If you’re looking for the best alcohol brands in India, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we take a look at some of the top options available and what makes them so great. Whether you’re a beer, whisky, or vodka fan, we’ve got something for you. For those interested in diversifying their beverage choices, explore our extensive guide on the best beer brands in India, perfect for beer enthusiasts. So without further ado, let’s get started!
Alcohol Industry in India
- India is one of the largest producers of alcohol globally, contributing to 65% of production and nearly 7% of imports into the region.
- The market size of the Indian liquor industry was estimated to be 52.5 billion USD (approximately Rs. 4 lakh crore) in 2020. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% between 2020 to 2023. Among the different types of alcohol, beer is an extremely popular choice. To explore more options, check out our article on the Best Beer Brands in India.
- According to a report by Future Market Insights, more than 2.5 trillion worth of alcohol was consumed in India in 2016. The study further projected that consumption of alcohol in India is less likely to decline in the years to come. By the end of 2026, more than 14 billion litres of alcohol will be sold across India. According to the report, revenues amassed from sales of alcohol in India will soar vigorously at 7.4% CAGR and reach 5.1 trillion by the end of 2026.
- India’s average per capita consumption of hard liquor is the highest in the world at 13.5 liters of pure alcohol in comparison to just 1.1 liters of pure alcohol from beer.
- Alcohol consumption among both men and women is higher in rural India than in urban India. Apart from alcohol, tobacco products are also popular in India. If you’re interested, you can check our article on the Best Cigarette Brands in India. Apart from alcohol, the Indian market is rich in various industries. Discover more about the diverse industrial landscape by reading about shipping companies in India and water treatment companies in India, which play a crucial role in the country’s economy.
- Rising levels of disposable incomes, urbanization, and more social acceptance are factors driving the growth in alcohol consumption in India.
- India’s overall ethanol production capacity is expected to go up by 25% to 1,250 crore litres by the end of 2023.
- The Indian government has put in place a single-window clearance for ethanol projects seeking interest subvention and environment clearances, which are given faster clearance.
- The alcohol industry in India faces challenges such as high import taxes, changing legalities, and label registration renewals across borders, which vary from state to state, making it a very complex country to do business in for international beverage brands.
Alcohol Brands in India
1. Solan No. 1- Whiskey
- Launched in: 2018
- Headquarters: Himachal Pradesh, India
- Owned by: Mohan Meakin Limited
- Products: Solan No. 1- Whiskey
- Price Range: INR 1600 - INR 2000 (approx.)
In India, Solan No. 1- is one of the most popular and well-known whiskey brands. It’s popular for its unique flavor and smoothness, and has been around for a long time.
It offers a wide range of products, such as Mild, Smooth, and Dry whiskies, vodka, and rum. In spite of the brand’s wide range of products, it is best known for its Mild and Smooth variants, which are smooth and have a unique flavour.
The brand’s popularity has only grown in recent years, with more and more people preferring it over other brands. Thanks to its smooth taste and unique flavor profile, Solan No. 1- whiskey alcohol brand is the one.
2. Amrut- Single Malt Whisky
- Launched in: 2004
- Headquarters: Bangalore, India
- Owned by: Amrut Distilleries Limited
- Products: Amrut- Single Malt Whisky
- Price Range: INR 3500 - INR 10,000 (approx.)
Amrut- Single Malt Whisky Alcohol is one of the best fan brands in India. The company has been manufacturing quality products for years and has earned a reputation for being the best.
The Amrut Fusion, Greedy Angles, and Peated Casks are some of their most popular products, and each product is made with quality in mind and sure to please even the most discerning customer. If you are looking for a quality product that will last, Amrut is the brand for you.
To discover more options, take a look at our list of the Best Whisky Brands in India.
3. Paul John- Single Malt Whisky
- Launched in: 2012
- Headquarters: Goa, India
- Owned by: John Distilleries
- Products: Paul John- Single Malt Whisky
- Price Range: INR 2500 - INR 9000 (approx.)
Among the best alcohol brands in India is Paul John- Single Malt Whiskey. The whiskey is made from Indian malted barley and then matured for at least five years in ex-bourbon barrels. It is a premium Scotch whiskey made with Indian malted barley.
