Top 10 Best Whisky Brands in India 2024

There are so many whiskey brands and varieties out there; it can be hard to choose the best one. Whiskey is a beloved spirit in India, known for its rich and complex flavours and aromas. For enthusiasts interested in exploring a wider range of Indian-made products beyond whisky, the best Indian-made products in various categories, including electronics, textiles, and more, can be found on The Brand Talkies.We’re gonna look at ten of the best whiskey brands in India here, each offering a unique blend of flavours and smells. Find out which whiskeys are right for your palate and preferences with this guide, from well-known brands to up-and-coming distilleries.

You’ll find the best whiskey brands in India, whether you prefer a smooth and mellow taste or a bold and peaty flavour.

Whiskey lovers can explore these brands and find the perfect one that suits their taste buds. For those looking for other top brands in India, check out The Brand Talkies’ lists of best ice cream brands in India and best exercise bike brands in India.

Whisky Industry in India

• The Indian whisky market is expected to reach $2.5 billion by 2025.
• The top 5 whisky brands in India are
• The most popular type of whisky in India is blended whisky. Just as the whisky industry in India boasts a rich variety, the country’s diverse manufacturing sectors, including electronics and textiles, contribute significantly to its economic growth.
• The average Indian spends Rs. 500 on a bottle of whisky.
• The most popular brands for blended whisky in India are McDowell’s No. 1 Whisky, Blenders Pride, and Royal Stag.
• The most popular brands for single malt whisky in India are Amrut Fusion, Paul John Brilliance, and Glenmorangie The Lasanta.
• The most popular flavors of whisky in India are oaky, smoky, and sweet.

Here are some additional details about the whisky brands in India:

• McDowell’s No. 1 Whisky is the oldest and most popular whisky brand in India. It was first launched in 1887 and is now owned by United Spirits.
• Blenders Pride is the second-largest whisky brand in India. It was launched in 1992 and is now owned by Diageo.
• Royal Stag is the third-largest whisky brand in India. It was launched in 1995 and is now owned by Pernod Ricard.
• Officer’s Choice is the fourth-largest whisky brand in India. It was launched in 1988 and is now owned by Allied Blenders and Distillers.
• Signature is the fifth-largest whisky brand in India. It was launched in 2000 and is now owned by Radico Khaitan.

Whiskey Brands in India

1. Chivas Regal, 12 Year Old

In 1801, Chivas Regal became a brand of premium blended Scotch whiskey owned by Pernod Ricard, which is a French beverage giant. Since then, the brand has gained recognition as one of the world’s most recognizable whiskies. As Chivas Regal’s flagship product, Chivas Regal 12 Year Old is a smooth, rich, and generous blend of the best malts and grains aged for at least 12 years. In addition to its honeyed flavor, this blend also has notes of vanilla, caramel, and fruit. There is no doubt that Chivas Regal is one of the best whiskey brands in India, and it is renowned for its luxurious packaging, with the iconic Chivas Regal crest adorning every bottle.

2. Ballantine’s Finest

With a smooth, mellow flavor profile, Ballantine’s Finest is a blended Scotch whiskey that’s made from more than 40 malt and grain whiskies. This is the majority of them aged at least three years. It’s made from more than 40 different malt and grain whiskies. Every batch of Ballantine’s Finest whiskey is carefully crafted by their Master Blender, who uses their knowledge and expertise to create an exceptional batch. Known as one of the best whiskey brands in India, Ballantine Finest has a subtle sweetness with notes of honey, vanilla, oak, and a touch of sweetness.

3. The Glenlivet

The Glenlivet whisky is a single-malt Scotch whisky known for its smooth and fruity taste. It was founded in 1824 by George Smith, and it’s now owned by Pernod Ricard. This whiskey is one of the best whisky brands in India. This brand is named after the Glenlivet valley in the Scottish Highlands. They are made using traditional methods, such as using water from the local springs and aging their products in oak barrels. Among the Glenlivet’s offerings are 12-year-old, 15-year-old, and 18-year-old whiskies, as well as limited editions and special releases. The Glenlivet has won numerous awards over the years and is considered one of the best single-malt Scotch whiskey brands in the world.

4. 100 Pipers Deluxe Scotch whisky

There is no doubt that the 100 Pipers Deluxe Scotch Whiskey is the best blend of Scotch whiskey on the market. Its smoothness and richness make it a great blend. This whiskey is made of a selection of malts and grains that are aged in oak barrels for at least three years. The whiskey is named after the Scottish tradition of honoring a bagpipe player who plays a tune to welcome guests to a party. The brand is owned by the French spirits company Pernod Ricard, and is among the best whiskey brands in India.

