Diwali is a season of celebrations, family gatherings and thoughtful gifting. Alongside traditional sweets and festive hampers, whisky remains a familiar part of festive occasions among adult consumers. India’s diverse whisky market offers several choices, ranging from established household names to newer brands targeting contemporary preferences. Here are 10 whisky brands featured in this year’s Diwali selection.
1. Kingpin Whisky: Launched by Adie Broswon Group in September 2026, Kingpin is a new entrant targeting younger adult consumers. Initially introduced in Delhi, Punjab and Chandigarh, it combines selected malts with Indian grain spirits. Its flavour profile features smoky notes, hints of tobacco and honey, with a lingering finish.
2. McDowell’s No.1: One of India’s most recognised whisky brands, McDowell’s No.1 has maintained a strong market presence for decades. Its approachable blended whisky proposition and extensive availability have made it a familiar name across consumer segments.
BULK SCOTCH BOOM: Is the India–UK FTA Reshaping India’s Whisky Industry?
India’s Bulk Scotch Whisky Imports from Britain Surge Nearly 1,000% After India-UK Trade Deal
3. Royal Stag: Part of Pernod Ricard India’s portfolio, Royal Stag is known for blending Indian grain spirits with imported Scotch malts. Its established identity and Barrel Select variant provide consumers with choices within its portfolio.
4. Imperial Blue: Another established brand in India’s popular whisky segment, Imperial Blue has built recognition through its accessible positioning, blended whisky offering and widespread market presence.
5. 8PM Premium Black: From Radico Khaitan, 8PM Premium Black caters to consumers seeking an accessible Indian whisky brand. Its contemporary positioning adds variety to the company’s broader whisky portfolio.
6. Officer’s Choice: Known for its extensive distribution and long-standing market presence, Officer’s Choice remains a familiar name in India’s whisky industry. Officer’s Choice Blue offers an additional variant within the portfolio.
7. Sterling Reserve B7: Allied Blenders and Distillers’ Sterling Reserve B7 brings contemporary branding and a blended whisky proposition to the accessible premium segment.
8. Royal Challenge: A recognised blended whisky brand, Royal Challenge has maintained a presence in India’s market through its established identity and association with social occasions.
9. Director’s Special (DSP): A long-standing name in the Indian whisky market, DSP is recognised for its value-oriented positioning and familiar consumer appeal.
10. Haywards Fine: Completing the selection, Haywards Fine occupies the popular-price segment, offering another established name for consumers exploring accessible Indian whisky labels.
Together, these ten brands reflect the range and diversity of India’s whisky market, from new launches such as Kingpin to established favourites with decades of market presence.
About the Author
