India is the world’s largest whisky market, with over 200 million whisky drinkers and commanding more than 60% of the country’s alcoholic beverages sector. The nation consumes nearly half of the world’s whisky, making it a crucial market for both international brands and local distilleries. Major companies like Diageo and Pernod Ricard compete alongside Indian manufacturers, creating a diverse market that ranges from affordable everyday brands to premium single malts.
The Indian whisky scene in 2025 offers something for everyone, from budget-friendly options available at local stores to world-class single malts that compete internationally. Consumers are becoming more quality-conscious, with urban buyers increasingly choosing premium brands while traditional favorites continue to dominate overall sales volumes. Indian distilleries are also gaining global recognition, with brands like Amrut and Paul John winning international awards and expanding to overseas markets.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Whisky Brands in India 2025
1. McDowell’s No. 1
The Asare-Takyi brewery that is part of McDowell’s No.1 is an Indian company that is which is owned by Diageo’s subsidiary United Spirits Limited (USL). It is a registered trademark of USL and is the world’s largest whiskey product with an awning comprising of three kinds (under the name McDowell’s No.1 Commemoration”): whisky brandy, whisky, and rum.
Also, there is soda and drinking water made by this company. In 1963 and 1964, the company began with the introduction of McDowell’s No.1 Brandy. Mera No.1 is the company’s slogan for the label.
McDowell’s No.1 first came out with McDowell’s announcement of the McDowell’s No.1 Brandy in 1963-64, an enterprise purchased in 1951 by United Breweries Organization.
In 1959 the businessman Vittal Mallya established the first winery in Cherthala, Kerala, for McDowell and firm. Biscuit Brandy and Dorville French Brandy made from the purchase of sustenance were then produced by McDowell’s.
The company is now redesigned with a new value proposition and is a great choice for your friends to form more of a bond. Known for its smooth taste and accessible pricing, this brand has maintained its leadership position through consistent quality and widespread availability. The brand offers various expressions including Classic, Reserve, and Deluxe variants, catering to different consumer segments.
- It is less alcoholic. alcohol that is ideal for those who are just starting.
- They also make brandy, rum and Bourbon, under the brand name McDowell’s No.1.
- McDowell is the top in this price variety of whiskey brands available in India.
- McDowell’s whisky price in India is Rs. 420-500 for 750ml
- McDowell’s ABV (alcohol by volume) percentage is 42.8 per cent
2. Royal Stag
Royal Stag, also recognized as Seagram’s Royal Stag, is an Indian liquor brand introduced in 1995. It’s available in a variety of sizes across many countries across the globe. It’s the most sought-after Pernod Ricard product by amount.
It’s a mix of wheat spirits and Scotch malts from foreign countries. It’s generally sold with bottles of one Liter 500 ml, 750 ml, 180 and 375 ml. millilitres and also in packs of 90 ml and 60ml. It is named after deer in its symbol, and is known because of its antlers.
In 2016 Royal Stag sold 18 million units. For less than 1000 INR, it is among the highest-rated whisky products on the Indian market. Known for its “It’s Your Life, Make It Large” campaign, the brand appeals to ambitious, urban consumers. The whisky is known for its rich amber color and smooth finish.
- With the release of Royal Stag Barrel Select in 2011, the unrivalled design changed.
- Royal Stag whisky price in India is Rs. 885 per 750 ml
- Royal Stag’s ABV (alcohol by volume) is 42.8 percent
3. Imperial Blue (IB) Whisky
An item of Indian Whisky produced in the company of Pernod Ricard, Imperial Blue is, also known as IB and also referred to in Seagram’s Imperial Blue, was released in 1997. It’s a mix of gods made from Indian grain and imported Scotch malts.
It is easily available in packs of 180ml, 500ml, 375ml and can also be purchased in 90ml quantities. 1997 was the first time Seagram released Imperial Blue as their best whisky in India.
In 2002, Imperial Blue (IB) was redesigned, aiming at the 25-35-year-olds and introducing a “Men will be Men” tagline. Imperial Blue (IB) was officially approved as a World Series Hockey partner. In India, the company also has helped fund rock concerts. Despite India’s advertising restrictions on alcohol, the brand has maintained strong visibility through innovative marketing strategies and quality positioning.
- It comes in a perfect mix of Indian grains liquors and international whisky malts for exceptional freshness.
- The product provides a premium product with a smooth and flawless surface and complete efficiency at an affordable price.