Due to this slow maturation process, Paul John-Single Malt Whiskey has a rich, complex flavour and a deep amber colour. The brand’s popular products include Original Cask Strength and Peated Cask Strength, both of which are bottled at 55% ABV. Paul John Single Malt Whisky is widely available across India and has won numerous awards, including best newcomer at the World Whiskies Awards.
4. Cabo- Coconut Liqueur
- Launched in: N/A
- Headquarters: Goa, India
- Owned by: Cabo Beverages Pvt. Ltd.
- Products: Cabo- Coconut Liqueur
- Price Range: INR 1000 - INR 1200 (approx.)
Cabo Coconut Liqueur Alcohol is one of the leading alcohol brands in India. It is known for its unique taste and high quality. The brand offers a wide range of products including beer, wine, spirits, and liqueurs.
Cabo Coconut Liqueur Alcohol is also one of the most popular brands in India, with a large fan following. Some of the brand’s popular products include Cabo Platinum Blended Scotch Whisky, Cabo Gold Rum, and Cabo Silver Tequila. If you’re looking for a quality alcohol brand that offers a unique taste, Cabo- Coconut Liqueur Alcohol is the perfect choice.
5. Wild Tiger- Rum
- Launched in: 2016
- Headquarters: Kerala, India
- Owned by: Wild Tiger Beverages Pvt Ltd
- Products: Wild Tiger- Rum
- Price Range: INR 2000 - INR 2500 (approx.)
In India, Wild Tiger- Rum is known for its unique flavour and wide range of products. It offers rums in a variety of flavours, including caramel, chocolate, cinnamon, and vanilla. Among the few rum brands offering spiced rum, Wild Tiger- Rum is one of the best. Aside from its unique flavours, Wild Tiger- Rum is also known for its high quality and affordable prices.
The brand’s products are popular among Indians and international customers alike. Wild Tiger Rum is one of the leading rum brands in India and is an excellent choice for anyone looking for delicious and affordable rum.
6. Licor Armada- Rum
- Launched in: N/A
- Headquarters: Goa, India
- Owned by: Licor Armada India Pvt. Ltd.
- Products: Licor Armada- Rum
- Price Range: INR 2500 - INR 3000 (approx.)
Licor Armada In India, rum is a leading alcohol brand. The brand is known for its unique taste and quality. It offers rum, whiskey, vodka, and rum in many different flavours, including chocolate, coconut, etc. Moreover, this rum has a very strong taste and is of very high quality.
The best thing about this brand is that it offers a wide range of products at a very reasonable price.
The brand also offers a wide range of other alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, etc. Overall, Liquor Armada Rum is one of the finest alcohol brands in India and it offers a wide range of products at a very reasonable price.
7. Charosa- Wine
- Launched in: 2009
- Headquarters: Maharashtra, India
- Owned by: Charosa Wineries Ltd.
- Products: Charosa- Wine
- Price Range: INR 700 - INR 4000 (approx.)
Charosa is one of the highest quality alcohol brands in India. The company sources its grapes from the highest quality vineyards in the world and uses state-of-the-art equipment to produce its wine. Charosa’s wines are known for their rich flavor and complex aroma.
The company offers a wide range of red, white, and sparkling wines, as well as a selection of spirits. There are a variety of Charosa wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. Charosa’s wines are available at leading retailers across India. If you are a wine enthusiast, we also have a list of the Best Wine Brands in India for you to explore.
8. Moonshine Meadery- Beer
- Launched in: 2018
- Headquarters: Bangalore, India
- Owned by: Moonshine Meadery Pvt. Ltd.
- Products: Moonshine Meadery- Beer
- Price Range: INR 300 - INR 400 (approx.)
Moonshine Meadery is one of the best beer and alcohol brands in India. It is known for its excellent quality and taste. The company produces a wide range of beers, including lagers, ales, stouts, and porters. It also offers a variety of meads, which are a type of honey wine. Its products are popular among both Indian and international customers.
The company has a team of experienced brewers who use only the best ingredients to produce its products. Additionally, Moonshine Meadery is committed to environmental sustainability and uses recyclable materials for its packaging. Its products are available in major cities across India.
