These 5 Exceptional Whiskies Will Make Diwali Even More Festive

Sunday, 08 November 2026 at 08:57

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Diwali, India’s Festival of Lights, is celebrated in grand style every year. Alongside colourful decorations, delicious food and gifts, whisky also has a place in the festivities. And what do you give a whisky lover? A special bottle, of course. We’ve rounded up five whiskies that are perfect for Diwali.

In recent years, India has made great strides in the world of whisky. Brands such as Rampur, Indri, Amrut and Paul John are winning international awards, proving that great single malt whisky doesn’t have to come from Scotland. Special editions are also released for Diwali. Here are five bottles we think are well worth discovering.

Rampur Asava

We begin with a distinctive whisky from India: Rampur Asava. This single malt is produced in the foothills of the Himalayas and stands out for its cask maturation. After an initial spell in American bourbon barrels, it is finished in casks that previously held Indian Cabernet Sauvignon. The result is a surprising interplay of fruity and spicy flavours. An intriguing whisky for anyone looking to try something beyond the usual Scottish single malt.

Tasting notes:

Nose: Tropical fruit, apricots, blackberries, plums and vanilla.
Palate: Honey, red fruit, spices and oak.
Finish: Long and smooth, with fruity notes and a pleasant touch of spice.

Find a bottle of Rampur Asava here

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Festive Blend

Johnnie Walker has embraced Diwali too. The famous Scottish whisky brand has released special Diwali editions of its luxurious Blue Label. The festive packaging immediately catches the eye. While this whisky isn’t from India, Johnnie Walker is hugely popular there—and Blue Label is no exception. The whisky itself is a rich, smooth blend with a subtle smoky character. This special edition makes a wonderful gift and an appealing bottle for collectors.

Tasting notes:

Nose: Honey, dried fruit, vanilla, chocolate and a hint of smoke.
Palate: Caramel, hazelnuts, dark chocolate and gentle spices.
Finish: Long and warming, with gentle smoke, oak and sweetness.

Indri Diwali Collector's Edition 2026 Ruby Port Cask

Indri certainly deserves a place on this list. The Indian whisky maker has released a Collector's Edition 2026 especially for Diwali, matured in Ruby Port casks. That makes it particularly appealing to fans of fruity whiskies. Port casks typically bring rich notes of red fruit, chocolate and sweet spices. And this special whisky is no ordinary release: it won gold at The World Whisky Masters 2026. Quite an achievement for a whisky that also comes in a special festive edition.

Tasting notes:

Nose: Red fruit, ripe berries, raisins and sweet spices.
Palate: Plums, dark chocolate, vanilla and port wine.
Finish: Long and warming, with fruit, oak and gentle spices.

Amrut Fusion

When it comes to Indian whisky, Amrut is one of the first names that comes to mind. The Bengaluru distillery has played a key role in bringing Indian single malt whisky to the world stage. One of its best-known bottles is Amrut Fusion. This whisky brings together Indian barley and peated Scottish barley, creating a distinctive blend of fruity, spicy and smoky flavours.

It isn’t a special Diwali release, but it’s a whisky that shows why India has become a serious player in the world of whisky.

Tasting notes:

Nose: Tropical fruit, vanilla, malt, citrus and a hint of peat smoke.
Palate: Chocolate, spices, oak and smoky malt.
Finish: Long and spicy, with smoke, cocoa and a touch of sweetness.

Paul John Classic Select Cask

We finish with a whisky from Goa: Paul John Classic Select Cask. This Indian single malt is bottled at cask strength and is known for its rich, powerful character. Expect a lovely blend of sweet, fruity and spicy flavours. Its international acclaim is further proof of the impression this whisky makes.

At the 2026 International Spirits Competition, Paul John Classic Select Cask won several awards, including Double Gold and Best of Class. It’s an intriguing bottle for anyone who likes a robust whisky in their glass.

Tasting notes:

Nose: Honey, ripe fruit, malt, vanilla and gentle spices.
Palate: Honey, caramel, tropical fruit and spicy oak.
Finish: Long and warming, with sweet malt, spices and oak.

Which whisky would you choose?

From Rampur Asava’s distinctive wine-cask finish to Johnnie Walker Blue Label’s festive Diwali edition, there’s plenty to discover. The world of Indian whisky continues to surprise, showing just how much there is to enjoy beyond Scotland. The question is, what will you be pouring into your glass tonight for Diwali?