Himmaleh Spirits has officially started whisky production at its new distillery in Uttarakhand, India, where it will create Himalayan single malt whisky.
Located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, the distillery uses traditional Scottish Forsyths pot stills and 100% locally sourced Indian barley. The family-run business, founded in 2023 by Ansh Khanna and Samarth Prasad, also produces Kumaon & I gin, which is made from 11 locally sourced botanicals and spring water, as well as a cold-brew coffee liqueur called Bandarful.
The distillery spans nine acres and has the capacity to produce up to 900,000 liters of pure alcohol annually. The whisky-making process includes a lengthy fermentation period of over 90 hours, with barley sourced from nearby farms.
Cheaper Scotch Whisky in India Draws Buyers Up the Premium Shelf, Intensifying Competition for Indian Brands
Pernod Ricard India Foundation Launches ‘Weaving Dreams’ Project to Support 150 Dhokra Artisans in BastarTo help with the whisky production, Himmaleh Spirits’ general manager Shivaji Chandekar is working alongside Christian Perez Solar, production manager at Scotland’s Arbikie Distillery.
Prasad shared that their goal is to create spirits that truly reflect the land they come from. “With the launch of our Himalayan malt whisky, we are redefining what Indian single malts can be—respecting tradition while innovating in craft,” he said. He also noted that the distillery’s unique location in the pristine Kumaon region, combined with their expert approach, allows them to produce exceptional whisky.
In addition to the whisky, the distillery is launching a special programme offering a limited number of casks to consumers. Those who join will get exclusive access to parts of the distillery, early purchase options for special editions, invitations to members-only events, and VIP tastings.
Khanna described the cask programme as “an opportunity to be part of a story where every cask is a labour of love, shaped by the purity of the Himalayas, its people, and our team’s dedication.”
About the Author