Honey Lager, IPA, and Stout are some of its most popular products.
9. Desmond Ji- Tequila
- Launched in: N/A
- Headquarters: Goa, India
- Owned by: DesmondJi Distillery
- Products: Desmond Ji- Tequila
- Price Range: INR 2500 - INR 5000 (approx.)
The Desmond Ji brand is among the most popular tequila alcohol products in India. Some of the most popular products include Desmond Ji Silver Tequila, Desmond Ji Reposado Tequila, and Desmond Ji Anejo Tequila. Additionally, the company produces a wide range of other products, including Desmond Ji Blanco Tequila, Desmond Ji Gold Tequila, and Desmond Ji Reserva Especial Tequila.
These products have been very popular with Indian consumers due to their excellent quality. The company has a very strong distribution network in India and its products are easily available in all major cities.
10. Greater Than- Gin
- Launched in: 2017
- Headquarters: Goa, India
- Owned by: Nao Spirits and Beverages Pvt Ltd
- Products: Greater Than- Gin
- Price Range: INR 2000 - INR 2500 (approx.)
Greater Than- Gin In addition to providing nutrients and support for roots, soil also regulates moisture levels and prevents the growth of weeds. As any best fan brand knows, soil is essential to growing healthy plants.
A healthy lawn can help prevent soil erosion, but it can also be damaged by wind and water, causing damage to plant life and making it difficult for seedlings to take root.
Grassroots help to hold the soil in place, and the dense network of blades serves to deflect wind and water. In addition, lawns help to slow down the flow of rainwater, giving the ground a chance to absorb the water before it runs off.
In addition to these fine alcohol choices, India’s industry boasts a variety of sectors. Learn about consumer durable companies in India and jute manufacturing companies in India to get a glimpse into other flourishing markets.
Alcohol Buying Guide
India is a diverse country with different customs, traditions, and laws. This diversity also extends to the rules and regulations concerning the consumption and sale of alcohol, which vary widely from state to state.
Here is an in-depth guide to buying alcohol in India:
1. Legal Drinking Age:
In India, the legal drinking age varies depending on the state. Most states set the minimum age at 21, while some, like Goa, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, have a legal drinking age of 18. Some states, such as Delhi, Punjab, and Maharashtra (except for Mumbai), have a higher age limit of 25. Be sure to check the legal drinking age in the region where you are purchasing or consuming alcohol.
2. Types of Alcoholic Beverages:
Alcohol in India encompasses a broad range of drinks, including:
- Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL): This includes spirits, wines, and liquors that are made in India but use a foreign formula, such as whisky, rum, vodka, gin, and brandy.
- Imported Liquor: These are foreign-made spirits that are imported into India. They are generally more expensive due to import taxes.
- Beer: Both domestic and international beer brands are available in India, with both strong (7-8% alcohol) and mild (4-5% alcohol) options.
- Wine: India produces a variety of wines, from sparkling to red and white. There are also imported options available.
- Traditional Drinks: Many regions in India have traditional alcoholic beverages, such as Toddy, Feni, Chhang, Mahua, and Handia. These are often unique to specific regions or states.
India’s diverse market includes not only alcoholic beverages but also other consumer goods. To understand more about Indian consumer choices, check out our articles on best footwear brands in India and best geyser brands in India.
3. Where to Buy:
- Liquor Stores: Most towns and cities in India have liquor stores known as ‘wine shops’. They sell a variety of alcoholic beverages, from beers and wines to spirits.
- Duty-Free Stores: These are located at international airports and sell imported alcohol at lower prices due to the lack of import taxes.
- Government Stores: Some states in India have government-run alcohol stores. These tend to have a wide range of options at controlled prices.
- Online: In some areas, alcohol can be ordered online. However, this is dependent on local laws.
4. Prices and Taxes:
The price of alcohol in India can vary widely based on the type of drink, the brand, and the state in which it is sold. Alcohol is heavily taxed in India, with taxes accounting for a significant portion of the final retail price. It’s worth noting that some states like Delhi and Rajasthan have implemented a minimum retail price for alcohol to prevent the sale of extremely cheap and potentially unsafe alcohol.