The whiskey has won several awards for its quality and taste, including the Gold Medal at the International Wine and Spirits Competition for its outstanding taste and quality. A smooth, balanced taste with hints of vanilla, fruit, and spices, the whiskey has a rich amber color, a sweet and smoky aroma, as well as an amber color. It is best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water.

5. Jameson Irish Whiskey

As one of the world’s most widely recognized Irish whiskey brands, Jameson Irish Whiskey has been made since 1780, and has a smooth taste and distinctive flavor profile that makes it stand out from the rest. Among the most widely recognized Irish whiskey brands in the world, the triple-distilled whiskey produced by Jameson is a blend of malted and unmalted barley. This whiskey is aged for a minimum of four years in both sherry and bourbon casks, giving it a smooth, balanced flavor that is sweet and spicy. Whiskey connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike enjoy Jameson Irish Whiskey neat and in cocktails. Jameson Irish Whiskey is one of the best whisky brands in India

6. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey

A famous American whiskey brand, Jack Daniel’s has been around since the late 1800s, and its signature product is Tennessee whiskey, a mash of corn, rye, and barley. Known for its smooth, slightly sweet taste and charcoal-mellowed finish, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey gets its signature flavor from a special filtering process. Other whiskeys the company makes include rye whiskey, single-barrel whiskey, and flavored whiskeys. In addition to its signature logo and Old No. 7, Jack Daniel’s is known for its square bottle and black label. Overall, Jack Daniel’s is a beloved whiskey brand that has become a staple in American culture. It’s a no-brainer that Jack Daniel’s is one of the best whisky brands in India.

7. Johnnie Walker Black Label

Diageo owns Johnnie Walker Black Label, a famous blended Scotch whiskey that is considered one of the best whisky brands in India, a blend that is known for its unique blend of 40 malt and grain whiskies, a brand that was founded in 1820. This company in Scotland makes high-quality whiskey that has a smooth, smoky flavor profile. It is aged for 12 years in order to get a mature and complex flavor profile. This is why this product has won a number of awards and is loved worldwide by whiskey lovers all over the world. As a result of its iconic logo, which depicts a striding man, the company has become synonymous with quality.

8. Teacher’s Highland Cream

Teacher’s Highland Cream is a brand of blended Scotch whisky produced in Scotland. It was founded in 1830 by William Teacher and is currently owned by Beam Suntory. The whisky is a blend of different malt and grain whiskies, with a high proportion of peated malt whisky from the Ardmore distillery. It is a smooth and well-balanced whisky, with notes of honey, heather, and smoke. The brand is known for its iconic bottle design, featuring a metal tag around the neck with the Teacher’s logo. It is popular and one of the best whisky brands in India and other parts of the world, and has won several awards for its quality and taste.

9. Aberlour 12 Year Old

There are a variety of single malt whiskies offered by Aberlour, including the Aberlour 12-Year-Old, which is a Scottish whiskey brand. Its flavor profile is characterized by its combination of ex-bourbon casks and sherry casks, giving it a rich and complex taste profile. There are notes of apple, pear, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, honey, and a hint of spice on the nose of the Aberlour 12-Year-Old, while the palate offers tastes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey. The finish is long and warming, with a hint of spice. I found the Aberlour 12-Year-Old to be a well-balanced and flavorful whisky that is highly regarded by whiskey enthusiasts. Aberlour is considered to be one of the best whisky brands in India.

10. Black & White Blended Scotch whisky

Black & White Blended Scotch Whiskey is a well-known Scotch Whiskey owned by Diageo. One of the best whiskey brands in India, it was introduced to India in the 19th century, and it’s now a popular choice among whiskey enthusiasts. The whiskey in this blend is a blend of malt and grain whiskeys from different distilleries, carefully selected and blended to make it smooth and balanced. The finish has notes of vanilla, oak, and fruit. You can drink Scotch Whisky neat, on the rocks, in cocktails, or mixed with other drinks. If you’re looking to try Scotch Whisky for the first time, Black & White Blended Scotch Whisky is an affordable, approachable option.

While whisky offers a world of flavors for the discerning palate, other industries in India also present a wealth of quality and innovation. From the precision of computer hardware manufacturing to the intricacies of telecom cable production, Indian companies are making a mark on the global stage.

Buying Guide

I. Understanding Whiskey Types

First, let’s understand the different types of whiskey:

1. Scotch Whisky: Originating in Scotland, these are often heavily peated, creating a smoky flavor. The age statement on a bottle of Scotch signifies how long the youngest whiskey in the blend has been aged.
2. Irish Whiskey: These whiskeys are usually triple distilled for smoothness and have a light, fruity character. Some of the popular brands include Jameson and Bushmills.
3. American Whiskeys: This category includes bourbon, Tennessee whiskey, and rye whiskey. Bourbon is known for its sweet, full-bodied flavor, while rye whiskey is spicier.
4. Japanese Whisky: These are similar in style to Scotch, and often aged in unique wood types like Mizunara oak. Suntory and Nikka are popular brands.
5. Indian Whisky: Indian whisky often uses molasses as a base, making it technically closer to rum. However, India also produces single malt whiskies, like those from Amrut and Paul John.