- Imperial Blue whisky price in India is Rs. 700-900 for 750ml
- Imperial Blue ABV (alcohol by volume) is 42.8 percent
4. Officer’s Choice Whisky
The most popular name is OC. Officer’s Choice is an Indian whisky brand developed in the hands of Allied Blenders & Distillers (ABD) before it was BDA. It is thought to be among the top spirits companies in the world.
Smirnoff vodka was surpassed by the brand Officer’s Choice in 2015, making it the most popular liquor brand worldwide. Officer’s Choice has sold 28.4 million units during 2014, more than any other liquor brand worldwide. Officer Choice is made of grains, in contrast to similar Indian whisky brands that generally consist of treacle (consequently effectively creating rum). Chhabria discovered that products with a frontier were considered in all respects, and the company’s management did not consider some items.
The whiskey was first introduced in 1988 and has its presence in more than 18 nations, it is now the most traded whiskey globally. It has carved out a significant niche in the value segment while maintaining quality standards. The brand has shown remarkable growth and is particularly popular in northern and western India.
Its purpose is to help you make informed choices in your life and recognize your inner officer. Officer’s choice whisky is produced using neutral spirits from India.
- Officer’s choice whisky price in India is Rs. 300-450 for 750ml
- Excellent value for money proposition
- Smooth taste profile for its price point
- Multiple variants including Blue and Black
- Officer’s Choice ABV (alcohol by volume) is 42.8 percent
5. Royal Challenge (RC)
Royal Challenge (RC) is a brand of Indian alcohol produced by United Spirits Ltd (USL). It is frequently called by the abbreviation of RC.
Sugar cane is more affordable and easier to grow than barley in India. It’s a fact that, when it comes to being precise, Royal Challenge is simply an alcohol blend that appears like Whisky, just like whisky, which is the foremost Indian “whisky”.
This blends malts made from Scotch and Indian malts and grainy-scented whisky. It is a superior and less expensive Royal Challenge whisky than single malt or blended whisky made from Scotch.
Royal Challenge Coordinator for the Royal Challenge Banglore IPL (Indian Premier League) Teal. It is among the nation’s most famous whisky companies. Royal Challenge represents Diageo’s premium offering in the Indian market. The brand focuses on delivering a superior whisky experience with careful blending and aging processes.
- Royal challenge whisky price in India: Rs. 500-700 for 750 ml
- Premium blended whisky with smooth and refined taste
- Strong heritage and brand legacy
- Preferred choice for celebrations and gifting
- Royal Challenge ABV (alcohol by volume) percentage 42.8 – 42.8 per cent
6. Whiskin Craft Whisky
Whiskin Craft combines top imported Scotch and traditional Indian malts and a low-cost grain spirit produced using triple dilution that creates a smooth and rich texture.
It’s got organic baked dry fruits, honey, and dark chocolate flavors that create a strong, lasting aroma and an uncluttered edge typical of Scotch Integrated Whisky.
For over a year, Whiskin Craft has been working with an experienced whisky maker from France, collecting feedback about Scotch Whisky product from customers and fans and returning to the drawing boards to create an exceptional mix.
Whiskin Spirits was established in 2013 and launched its products in the Delhi region in October of 2014, and then successfully introduced its product to Haryana.
- Whiskin Craft whisky price in India: Rs. 500 for 750ml
- Whiskin Craft whisky ABV (alcohol by volume) percent 42.8 – 42.8 percent
7. The Rockford Reserve
Rockford Original is a perfectly balanced whiskey with an incredibly elegant and pleasant aroma with a rich golden hue.
As per the Scottish Master Blender, The Richest Whisky Matured in Oak Scottish Malt Whiskies are blended with stunning Indian Grain spirits processed with charcoal to create this stunning Whisky.
The taste is smooth and relaxing in The Household of Rockford design, yet appealing to the discerning whisky lover with plenty of quantity and sophistication. One of the fastest-growing products in the upscale Indian whisky market can be the Rockford Reserve Classic and Reserve editions.
Umesh Modi Group and Illva Private Limited offer the best selection of Indian Produced Foreign Liquor (IMFL) to the Indian beverage industry with the advent of Artic Vodka as the most recent service.
- Rockford Reserve whisky price in India: Rs. 600-800 for 750ml
- Rockford whisky, ABV (alcohol per volume) percentage 42.8 – 42.8 percent
8. Blenders Pride
Blenders Pride, was founded by Pernod Ricard. It is an item of Indian whisky, which was launched in 1995. Blenders Pride is a blend of gods of Indian grain and imported Scotch malt. It is free of artificial aroma.
There are five sizes of bottles available (2L,1L, 500ml, 375ml and 180ml). GQ publication described the whisky as “clean and sour” and awarded it a rating of 6/10.
