"It"s not uncommon to confuse all whiskies with single malt whisky. As the culture of single malt whisky in India is still relatively new, that confusion is even more prominent, given that we haven"t traditionally been a single malt whisky drinking nation. Single malt is a type of whisky or scotch. “The main difference between a single malt whisky and other whiskies is that every drop of whisky inside the bottle comes from a single distillery, which is why the single malt whisky is named after where it"s made,” says Yangdup Lama, mixologist-entrepreneur, who heads Barkeepers LLP, Thirsty Three Hospitality, and Cocktails & Dreams While both are 100 per cent malted barley extracted from its source of alcohol, other whiskies are usually a mix of spirits from different barrels, and hence different flavours. “After whiskey is distilled, it"s kept in barrels where it matures for 12 years, 18 years, and so on. This also means that you may not achieve the same kind of whiskey all the time with each barrel. Blending of different whiskies from different barrels is done before bottling to ensure a balanced and consistent flavour,” explains Lama. The main difference between a single malt whisky and other whiskies is that every drop of whisky inside the bottle comes from a single distillery, which is why the single malt whisky is named after where it"s made. Image: Unsplash In comparison to blended whiskies, a single malt whisky will have more depth, richer flavour and character, thanks to the roasting of the barley, which also makes it more aromatic. In India, there"s an unmistakable leaning towards sherry-cask matured whiskies, says Hemanth Rao, founder of the Single Malt Amateur Club in India. “Rich, sweet profiles of raisin, honey, and spice resonate deeply with the Indian palate. A gentle backdrop of peat continues to hold allure. Also, many women whisky drinkers are drawn to bold, peated whiskies, which breaks the stereotype that women prefer subtler or lighter flavours. Many relish the depth and assertiveness of smoke,” he adds. . Single malt whisky first gained popularity in India in the 1980s when international brands like Glenfiddich and The Glenlivet became more available. “The 1990s saw USL, under Vijay Mallya, bringing in the likes of Dalmore and Jura. The third phase was in the 2000s with Amrut, which established India as a credible single malt whisky-producing nation,” says Rao. “Amrut"s single malts and Indri, besides the well-rounded and versatile Paul John are the Indian brands that are popular,” he adds. The best single malt whisky in India to try now Here are five bottles that justify the wait, representing top single malt whisky brands and styles. 1. Amrut Expedition: A rare Indian single malt whisky Aged for: 15 years The Amrut Expedition, aged for 15 years, is first kept in specially sourced Sherry casks from Europe for eight years for deep, opulent flavours then moved to a cask previously used for ex-Bourbon from the United States for seven years. Image: Amrut-expedition.com Launched in 2025 by Amrut Distilleries in Bengaluru, the Amrut Expedition is aged for 15 years. First kept in specially sourced Sherry casks from Europe for eight years to cultivate deep, opulent flavours, it is then moved to a cask previously used for ex-Bourbon from the United States for seven years to refine complexity and depth. Only 75 bottles of this whisky exist. Even the packaging is customised; each box is handcrafted and painted, housing individually engraved and numbered bottles. The single malt whisky has an ABV 62.8 per cent and offers chocolate-coated sherry notes with a delicate, silky mid-palate. A sharp crack of black pepper subsides into bitter cocoa, vanilla and dried fruits, followed by a subtle oak tone with a cocoa note. Available in: Bengaluru and the United States of America Priced at: ₹10,75,000 2. Godawan 173: A collector"s edition single malt whisky Aged for: 9+ years The Godawan 173 Collector"s Edition is part of a series inspired by the Great Indian Bustard, made from Indian six-row barley and double-distilled in traditional copper pot stills, matured for over nine years across three woods. Image: 173_@t2online.in The Godawan 173 Collector"s Edition is part of a series inspired by the Great Indian Bustard, currently an endangered bird species. The journey began with Godawan 100, a limited release marking the survival of the first 100 birds through conservation efforts supported by proceeds from whisky sales. As the population rose to 173, the brand introduced Godawan 173: The Collector"s Edition to honour this milestone. This single malt luxury whisky, with an ABV of 46 per cent, is made from Indian six-row barley and double-distilled in traditional copper pot stills. It"s matured for over nine years across three woods: