Every year on May 16, whisky lovers across the globe raise a glass to celebrate the rich heritage, craftsmanship, and culture of whisky. What started as a small idea by whisky enthusiasts has now become a worldwide celebration marked in bars, homes, tasting rooms, and distilleries everywhere.
World Whisky Day 2026 is the perfect excuse to slow down, appreciate the aromas, savour every sip, and discover bottles that truly stand out. Whether you are planning a whisky tasting night, looking for a premium gift, or simply searching for your next favourite dram, here are some of the best whiskies to try this Saturday.
Best Premium Indian Whisky: Indri Rudhira Limited Edition
Among India’s growing lineup of world-class single malts, Indri Rudhira has emerged as one of the most talked-about releases. Created in collaboration with The Dram Club, this limited-edition Indian single malt is matured in rare Pineau des Charentes casks from France, giving it a unique profile packed with fruit, smoke, spice, and oak.With only 252 individually numbered bottles released at 50% ABV, Indri Rudhira is a collector’s dream and one of the rarest Indian whiskies available today.
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Best Luxury Scotch Whisky: Chivas Regal 25
For those looking to celebrate World Whisky Day in style, Chivas Regal 25 remains one of the finest luxury Scotch whiskies on the market. Crafted using carefully selected 25-year-old Scotch whiskies, this blend delivers notes of orange, peach, marzipan, chocolate, and cream. Rich, elegant, and exceptionally smooth, Chivas 25 is designed for special occasions and memorable evenings.
Best Peated Whisky: Laphroaig 10 Year Old
Fans of smoky Islay whisky will instantly recognise the unmistakable character of Laphroaig 10 Year Old. Distilled using malted barley dried over peat fires and matured in ex-bourbon barrels for a decade, this Scotch delivers intense smoke, sea salt, medicinal notes, and a touch of sweetness. Bold and unapologetically peaty, it remains one of the most iconic Islay single malts in the world.
Best Japanese Whisky for Beginners: Suntory Toki
Japanese whisky continues to dominate global conversations, and Suntory Toki is one of the easiest ways to explore the category. Made using whiskies from Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita distilleries, Toki offers delicate flavours of green apple, herbs, honey, and soft spice. Light, smooth, and versatile, it works beautifully neat, over ice, or in a refreshing Japanese highball.
New Japanese Whisky to Try: Toki Black Limited Edition
Recently launched in travel retail outlets across India, Toki Black is a limited-edition Japanese blend featuring Hakushu peated and grain whiskies. The result is a richer and smokier version of the original Toki, ideal for drinkers looking for a more adventurous profile. Currently available at selected airport duty-free stores including Delhi Duty Free and Mumbai Ospree Duty Free.
Best Balanced Japanese Whisky: Hibiki Japanese Harmony
Created by Suntory Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo, Hibiki Japanese Harmony showcases the elegance Japanese whisky is famous for. Notes of honey, orange peel, white chocolate, and subtle oak create a refined and beautifully balanced drinking experience. For many whisky enthusiasts, Hibiki serves as the perfect introduction to premium Japanese blends.
Best Bourbon Whisky: Jim Beam White Label
One of the most recognised bourbon brands in the world, Jim Beam White Label continues to deliver classic Kentucky bourbon character at an accessible price point. Expect flavours of caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and sweet grain. Versatile and easy-drinking, it works equally well neat, with ice, or in whisky cocktails.
Best Indo-Scottish Blend: Nagomi by Oaksmith
Nagomi by Oaksmith combines aged Scotch malts with smooth American bourbons under the guidance of Suntory’s master blending expertise. Inspired by the Japanese idea of harmony, this whisky balances smoke, fruit, spice, and oak in a sophisticated blend. It is an excellent option for drinkers who enjoy both Scotch and Japanese whisky styles.
Best Affordable Scotch Whisky: 100 Pipers
For whisky lovers seeking value without compromising on flavour, 100 Pipers remains a dependable blended Scotch choice. Made using selected Speyside malt whiskies, it offers notes of honey, citrus, vanilla, orchard fruits, and light smokiness.
Smooth and approachable, it is ideal for casual gatherings and everyday celebrations.
Best Budget Indian Whisky: Oaken Glow
Oaken Glow proves that enjoyable whisky does not always need a premium price tag. This Indian whisky features notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and mild smokiness with a soft, velvety texture. Whether enjoyed neat or in cocktails, it delivers excellent value for everyday whisky drinkers.
The Indian Single Malt Pioneer: Amrut
Long before Indian single malts gained global attention, Amrut was already winning international awards and changing perceptions about Indian whisky. Produced in Bengaluru, Amrut whiskies are known for their rich tropical fruit character, warm spice, chocolate notes, and bold oak influence shaped by India’s climate. Today, Amrut remains one of the most respected names in the global whisky industry.
Best Traditional Scotch Blend: Teacher’s Highland Cream
Teacher’s Highland Cream continues to honour traditional Scotch whisky-making techniques established by William Teacher in the 19th century. Featuring peated malt from Ardmore distillery, the whisky delivers balanced smoke, creamy texture, and a rich malt-forward profile. Adding a few drops of water helps unlock its signature smoky complexity.
Best Indian Craft Whisky: Godawan 01 & 02
Produced in Rajasthan, Godawan has become one of India’s most awarded single malt whisky brands. Godawan 01 Rich & Rounded offers deep caramel sweetness and buttery richness, while Godawan 02 Fruit & Spice highlights brighter fruit and spice-driven flavours. Some batches are matured in barrels infused with rare Indian botanicals like Rasna and Jatamansi, creating a uniquely Indian whisky identity.
Best Whisky Gift Bottle: Seven Islands Pure Malt
A Gold medal winner at the London Spirits Competition 2026, Seven Islands Pure Malt combines Indian and Scottish single malts in a premium Indo-Scottish blend. Beyond the liquid itself, the bottle design featuring Mumbai’s original seven islands makes it a standout gifting option. Smooth, elegant, and visually distinctive, it is ideal for whisky collectors and gifting occasions.
Best Irish Whisky for Easy Evenings: Jameson Triple Triple Chestnut Edition
Jameson Triple Triple Chestnut Edition uses three different cask types, including chestnut wood, to create a smooth and layered Irish whisky. Expect aromas of toffee fudge, vanilla, hazelnut chocolate, and gentle oak spice. Creamy, refined, and easy to drink, it is perfect for relaxed evenings and casual sipping.
World Whisky Day 2026: A Celebration of Craft and Culture
From smoky Scotch and refined Japanese blends to bold Indian single malts and classic bourbons, World Whisky Day 2026 offers the perfect opportunity to explore the incredible diversity of whisky styles available today. Whether you prefer rare collector’s editions, affordable everyday drams, or elegant gifting bottles, the best whisky is ultimately the one you enjoy sharing and savouring.
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