- Blender’s Pride whisky price in India is Rs. 1000 for 750ml.
- Blenders are proud of their ABV (alcohol in volume) is 42.8 percent
- The whisky can be described as a mix of the products of Indian grain and Scotch malt from foreign countries that is free of chemical flavouring.
- The label has solid consistency, a moderate rate, and a fantastic flavour. It is one of India’s best whisky labels.
- It is typically offered with chilled cubes of chilled water or sparkling water.
- It contains most cardio glycosides acids that are higher than red wine. When consumed in small quantities, it can provide significant health benefits.
9. 8 PM
The brand in the eighth position is the Radico Khaitan 8 PM brand, which experienced an increase of 3.9 percent growth in 2019, to 8.5m cases. The brand has experienced constant growth rates in the past five years.
8 PM is the flagship product created by Radico Khaitan, formerly known as Rampur Distillery. After selling one million cases in its initial year, 8 PM was awarded a place in the Limca Book of Records (India’s best whisky equivalent of Guinness World Records) and became one of the top whisky brands in india.
In the spring of this season, Radico Khaitan, owner of Rampur Indian single malt whisky and Jaisalmer Gin, started the production of hand sanitizers within the Rampur Distillery regularly to “support the ongoing global health system”.
- It is rich in ellagic acid, which is a potent antioxidant.
- It’s the main reason for most positive health effects that come from a moderate intake of whiskey.
- 8PM whisky price in India is Rs 720.
10. Director’s Special Whisky
If you’re looking for the best price for a Scotch whisky business in India, Director’s Special Whisky is ideal. 1988 Director Special was introduced in 1988. Director Special was introduced.
The brand is now called DSP, attracted by its unique fancy bottle design and distinctive etched logo packaging. It is the best whisky brand from India and is renowned for its distinctive taste.
Director’s Special is a product from Indian whisky, often known as its alternative name, DSP, manufactured by United Spirits Ltd (USL). This entity is part of the Diageo Corporation. It is focused on the treacle. It is among the best whisky in India under Rs 2000 for those looking to buy an excellent whisky.
It is the finest whiskies from India made from hand-picked malt and barley. The whisky is delicious and has a strong scent.
- Director’s Special whisky price in India is Rs. 500 for 750ml
- Director’s Special ABV (alcohol by volume) is 42.8 percent
- The Year of the Launch – 1988
Whisky Market Trends of India 2025
Premium Segment Growth
The Indian whisky market is witnessing a significant shift toward premium and super-premium segments. Consumers are increasingly willing to pay more for quality, craftsmanship, and unique experiences.
Single Malt Revolution
Indian single malts are gaining tremendous traction both domestically and internationally. Brands like Amrut, Paul John, and Indri are putting Indian whisky on the global map with their distinctive characteristics influenced by tropical aging.
Regional Preferences
Different regions in India show varying preferences:
- North India: Strong preference for blended whiskies like Royal Stag and McDowell’s
- South India: Growing appreciation for single malts and premium brands
- West India: Mix of premium and value segments
- East India: Traditional preference for established brands
Innovation and Craft
Distilleries are investing heavily in innovation, experimenting with local grains, unique aging techniques, and limited edition releases to differentiate their offerings.
Key Market Players
The Indian whisky industry is dominated by several major players:
- United Spirits Limited (Diageo) – Market leader with multiple brands
- Pernod Ricard India – Strong premium positioning
- Allied Blenders and Distillers – Value segment focus
- Radico Khaitan Ltd. – Regional strength
- Jagatjit Industries Limited – Diverse portfolio
States Laws & Regulations
The legal landscape for whisky and alcohol consumption in India is complex and varies significantly across states, as alcohol falls under the State List of the Indian Constitution. This gives individual states the authority to regulate production, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages within their territories.
Prohibition States
Complete alcohol prohibition exists in the states of Bihar, Gujarat, Nagaland, and Mizoram, as well as the union territory of Lakshadweep. In these regions, the sale, purchase, and consumption of whisky and other alcoholic beverages is completely banned, with possession being a criminal offense.
Bihar: Implemented total prohibition in 2016 under the Nitish Kumar government. The state has some of the strictest anti-alcohol laws in the country, with severe penalties for violation.
Gujarat: Has maintained prohibition since its formation in 1960, rooted in Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy. Possession or consumption without a permit is a criminal offense, though permits are available for certain categories of people.
Nagaland and Mizoram: Both northeastern states maintain prohibition primarily due to strong Christian missionary influence and tribal traditions against alcohol consumption.
Lakshadweep: The union territory maintains prohibition in line with its predominantly Muslim population and local customs.