American white oak ex-bourbon casks, European Oloroso and PX Sherry casks, and Asha Liqueur casks made from Indian Sal wood and seasoned for decades with 42 ingredients including fruits, spices, botanicals, honey, and milk, imparting a rich, resinous depth. Aromas of roasted nuts, dried figs, raisins, and polished oak lead to a palate of walnuts, dark chocolate, and Sherry undertones. The finish is long, warm, and dry, with toasted nuts, oak spice, and a lingering sweetness. The 173 bottles are inspired by Jaipur"s blue pottery, and made from quartz, salts, and natural glaze. The cobalt blue and white patterns mirror the skies and sands of Rajasthan"s desert, while sustaining local artisans and communities. Available in: Bengaluru Duty-Free, premium outlets in London Price: Rs 5,00,000 (700 ml bottle) 3. The GlenJourneys: A Scottish classic in the Indian market Aged for: 21 years The GlenJourneys Cask Series is aged and cask-finished in the Scottish Highlands before coming to India. The flagship Pioneer Edition has a ripe fruity aroma with a velvety vanilla sweetness. Image: theglenjourneys The GlenJourneys Cask Series is aged and cask-finished in the Scottish Highlands before coming to India. Flavour comes from meticulous sourcing of select malts and carefully chosen casks, including rum, Bourbon, and Sherry finishes. Each cask finish adds nuance, depth, and complexity. Each of the 600 flagship Pioneer Edition bottles has a ripe fruity aroma with a velvety vanilla sweetness. This single malt is silky and layered on the palate with continued vanilla and fruit notes, and a long, lingering finish with a subtle smokiness. Available in: Mumbai Price: ₹ 6,409 4. Rampur Indian Single Malt Whiskey Double Cask: A bold Indian single malt Aged for: 6-8 years The Rampur Indian Single Malt Whiskey Double Cask matures in American Bourbon and European Oak Sherry barrels, bringing together delicate balsamic vanilla notes along with rich caramel, dried dark fruits, and spice notes. Image: Instagram.com/caskworld Crafted in Double Oak Wood Barrels, Rampur Double Cask single malt whisky matures in American Bourbon and European Oak Sherry barrels, bringing together delicate balsamic vanilla notes along with rich caramel, dried dark fruits, and spice notes. This single malt whisky has a full-bodied aroma of tropical fruits, with smooth malty tones and oaky notes from double oak-wood barrels. It tastes of sweet fruits and has a lingering finish. Available in: Select stores across India Price: ₹ 7,000-8,000 5. Yamazaki Peated Malt Spanish Oak Kogei: A Japanese icon loved in India Aged for: 12,15 and 18 years This Japanese single malt whisky combines peated malt and Spanish oak ageing with Yamazaki"s warm climate drawing out tropical fruit notes. Peat adds a smokiness, while ageing brings dried fruit and chocolate, and a long finish. Expect dark mocha, raisins, and almonds on the nose, deep smokiness and roasted cacao on the palate, and a bittersweet caramelised baking-spice finish. The earliest whiskies felt heavy for the Japanese palate, and American oak was used with peated malts instead. Now, drawing on over a century of whisky-making history, Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo masterfully applies this technique to create two truly special liquids. The bottles are crafted by Kyoto"s Chiso Kimono House, makers of the finest kimonos in Japan since 1555. For this collection, Chiso applies its craft to the Kogei Collection Japanese Kimono Edition label designs. The Yamazaki design depicts the three rivers that meet near the distillery. Available in: Select stores across India Price: ₹20,590 People usually like the smoothness of whisky. If not, they add ice. If it"s too intense, add water to balance out the flavours and make it easy on the palate. Image: Unsplash The rise of single malt whisky in India Availability and supply once limited access, but single malt whisky is now easier to find in metros such as Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. These are cities where consumers have traded up from average to premium. “Indians are earning more money today—that"s one of the reasons people are opting for single malts. When spending power goes up, people do tend to indulge. Even the younger crowd isn"t drinking to get drunk but because of how the alcohol tastes. Drinking out is a lifestyle and people are savouring alcohol. Premium alcohol is just one way of doing it,” says Lama. How to drink single malt whisky “People usually like the smoothness of whisky. If not, they add ice. If it"s too intense, add water to balance out the flavours and make it easy on the palate. Even in cocktails, don"t add random things but a hint of coffee, chocolate, or some citrus,” says Lama."
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