Sanjeev Banga, president of international business at Radico Khaitan Ltd., the parent company of Rampur Distillery, says,”The growing acceptance of Indian single malts globally bodes well for the growth of this category.”
India’s single malt whiskey scene has undergone a significant transformation over the past 15 years, evolving from a market dominated by imports to one where home-grown brands are gaining global recognition and accolades.
The turning point came with the debut of Amrut Indian Single Malt in 2010. Amrut Distilleries, founded in 1948, took an unconventional approach by first introducing their single malt in Scotland in 2004 before releasing it in India and the United States six years later. Amrut Single Malt, meaning “drink of the gods” in Hindi, has since won numerous awards and established itself among the world’s best whiskeys.
Following Amrut’s success, other Indian distilleries entered the single malt market. Paul John Indian Single Malt was introduced in 2012, Rampur in 2016, Kamet in 2021, Diageo’s Godawan in 2022, and Indri in 2022. These brands have been expanding their presence in the U.S. market, with Paul John available in 40 states and Rampur planning to launch new expressions later this year.
The growing popularity of Indian single malts is evident both internationally and domestically. In the U.S., whiskey enthusiasts are increasingly seeking out these emerging spirits. In India, local brands accounted for 345,000 out of 675,000 cases of single malt whisky sold in 2023, with projections indicating strong growth through 2027.
What sets Indian single malts apart is their distinct terroir, locally sourced ingredients, and unique production methods. Many Indian distillers use six-row barley, known for its higher protein and enzyme content, resulting in a more concentrated flavor profile compared to the two-row variety used in Scotland and Japan.
India’s diverse climate plays a crucial role in the whiskey’s maturation process. The vast temperature variations, ranging from cold winters to hot summers, accelerate maturation—about four times faster than in Scotland. This rapid interaction between the spirit and the cask leads to more robust flavors in a shorter time frame. However, it also results in a higher “angel’s share” of 10-12% compared to 2-2.5% in cooler climates.
Indian single malts offer a wide range of flavors, from fruity and floral to bold and spicy. Distillers are experimenting with different wood barrels, including ex-bourbon casks, PX sherry casks, and wine barrels, to create distinctive flavor profiles.
Unlike Japanese and Scotch whiskies, which often use age statements as a mark of distinction, Indian single malts typically follow a “no age statement” tradition. This reflects their unique maturation process shaped by India’s climate.
Several Indian single malts have gained international recognition:
1. Rampur Asava: Matured in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in Indian Cabernet Sauvignon casks, it offers notes of apricot, honey, vanilla, and baking spices. It won Best World Whisky at the 2023 John Barleycorn Awards.
2. Paul John Oloroso Select Cask: Finished in Oloroso sherry casks, it features notes of peach, apricot, blood orange, and spiced fruit cake, along with coffee and dark chocolate.
3. Indri Dru: Named Best Indian Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2024, this bourbon cask-matured whisky is fruit-forward with hints of chocolate and citrus.
4. Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky: A blend of Indian and peated Scottish barley, it offers a combination of fruity and subtly smoky notes with a sweet-spicy finish.
As Indian single malts continue to gain recognition and expand their presence in international markets, they are poised to become increasingly popular among whiskey enthusiasts worldwide. Their unique characteristics, born from India’s climate and innovative production methods, offer a fresh and exciting alternative in the global whiskey landscape.