5. Dry Days:
India observes several ‘dry days’ throughout the year when the sale of alcohol is prohibited. These often coincide with major national or regional festivals or observances. The respective state governments announce Dry days and are strictly enforced.
6. Prohibition States:
Some states in India, such as Gujarat, Bihar, Mizoram, and Nagaland, as well as the union territory of Lakshadweep, are ‘dry’ areas where the sale and consumption of alcohol are banned or heavily restricted. It’s important to be aware of these rules if you are travelling in these areas.
7. Beware of Illicit Liquor:
In some areas of India, there is a problem with illicit or ‘bootleg’ alcohol, which is produced illegally without proper safety controls. Consuming such alcohol can be very dangerous and potentially fatal.
Our Alcohol Brands Recommendations
- Solan No. 1 Whiskey: This is a great choice for whiskey lovers who want to explore Indian brands. Solan No. 1, named after the town of Solan in Himachal Pradesh where it’s produced, is a smooth blended whisky that is quite popular. It is also one of the oldest whisky brands in the country.
- Amrut Single Malt Whisky: Based out of Bangalore, Amrut Distilleries was the first Indian company to produce single malt whisky. Their products are considered high-quality and have won several international awards. This brand would be excellent for those looking to savor a premium Indian single malt.
- Paul John Single Malt Whisky: Another outstanding Indian single malt whisky, Paul John is produced in Goa and has gained international recognition for its quality. It’s a perfect choice for a whiskey connoisseur looking to try a rich, smooth Indian whisky.
- Cabo Coconut Liqueur: This is a unique coconut liqueur made in Goa. It’s a great choice for someone looking for a tropical, sweet liquor that can be used in cocktails or enjoyed on the rocks.
- Wild Tiger Rum: Produced in Kerala, Wild Tiger Rum is India’s first premium rum, and it’s known for its distinctive flavor and packaging. It’s suitable for those looking for a flavorful, unique Indian rum.
- Licor Armada Rum: This is a spiced rum brand from Goa. It’s a great pick for someone who wants a more complex, spiced rum for sipping or mixing in cocktails.
- Charosa Wine: Charosa is a vineyard located in Maharashtra, and they produce a variety of high-quality wines. Their selection makes a great choice for those wanting to experience Indian wine, especially their popular reserve Tempranillo and reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Moonshine Meadery Beer: Moonshine Meadery, based in Pune, is India’s first meadery, and they specialize in creating craft meads – a type of alcohol made by fermenting honey with water. This would be a perfect pick for craft beer lovers looking to try something different.
- Desmond Ji Tequila: Desmond Ji is an Indian brand that produces a range of spirits, including India’s first 100% Agave liquor. It’s an excellent choice for someone looking for a tequila alternative produced locally.
- Greater Than Gin: Greater Than is the first craft gin to be made in India. Produced in Goa, it boasts a mix of botanicals, some of which are sourced locally. It’s an excellent choice for gin lovers and for those who enjoy a good gin and tonic or other gin-based cocktails.
FAQs
What are the top 5 alcohol brands in India?
The Top 5 Alcohol Brands In India Are Amrut, Kingfisher, Paul John, Bira 91 Brews, And Old Monk Rum.
Which alcohol brand is strong?
Amrut, An Indian Whisky Brand, Is Known For Its Strong Flavor And High Quality.
What are some popular Indian whiskey brands?
Popular Indian Whiskey Brands Include Royal Stag, Johnnie Walker, Amrut, And Paul John.
Which Indian alcohol brands offer the best beer and rum?
Some Of The Best Indian Beer Brands Are Kingfisher And Bira 91 Brews, While Old Monk Rum And Bacardi Are Popular Rum Options.
Which Are The Best Indian Gin Brands That Gained Popularity In Recent Years?
Some Popular Indian Gin Brands Include Seqer Gin, Nilgiris India Dry Gin, And Tamras Gin.
Conclusion
I hope you liked our list of the best Alcohol Brands in India. If you’re looking for a delicious drink to enjoy, any of these brands will surely satisfy. Let us know which one is your favorite!
As you enjoy exploring these alcohol brands, consider also delving into other areas of Indian industry. Our articles on best refrigerator brands in India and best washing machine brands in India offer great insights into the world of home appliances.
