Dahanu, Maharashtra: South Seas Distilleries, one of India’s oldest family-owned distilleries, is drawing global attention after its Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky secured a major international honour at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) UK 2026, reinforcing India’s growing stature in the premium single malt whisky category.
The company’s Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky Madhuca III was voted Best Indian Single Malt Whisky in the World at the prestigious competition. Widely regarded as the “Oscars of the wine and spirits industry,” the IWSC awarded Madhuca III the only Gold Medal received by an Indian whisky in its category this year.
Crazy Cock captures five medals at IWSC UK 2026
Crafted by South Seas Distilleries, the Crazy Cock range delivered a standout performance at IWSC UK 2026. The company’s Madhuca, Rare, and Dhua expressions collectively won the top three Indian single malt awards, while the entire five-variant Crazy Cock portfolio secured five of the 10 medals awarded to Indian single malts at the competition.
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The achievement places South Seas Distilleries among the leading Indian producers gaining recognition on the global whisky stage.
India’s oldest single malt distillery with a 104-year legacy
Founded in 1922, South Seas Distilleries operates from its historic Dahanu distillery in Maharashtra and is recognised as a pioneer in oak cask maturation and Indian single malt production.
The company is known for:
- More than 104 years of distilling heritage
- India’s largest single malt liquid library
- Oak cask maturation expertise
- Production of luxury single malts and exotic spirits
- Long-standing collaborations with global alco-beverage companies
South Seas has also played a significant role in maturing Mahura (Mahua spirit), one of India’s traditional indigenous spirits, alongside its premium whisky portfolio.
Crazy Cock enters the single malt segment
South Seas Distilleries formally entered the Indian single malt market in 2023 with the launch of Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky, introducing the Rare and Dhua expressions.
In 2026, the company expanded the portfolio with the Madhuca Collection, inspired by the indigenous Mahua tree and designed to showcase Indian-origin maturation techniques.
According to Rupi Chinoy, Director of South Seas Distilleries, the new Madhuca expressions are the world’s first single malt whiskies finished in ex-Mahura oak casks.
“These three new expressions are the world’s first single malt whiskies to be finished in ex-Mahura oak casks — oak casks previously used to mature Mahura, also known as Mahua spirit,” Chinoy said.
World’s first Mahura cask-finished single malt whisky
The Madhuca III expression follows a distinctive maturation process:
- Initial maturation in ex-bourbon casks
- Secondary finishing in ex-Mahura oak casks
The Mahura-seasoned oak imparts a unique flavour profile that differentiates the whisky from traditional Scotch-style maturation.
The other expressions in the range use different cask combinations:
- Madhuca I: matured in ex-brandy casks before Mahura cask finishing
- Madhuca II: matured in ex-wine casks before Mahura cask finishing
Chinoy explained that the whisky spends a minimum of six months in ex-Mahura oak casks to absorb the distinctive character developed through the Mahura maturation process.
“The liquid spends a minimum of six months in ex-Mahura oak casks. This allows the whisky enough time to draw out the distinctive flavours and character imparted by the Mahura-seasoned oak,” she added.
South Seas Distilleries focuses on heritage-led premium growth
The IWSC recognition marks an important milestone for South Seas Distilleries as it expands its presence in the premium and luxury spirits market.
The company continues to focus on:
- Heritage-driven whisky craftsmanship
- Indian-origin cask innovation
- Small-batch premium single malts
- International whisky enthusiasts and export opportunities
- Positioning Indian whisky as a globally respected premium category
India’s premium single malt whisky industry gains global recognition
The success of Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky at IWSC UK 2026 highlights the rapid evolution of India’s premium whisky industry, which has increasingly earned international awards for quality, innovation, and distinctive Indian terroir.
With its 104-year-old distilling heritage, Mahura cask innovation, and award-winning Crazy Cock portfolio, South Seas Distilleries is emerging as a significant force in shaping India’s premium spirits market and strengthening the country’s reputation in the global single malt whisky landscape.
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