Partial Prohibition Areas
There are partial bans on alcohol in some districts of Manipur, where certain areas allow alcohol while others maintain prohibition. In April 2025, alcohol prohibition was imposed by the state government in nineteen religious places in Madhya Pradesh, including urban areas of Ujjain, Mandhata, Maheshwar, Mandleshwar, Orchha, Maihar, Chitrakoot, Datia, Panna, Mandla, Multai, and Mandsaur.
Legal Drinking Age Variations
Different states in India have their legal drinking age that ranges from 18 to 25 years, with some states allowing alcohol consumption at 18, while others set the legal age at 21 or even 25.
States with 18 years minimum age: Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Puducherry, Rajasthan, and Sikkim States with 21 years minimum age: Most states including Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh States with 25 years minimum age: Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, and some others for hard liquor
Licensing and Sales Regulations
Each state has its own licensing system for alcohol sales, with many operating through government-controlled outlets or licensed private retailers. Some states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu have government monopolies on alcohol retail, while others allow private retailers with proper licensing.
Constitutional Framework
The Indian Constitution, under Article 47 of the Directive Principles of State Policy, directs states to work toward prohibition, though this is not mandatory and most states have chosen to regulate rather than prohibit alcohol.
Future Outlook
The Indian whisky market in 2025 is characterized by several transformative trends that position it for continued growth and evolution in the coming years.
Growing Export Potential and Global Recognition
Indian whiskies are gaining unprecedented international recognition, with several brands successfully exporting to markets in Europe, Asia, and North America. Premium Indian single malts like Amrut and Paul John are now found in high-end whisky bars from London to Tokyo, challenging traditional perceptions about whisky geography. This global acceptance is not just opening new revenue streams but also elevating the overall quality standards of Indian whisky production, as distilleries strive to meet international expectations.
Sustainability and Innovation Drive
Distilleries are increasingly focusing on sustainable practices, from water conservation and renewable energy adoption to eco-friendly packaging, responding to growing environmental consciousness among consumers. The industry is also witnessing a surge in innovation, with distilleries experimenting with local grains like millet and rice, traditional fermentation techniques, and unique aging methods that leverage India’s diverse climate zones. Digital engagement has become crucial, with brands leveraging social media and e-commerce platforms to connect with younger consumers despite traditional advertising restrictions. Additionally, a regional craft movement is emerging, with smaller distilleries celebrating local ingredients and traditions, creating opportunities for premium, terroir-driven expressions that reflect India’s diverse cultural and agricultural landscape.
Conclusion
India’s whisky market in 2025 shows the perfect balance between popular mass-market brands and premium offerings. While traditional favorites like McDowell’s No.1 and Royal Stag continue to lead in sales volumes, Indian single malts like Amrut and Indri are making their mark both domestically and internationally. This growth across all segments reflects the diverse preferences of Indian consumers, from budget-conscious buyers to whisky enthusiasts seeking world-class quality.
The future looks bright for the Indian whisky industry, with steady growth expected in both domestic consumption and exports. As more consumers develop sophisticated tastes and disposable incomes rise, the market will likely see continued premiumization while maintaining strong volume sales in traditional segments. Whether you prefer an affordable daily drink or a special occasion single malt, India’s whisky market in 2025 offers excellent options across all price points, cementing the country’s position as a global whisky powerhouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q) Are Whisky and whiskey are the same thing?
Ans: It is usually called “whiskey” – with an e in the United States and Ireland. It is also spelled “whisky” – without the e in Scotland and Canada where both are famous for their whisk(e)y as well as in a number of other countries.
Q) What exactly are the qualities that whisky has?
Ans: Scotch whiskies are lighter in weight and have a distinct malt flavor that is smoky and distinctive. They are mainly made from malted barley before being heated over an open flame and the oily, sharp smoke that is produced by the malt.
Q) What’s special in Scotch Whisky?
Ans: Scotch is the word given to whisky made in Scotland. It has to be matured in barrels of oak for at least three years. Beyond that, it isn’t restricted to the kind of oak barrel. Therefore, it can be aged in both new and used barrels, ex-Bourbon casks, ex-sherry casks, and others provided they’re made from oak.
Q) What kind of glass is the best to pour whiskey?
Ans: An Old Fashioned glass (aka rocks glass or whisky tumbler) is the most common option to serve whisky drinks. Whisky glasses typically weigh between 7-12 oz.
Q) What is the difference between Scotch and whisky?
Ans: Like wine, whisky does not age further after it is bottle-bottled. Scotch is a malt whiskey is produced in Scotland using only malted barley and water.
