Indian single malt whiskies are gaining significant popularity, moving from being relatively unknown to winning international awards. Experts believe that, similar to the rise of Japanese whisky, Indian single malts are set for explosive growth.
At celebrity chef Vikas Khanna’s Indian restaurant, Bungalow, in New York’s East Village, a special section now highlights a variety of Indian single malts. Just a few years ago, this wouldn’t have been possible, as India’s whiskies were mostly blends, made from molasses rather than malted barley. But now, as the domestic whiskey market grows with India’s increasing affluence, distilleries are producing high-quality single malts that are winning awards and gaining recognition worldwide.
For instance, Amrut’s Triparva and Indri’s Founder’s Reserve 11-year-old wine cask have won top prizes at international whisky competitions. Today, Indian single malts like Indri are even outselling well-known Scotch brands in certain places.
India’s single malt industry began with Amrut Distilleries in Bangalore, which released the country’s first single malt in 2004. Since then, other distilleries like Paul John, Rampur, and Indri have entered the market, with newer ones such as Longitude 77 and Godawan emerging as strong competitors. Godawan even won the best single malt in the world at the 2024 London Spirits Competition.
What sets Indian single malts apart is the use of locally grown six-row barley, which gives the whisky a unique, sharper flavor. The country’s hot and humid climate accelerates the aging process, meaning Indian whiskies mature faster than those in cooler climates like Scotland, giving them a richer, more concentrated flavor in a shorter time. As a result, a 10-year-old Indian whisky might be comparable to a 40-year-old Scotch.
The growing interest in Indian single malts is particularly noticeable in markets like the US, where Amrut’s popularity has surged, partly due to the Indian diaspora’s support. American whiskey enthusiasts are also drawn to Indian whisky for its novelty.
Looking to the future, the industry is set for more growth. Currently, 24 distilleries in India produce single malt whisky, with several more in the works, including a major distillery from Pernod Ricard. As competition increases, Indian single malts are expected to gain more recognition, following in the footsteps of Japanese whisky’s rise in global markets. Some experts even predict that rising tariffs on Scotch whisky could further boost Indian whisky sales as consumers seek more affordable alternatives.
In a sign of the growing global influence of Indian whisky, Kentucky bourbon maker Bardstown is now using Indian whiskey barrels to add unique flavors to its products, highlighting the international appeal of Indian malts.