II. Determining Your Preference

Every whiskey has its unique flavor profile, determined by its ingredients, distillation process, aging process, and more. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Flavor Profile: Do you like your whiskey sweet, smoky, smooth, spicy, or rich? This can guide your choice between different types and brands.
2. Age: Whiskey stops aging once bottled, but the time spent in the barrel can significantly affect its taste. Older doesn’t always mean better—it’s about personal preference.
3. ABV (Alcohol By Volume): Whiskeys usually range from 40-60% ABV. Higher ABV often means more intense flavors, but it can also be harsher.

III. Navigating India’s Liquor Laws

India has complex alcohol regulations that can affect pricing and availability. Here are key things to note:

1. State Rules: Each state has different laws regarding alcohol, affecting availability, permissible drinking age, and dry days. Make sure to check local regulations.
2. Import Duties: Imported spirits are often subject to high import duties, making them more expensive.
3. Counterfeit Bottles: Be wary of counterfeit alcohol. Always buy from reputable stores.

IV. Buying Whiskey in India

1. Supermarkets: Major supermarket chains often carry a good selection of Indian and imported whiskeys.
2. Liquor Stores: Specialty liquor stores may have a wider selection, especially of imported brands.
3. Online: Depending on the state’s laws, you may be able to buy whiskey online. Check websites like Living Liquidz, Madhuloka, or HipBar.

V. Recommended Whiskeys for Different Budgets

1. Budget Friendly (Under INR 2000): Amrut Fusion, Blender’s Pride, Royal Stag, Officer’s Choice
2. Mid-Range (INR 2000 – 5000): Paul John Brilliance, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Jim Beam Bourbon, Chivas Regal 12 Year Old
3. Premium (Above INR 5000): Glenfiddich 12 Year Old, Talisker 10 Year Old, Yamazaki 12 Year Old, The Macallan 12 Year Old

VI. Responsible Drinking

Enjoying whiskey should be about savoring its flavors responsibly. Excessive drinking can lead to health issues and social problems. Always drink in moderation, be aware of your limits, and never drink and drive.

Our Recommendations

1. Chivas Regal, 12 Year Old – Ideal for Special Occasions: This smooth, rich blend is perfect for special occasions or as a gift, thanks to its sophisticated taste and elegant presentation.
2. Ballantine’s Finest – Best for Cocktails: With its well-balanced flavor profile, Ballantine’s makes for a great base in whiskey cocktails.
3. The Glenlivet – Ideal for Scotch Beginners: The Glenlivet, especially the 12 Year Old, is renowned for its smooth and approachable taste, making it perfect for those new to Scotch.
4. 100 Pipers Deluxe Scotch whisky – Best Value for Money: A good option for those on a budget, 100 Pipers offers a decent Scotch experience without breaking the bank.
5. Jameson Irish Whiskey – Perfect for Whiskey Sours: Jameson’s smoothness and slight sweetness work incredibly well in a Whiskey Sour or other citrus-forward cocktails.
6. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey – Great for BBQ Pairings: Jack Daniel’s distinctive charcoal-mellowed flavor pairs excellently with grilled meats, making it perfect for BBQs.
7. Johnnie Walker Black Label – Ideal for Tasting Parties: With its complex flavor profile, Johnnie Walker Black Label is great for whiskey tasting events.
8. Teacher’s Highland Cream – Best for Daily Sipping: Known for its high malt content and smooth flavor, Teacher’s is a great choice for everyday enjoyment.
9. Aberlour 12 Year Old – Ideal for Flavor Exploration: This single malt Scotch offers a rich and complex flavor profile, perfect for those looking to explore different tastes within Scotch whiskies.
10. Black & White Blended Scotch whisky – Best for Whiskey and Soda: Black & White, with its smooth and light character, pairs excellently with soda water for a refreshing highball.

For those who appreciate the finer things in life, exploring India’s best luxury brands, from elegant jewellery to sophisticated fashion, can complement your whisky tasting experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, India has a rich and diverse whiskey culture, with many local and international brands catering to the tastes of whiskey enthusiasts. We’ve picked out some of the best whiskey brands in India that are highly rated and popular, and offer a unique flavour and aroma combination. There’s something for everyone on this list, whether you like smooth and mellow whiskey or bold and spicy whiskey. If you’re craving a glass of whisky, try one of these top-rated brands and experience the rich and complex flavors of Indian whisky.

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