The 5 Best Indian Whiskies At a Glance

With 1.4 billion people, India is the most populous country on earth. Yet there are only a handful of distilleries producing whisky. In recent years, the nectar of the gods from this warm land has been on the rise. These are, in our view, the five best Indian whisky brands to keep on your radar.

The first Indian whisky that deserves a spot on the podium, if you ask us, is Amrut. Ever since Jim Murray awarded Amrut Fusion a monster score of 97 points in his 2010 Whisky Bible, the Indian brand has been impossible to ignore. With stunning bottlings like the classic Fusion, Portonova, and Spectrum, the Jagdale family’s whiskies have proven their mettle time and again.

Whether you’ve got a sweet tooth, prefer fruity whisky, or crave a smoky dram, Amrut has an expression for every palate. Beyond the broad flavor range, the Bangalore-based brand caters to different budgets too. For just over 30 euros, you can pick up a bottle of Amrut Indian Single Malt.

You may already have come across the name Indri. Just outside India’s capital, New Delhi, you’ll find the Piccadilly distillery, where the second whisky on our list is made. This Indian whisky is an experience for all your senses.

Indri is Sanskrit for the five senses. Smell, taste, touch, sight, and sound are engaged from the moment you open the packaging to the last sip. Piccadilly Distilleries’ flagship is Indri Trini, a single malt matured in three different cask types. This award-winning dram is a must-watch in the world of Indian whisky. You can find it at specialist retailers.

The third whisky stepping into the spotlight is Rampur. The Radico Khaitan distillery, where Rampur flows from the stills, sits at the foothills of the Himalayas. The mountain range creates dramatic year-round swings in climate. The result is more interaction between spirit and wood, an angel’s share of a hefty 10–12%, and a whole lot of flavor across the various Rampur whiskies.

In fourth place we find Paul John from Goa. Beyond the tourist buzz, this coastal city is also home to a whisky distillery. Paul John offers something for every lover of the water of life. There are several solid entry-level whiskies around the 30-euro mark, such as Paul John Nirvana, Bold, and Brilliance.

Seasoned enthusiasts are well served too, with more complex drams like the Kanya and Mithuna series, or Mars Orbiter. Paul John has taken home multiple awards at international whisky competitions. Is it your kind of whisky? There’s only one way to find out.

Rounding out our top five Indian whiskies to watch is Kamet. Former Amrut master distiller Surrinder Kumar is the brains behind this new Indian label. Known as the father of Indian whisky, Kumar knows exactly what he’s doing, maturing his spirit in ex-bourbon, sherry, and wine casks. If you’re into mountaineering, the name Kamet may ring a bell. It’s one of the most challenging peaks in the Himalayas.