea, caramelised pineapple, vanilla and honey on the nose, it's a smooth warm blend that has a nutty and citrusy taste too. 

Why It Is A Must Try: A great drinking whisky, this one goes down well straight or with just a cube of ice.  

Price: INR 3,100 approximately

Godawan, which is Diageo India’s first artisanal single malt whisky, is an ode to the ethos of Rajasthan. Inspired too by the scarcity and sustainability of the desert state, the whisky is heated to over hundred degrees Fahrenheit, with six-row barley that supposedly needs less water. Of course lesser the water, the richer and more complex the flavour. While we're still to try this one out, we're told it has a stunning taste. According to our friends at Tulleeho, the whisky which has two variants- Rich and Rounded - are apparently fruity and spicy, respectively. They also use two local botanicals called Rasna and Jatamansi, that only adds to the exquisite flavour profile.

Why It Is A Must Try: This one is meant to be fairly sustainable malt made with barley. In fact, it's their core theme like we said, scarcity and sustainability. 

Price: INR 5,275 upwards.

Longitude 77, the luxury Indian single malt from Pernod Ricard India is taking the best of Indian spirit craftsmanship to the world. The name's inspired by the longitude that runs through the length of India at 77° east and marks India’s position on the world map, paying homage to the country’s diverse culture, landscape and terroi with its meticulously crafted flavour profile. Double matured to perfection in American bourbon barrels and wine casks, the single malt is produced in small batches in a distillery in Dindori, Nashik (Maharashtra). It has a natural, mahogany colour – a true testament to its ageing process. The flavour profile is exquisitely smooth, full-bodied and balanced, with hints of caramel, vanilla and a faint peat smoke that offers depth and complexity in every sip.

Why Is It A Must Try: The complex yet smooth flavour profile makes it a must-try, especially if you are someone who enjoys luxurious single malts and don't want to miss the chance on trying a well-crafted whisky that gives the world a taste of 'India Reimagined'.

Price: INR 5,500 approximatley

Woodburns, a homegrown whisky by Fullarton Distilleries (a Goa-based distillery) has taken over bars in Goa, Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune. The nose of their Contemporary Indian whisky has subtle smoke and honeyed barley with a distinct peat underlay. Each sip is rich and sweet on the palate that lingers giving you that perfect finish. Made using 100% Indian malted barley, this whisky has a clear, deep coppery amber hue to it and is especially great for making cocktails.

Why Is It A Must Try: We love the hints of smokiness in this whisky and how it's perfect for having on the rocks or for making cocktails if you like your spirits mixed with other flavours.

Price: INR 3,000 approximately 

This article was written with the help of inputs from Hemanth Rao. Hemanth, is the founder of Single Malt Amateur Club, and our go-to for all things whisky!