As temperatures drop and evenings become chilly, there is something magical about sitting back with a glass or two of India’s best single malts. They are so much more than drinks; these spirits are celebrations of craftsmanship, story, and innovation and even more impressive as several of these whiskies received international accolades in just the past year. Whether you are bundled up in your favorite blanket or sitting by the fire, these five exceptional whiskies will imbue your cozy nights with rich complexities, heritage, and world-class accolades.
1. Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky Crowned ‘Best in Show’ at the 7th edition of the prestigious IWS Awards 2025 held at the iconic Taj Lands End, Mumbai, Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky once
again established itself among the best whiskies in the world. Distilled at South Seas Distilleries, India’s oldest malt distillery, with a history of over 40 years, Crazy Cock is a daring marriage of history to re-imagined whisky styles.
Crazy Cock offers two notable expressions: Crazy Cock Rare, a full-bodied unpeated single malt whisky matured in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks consisting of rich, rounded, yet robust layers of toffee, spice, and warmth; and Crazy Cock Dhua (“smoke”), a peated single malt whisky with more intense smoky aromas and flavors characterized by smoke flavors of burnt and smoky barbeque types of finish.
Both distilled in very small batches, matured in amazing, seemingly tropical, coastal conditions in India, both expressions highlight significant complexity in diverse flavor, aroma, and texture.
2. Paul John Single Malt Whisky
Coming straight from the beautiful shores of Goa, Paul John has made quite a splash in the whisky world, snagging three Master medals and two golds at the 2025 World Whisky Masters. Known for its tropical maturation and a distinct barley-driven character, Oloroso Select Cask of Paul John was heralded as the Best Single Malt at the International Whisky Competition 2024. With suave expressions like PX and Peated Select Cask, the brand thrills connoisseurs in 49 countries by marrying innovation with tradition.
3. Indri Single Malt Whisky
According to the IWSR 2025, Indri stands tall as the largest-selling single malt in India and the world’s fastest-growing. Indri-Dru has several awards, like “Best World Whiskey” at the Miami Global Spirit Awards and “India Whisky of the Year” at the New York International Spirits Competition, that have marked it with distinction and finesse. Its cask strength and flagship variants, acclaimed for scoring above 90 points in multiple competitions, epitomize India’s dynamic whisky craftsmanship and rapid global rise.
4. Amrut Single Malt Whisky
Pioneering Indian whisky on the international scene, Amrut celebrated landmark success in 2025 with the “World’s Best Whiskey” title and five gold medals at the International Spirits Challenge. Amrut’s 15 Year Old Expedition and Peated Cask Strength were recently included in the “World’s Most Admired Whiskies” list at numer “27”. The recognition solidifies Amrut’s leadership position as an innovator and flagship brand in tropical maturation and artisanal distilling. Amrut’s legacy continues to be the foundation of its expanding international influence and award-winning expressions.
5. DŌAAB India Craft Single Malt Whisky
As a newly launched luxury brand, DŌAAB has won multiple international awards, including Ambrosia and World Whiskies Awards in 2025. An innovative spirit, 01 Six Blind Men and the Elephant, has already won Gold at the Berlin International Spirits Competition and Silver at the International Spirits Challenge. It is exclusively matured in bourbon barrels and is produced in limited production runs. DŌAAB has combined India’s rich distilling traditions with modern craftsmanship to appeal to whisky drinkers around the world.
All of these unique single malts tell a different story in India’s whisky renaissance, which married tradition with innovation and terroir into unique expressions. When you sip them slowly by the fire or share them with someone you care about, you’re drinking more than whisky; you’re drinking the bold and refined spirit of India’s ascent to be a whisky power in the world today.
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