5 Indian whiskies that taste like liquid gold

Thursday, 08 October 2026 at 15:51

Never miss whisky news, reviews, and new releases again.

When you think of single malt whisky, Scotland may be the first place that comes to mind, but India is also producing an increasing number of remarkable whiskies. Several Indian single malts have won international awards this year, and some bottles are surprisingly affordable too. Here are five Indian whiskies every whisky lover should try at least once.

India has been an emerging force in the global whisky market for years. Indian single malts are now receiving increasing international attention as well. At the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), more than 30 Indian whiskies won awards in 2026, and Indian whiskies have also performed well at other award shows. But which Indian whiskies are truly worth trying? Here are five to look out for.

Crazy Cock Madhuca III

The Crazy Cock Madhuca III is a whisky worth trying primarily because of its unusual maturation. After spending time in bourbon barrels, the whisky receives a finish in casks that previously held Mahura. This is an Indian drink made from flowers.

In 2026, the whisky won gold at both the IWSC and the World Whisky Masters, earning 95 points at the IWSC.

According to the producer, the tasting notes are:

Nose: Vanilla, toffee, sweet orange, flowers, fruit and earthy notes.
Palate: Sweet fruit, warming spices, vanilla, chocolate, orange, apple and toasted oak.
Finish: Smooth and lingering.

Godawan 01 Rich & Rounded

Godawan 01 Rich & Rounded is another Indian whisky well worth trying. It is made in Rajasthan and matured in, among other casks, Pedro Ximénez sherry barrels.

At the 2026 World Whisky Masters, this whisky won a Master medal, the highest distinction awarded in the competition.

According to the producer, its tasting notes are:

Nose: Raisins and dried fruit.
Palate: Raisins, sultanas, figs and apricots.
Finish: Aged wood, caramel and a buttery character reminiscent of baklava.

Indri Agneya

For fans of smoky whisky, Indri Agneya is an intriguing bottle. The whisky is made with Indian barley dried over Scottish peat. It is then matured in bourbon and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks.

The whisky won gold at the World Whisky Masters and has an alcohol content of 46 percent.

The official tasting notes are:

Nose: Chocolate, vanilla, spices, dried apple, apricot, fruit jam and earthy peat.
Palate: Mango, ripe banana, toffee, spices, melon and soft peat smoke.
Finish: Sweet and salty notes, fruit, spices and a long, gentle smokiness.

Godawan 02 Fruit & Spice

Godawan makes another appearance in this top five, this time with the 02 Fruit & Spice. As the name suggests, this whisky is all about fruity and spicy flavours.

The whisky receives, among other treatments, a finish in cherrywood casks and won gold at the 2026 World Whisky Masters.

According to the producer, the tasting notes are:

Nose: Fruity aromas.
Palate: Fruit, floral notes, vanilla, sweet ginger and coconut.
Finish: Spices and roasted coffee beans.

Amrut The Dutch Kumbha Sherry Cask Finish

The final whisky on this list is Amrut Kumbha. This Indian single malt comes from Amrut Distilleries, a distillery that has now released quite a wide range of whiskies. Several of them have also won awards. This special Amrut edition is finished in sherry casks and features a bright orange label.

The whisky has the following tasting notes:

Nose: Sweet vanilla, fruity notes and spices.
Palate: Fruit, caramel, oak and warming spices.
Finish: Long and warming, with sweet and spicy notes.

Indian whiskies are well worth trying

These five whiskies demonstrate just how many different flavours India has to offer. From sweet and fruity whiskies to bottles with a smoky character, there is plenty to discover. Not every whisky is easy to find, but if you come across one of these bottles, it is certainly worth giving it a try.