Ultimate Whisky Brands In India
If there is one drink that unites the nation, it is the good old-fashioned whisky: The signifier of all celebrations, the perfect drink of camaraderie and the ideal drink to unwind after a long hard day of work. Our romance with this gorgeous amber-hued tipple is legendary.
Not only is India the largest consumer of whisky in the world, we glug down nearly half the amount of whisky produced worldwide! From country-made desi whisky to the most exquisite single malts, we have an appetite for it all, and cannot get enough of it. However, picking the right whisky brand for the right occasion is no easy feat, and a ready reckoner doesn’t hurt! Presenting a list of the best whisky brands in India that includes everything from the world’s largest selling whisky brand to homegrown single malts, and it also includes inputs from the country’s first qualified woman whisky ambassador (who said it’s just a man’s drink?!).
Whiskey History. It should come as no surprise that the word whiskey comes from the Gaelic uisge, a shortened version of uisge beatha meaning "water of life," also known as aqua vitae in Latin. ... Since wine was not easily obtained in Ireland and Scotland, barley beer was distilled into liquor which becamewhisky.
The first single malt that is truly Indian, Amrut is made with select Indian barley from the foothills of the Himalayas and has an outstanding richness of taste. Wonderfully layered, be prepared to taste a hint of spicy, floral, sweet and toffee notes.
Getting extra matured in hand-selected wine barriques from the most famous sweet wine growing region of France gives this gorgeous tipple rich, spicy and dessert-like flavours.
If there is one drink that unites the nation, it is the good old-fashioned whisky: The signifier of all celebrations, the perfect drink of camaraderie and the ideal drink to unwind after a long hard day of work. Our romance with this gorgeous amber-hued tipple is legendary.
Not only is India the largest consumer of whisky in the world, we glug down nearly half the amount of whisky produced worldwide! From country-made desi whisky to the most exquisite single malts, we have an appetite for it all, and cannot get enough of it. However, picking the right whisky brand for the right occasion is no easy feat, and a ready reckoner doesn’t hurt! Presenting a list of the best whisky brands in India that includes everything from the world’s largest selling whisky brand to homegrown single malts, and it also includes inputs from the country’s first qualified woman whisky ambassador (who said it’s just a man’s drink?!).
Whiskey History. It should come as no surprise that the word whiskey comes from the Gaelic uisge, a shortened version of uisge beatha meaning "water of life," also known as aqua vitae in Latin. ... Since wine was not easily obtained in Ireland and Scotland, barley beer was distilled into liquor which becamewhisky.
Amrut
The first single malt that is truly Indian, Amrut is made with select Indian barley from the foothills of the Himalayas and has an outstanding richness of taste. Wonderfully layered, be prepared to taste a hint of spicy, floral, sweet and toffee notes.
Paul John Brilliance
Another desi single malt, this one is distilled in sunny Goa, and again packs in an exciting bouquet of fine flavours: Starting on a little fruitiness with a creamy texture and moving on to hints of honey, apple, vanilla and cinnamon. Delicious!
Glenmorangie Nectar d’Or
Getting extra matured in hand-selected wine barriques from the most famous sweet wine growing region of France gives this gorgeous tipple rich, spicy and dessert-like flavours.
Glenfiddich 12
A fairly reliable entry-level single malt, this is one of the largest players in this segment globally. Light and easy on the palate, this one is known for a fruity aroma and a sweet, creamy mouthfeel.
5. The Glenlivet 12
The most refreshing single malt|
The one is quite the refreshing malt! An entry-level Glenlivet, the 12-year-old packs in a citrusy punch, with the soft aroma of lemon and grapefruit and juicy citrus notes lingering on long after you’ve finished your drink.
6. Talisker 18
An intense drink, this tipple starts gently with a rich and fruity aroma|
An intense drink, this tipple starts gently with a rich and fruity aroma and mild toffee notes, but as you sit back and savour your drink, you get a more intense experience, that is smoky and even packs in a bit of a spicy kick!
7. Monkey Shoulder Triple Malt
Monkey Shoulder is made from three different malts|
For the boys and girls who want it all, Monkey Shoulder is made from not one, but three different single malts – Glenfiddich, Balvenie and Kininvie and packs in a super smooth ride! Be prepared for mellow vanilla notes with spicy hints, and enjoy this one either on the rocks or in an interesting cocktail.
