Indian single malts continue their winning streak on the global stage, with Indri once again leading the pack.
India Dominates the Global Whisky Stage
Indian whisky brands are no longer the underdogs—they’re the champions of the world. At the Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards 2025 (LVGSA), Indian single malts claimed four of the top five spots, marking a historic moment for the country’s growing spirits industry.
Topping the list was Indri’s Diwali Collector’s Edition 2025 Marsala Cask Finish, produced by Piccadily Distilleries in Indri, Haryana. Scoring a remarkable 99.1 out of 100, this limited-edition release was named the ‘Best World Whisky’, a title that cements India’s reputation as a global whisky powerhouse.
What Makes Indri’s Winning Whisky Special
Crafted from six-row Indian barley and matured in Marsala wine casks imported from Sicily, Indri’s Diwali Collector’s Edition is bottled at cask strength (60% ABV)—a rarity among Indian whiskies.
The result? A complex, full-bodied spirit bursting with stewed apricots, cherries, and plums, layered with vanilla, nutmeg, and honeyed caramel. On the palate, it unfolds into a rich symphony of red berries, chocolate, walnuts, and earthy undertones, leading to a long, warm finish marked by wood spice, almond brittle, and orange oils.
The Marsala cask influence lends it a signature sweet-nutty complexity, reminiscent of fine dessert wines—making it a treat for both connoisseurs and new-age whisky enthusiasts.
Indian Single Malts: The New Global Icons
India’s performance at LVGSA 2025 wasn’t just about one bottle—it was a statement. Alongside Indri, other Indian whiskies also shone bright:
- GianChand Single Malt (99 points) from DeVANS Modern Breweries, matured in Jammu’s extreme weather, impressed with salty, lemon oil and sandalwood notes.
- GianChand Signature Indian Single Malt (98 points) featured gingerbread, dried apricot, and honeycomb aromas.
- Adambaraa Unpeated Single Malt (97 points) stood out for its floral, honey, and vanilla tones.
These results underscore a new era where Indian craftsmanship rivals Scotch and Japanese whiskies in flavor, technique, and innovation.
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The Prestige of the LVGSA Awards
The Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards are among the world’s most respected tasting competitions. Entries are judged blind by a panel of seasoned industry professionals—distillers, bartenders, buyers, and educators—on the parameters of appearance, aroma, palate, balance, and finish.
Medals include Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze, but the ‘Best in Category’ and ‘Best in Show’ honors remain the most coveted. For Indian brands, such recognition doesn’t just boost credibility—it reinforces India’s emergence as a premium whisky-producing nation.
India’s Moment in the Whisky World
From being known for mass-market blends to producing globally recognized single malts, India’s journey has been phenomenal. Indri’s win in 2025 is not just a victory for one distillery—it’s a celebration of Indian artistry, terroir, and vision.
As the world raises a glass to the ‘Best World Whisky’, one thing is clear:
The spirit of India now defines excellence in the world of whisky.