Best Blended Whisky Brands
8. Officer’s Choice
The world’s largest selling whisky brand, Officer’s Choice is a bit of a cult, and loyalists swear by the strong punch that surprisingly also throws in some
Aristocrat Black
The relatively new kid on the block from the iconic Aristocrat family, this one has a floral and honeyed aroma, and an incredibly smooth taste profile, with just a tease of green apple and spice.
8 PM
Advertised as a rare blend of malts, 8 PM created history when it sold more than a million cases in the year of its launch. Described as brilliantly smooth and strong, this drink is now also available in a 180 ml tetra pack!
11. Royal Stag
It is a blend of the best scotch malts from Scotland|
brand that tells you to ‘make it large’, this is a blend of the best scotch malts from Scotland and Indian grain spirits. A full-bodied whisky, this one scores high for its consistent flavour and an easy smoothness.12. Blenders Pride
Whiskey that blends Indian grain spirits|
Another whisky that blends Indian grain spirits with some of the good Scottish stuff, BP as it is lovingly called by its fans, has an inherent smokiness and also pairs quite well with a cola.
13. Imperial Blue
The largest brand in the Pernod portfolio|
This one is quite a hitmaker. The largest brand in the Pernod portfolio, IB has a well-defined taste and packs in quite a punch. It is best enjoyed with iced water.
14. Jack Daniel’s
The iconic JD sits here because this is a very distinct “Tennessee” whiskey, and much like bourbon, it primarily distilled from corn. With a sweet aroma and notes of caramel and toasty oak, this one makes quite the combo with a cola of your choice.
Best Scotch & Blended Scotch Brands
15. 100 Pipers
A blended scotch with a great vanilla after taste| |
A blended scotch with a great vanilla aftertaste, this one hits some woody notes, and also delivers an aroma that is sweet and has a bit of peat.
16. Teacher’s Highland Cream
Soft, smooth with quite the ‘creamy’ mouthfeel, this variant of Teacher’s has quite a complex palate, and packs in a lingering smokiness that also has a touch of heat and pepper in it.
17. Vat 69
Quite the historical blended scotch, this one is apparently blended using 40 different malt and grain whiskies. It starts on a sweet and rounded note, proceeding to a spicier finish.
18. Ballantine’s
This is one gentle poison! It starts on a rich and sweet note with a whiff of caramel, but finishes on a soft, mellow and sweet mouthfeel.
19. Black Dog
A sophisticated drink- fruity, vanilla, woody and malty|
A sophisticated drink, this one is to be savoured slowly as a multitude of flavours reveal themselves. Fruity, vanilla, woody and malty, all gently teased out with some ice and a dash of water.
20. Johnnie Walker Black Label
Beautifully balanced with a nutty butterscotch flavour and subtle sweetness|
Black Label is the stuff stories are made of! Beautifully balanced with a nutty butterscotch flavour and subtle sweetness, this drink has associations with a lot of celebrations and weddings, especially in the North!
21. J&B Rare
A fresh whiskey that blends in more than 40 whiskies|
A great blended scotch, this is a fresh whisky that blends in more than 40 whiskies with Speyside whiskies at its core. Notes that are revealed in this include fruity, caramel and spice.
22. Jameson
An iconic whisky that has a strong association as “the” Irish whisky. This is superbly smooth and has sherry and nutty undertones that make it such a classic drink to savour anytime.
23. Chivas 18
An easy tipple even when neat|
An easy tipple even when neat, this has quite a creamy mouthfeel with lots of orange and vanilla notes and a warm oak finish.
24. Laphroaig 10
The 10-year-old shines even in all this stellar company|
The Laphroaig range is essential for whisky lovers, and the 10-year-old shines even in all this stellar company. Packing in quite the peaty punch followed by a hint of sweetness, enjoy slowly!
25. Glenkinchie 12
A distinctive drink which is soft and creamy|
A relatively unknown single malt in India, it is nevertheless quite a distinctive drink and is soft and creamy and with quite a fruity bounce, and plenty of floral and sweet notes.
26. Makers Mark Bourbon
A bourbon finally makes to the list! Another iconic and very pleasing drink, this is a wheater, which essentially means there is wheat in the mash instead of the usual rye, making it quite a mellow drinking experience.
27. Caol Ila 12
This peat-smacked whisky has a consistent smokiness to it, balanced with a hint of vanilla and pears, and slight saltiness that lingers on.
So, there you have it. Of course, the list of the best whisky brands in India is ever increasing, and as we discover new flavours and favourites, there are some drams that never go out of fashion.
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