Of all the spirits that flow freely in India, whisky is the one with the most devoted fan base. Whatever the kind may be, any celebration in the country calls for the presence of whisky. It's a common fixture in parties, inside or outdoors, as well as the drink most reached for after a tiresome day. It's the preferred potion to warm up the body with when confronted with biting winter cold, and the perfect addition to classic cocktails. And whether it's Indian whisky brands that are easy on the wallet or the pricier single malt Scotch whiskies in the market, India consumes the intoxicating liquid with equal ease and zest.
So it only stands to reason, that we talk about your most solid options, when you're on the hunt for the best whisky in India. The funny thing is, the list of the best whisky brands in India seems to be just as varied, as the aficionados themselves. We have names from both ends of the budget spectrum, and the choices one is greeted with while buying whisky in India, seem to only grow as more time passes. So for all your alcohol intents and purposes, we've rounded up the 30 best whisky brands in India, under one comprehensive blog. Let"s scroll!
1. Dewars 18
Price of Dewars 18 in India
Rs. 8,500 for 750 ml. (18 Years Old)
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of Dewars 18
40% ABV
Category
Blended Scotch Whisky
Image Courtesy - Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery
Smooth in taste, and super easy to sip on, Dewar's 18 is for the moments when the mood for indulgence strikes. One of the top-rated whiskies in India, Dewar's iconic 18-year-old drink is an excellent blended scotch, with a creamy finish, and a subtle smokiness that seems to roll off the tongue. It won the gold medal at the 2012 International Wine & Spirits Competition, which bears testimony to why it snags the top position on most lists of the best whisky brands in India.
2. Black Dog Reserve
Price of Black Dog in India
Rs. 7800 for 750 ml. (18 Years Old)
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of Black Dog
42.8% ABV
Category
Blended Scotch Whisky
Image Courtesy - SodaMonk
One of the best whiskies in India with a stellar reputation and a remarkable taste, Black Dog Reserve is an aged and rare liquid with an unusually smooth blend of malt and grain whiskies from Scotland. The amber liquid carries a beautiful aroma of matured wood, and a pronounced rich malt taste, coupled with sherry sweetness. You get a bouquet of the flavours of Scotland in a bottle when you zero in on Black Dog Reserve as your choice of poison.
3. Glenkinchie 12
Price of Glenkinchiein India
Rs 6,780 for 750 ml. (12 Years Old)
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of Glenkinchie 12
43% ABV
Category
Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Image Courtesy - Malt Whisky
A notable name within the category of single malt scotch whisky, Glenkinchie 12-year-old carries an assortment of delectable cereal, green apple, lemon and sweet honey flavoured notes. If you have a preference for lighter liquids, this is one of the smoothest whiskies you will come across. Distilled in the lowland region of Scotland, this sophisticated single malt makes for an excellent pre-dinner glass.
4. Glenmorangie 10-Year Original
Price of Glenmorangie 10-Year Original whiskey in India
Rs. 6,577 for 750 ml. (10 Years Old)
Alcohol By Volume Percentage of The Glenmorangie 10-Year Original
43% ABV
Category
Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Image Courtesy - Reddit
An exceptional single malt scotch whisky hailing from the Glenmorangie Highland distillery in North Scotland, this one is an absolute value for money. It's a mature spirit capable of delighting even the most demanding of whisky enthusiasts, that's soft, mellow and immensely creamy to taste. It carries pleasant spicy notes, and the medium-bodied whisky is clean and well-balanced. At this price, it stands undefeated as a must-mention under the top 10 whisky brands in India.
5. Glenfiddich 12
Price of Glenfiddich 12 whiskey in India
Rs. 5,860 for 750 ml. (12 Years Old)
Alcohol By Volume Percentage of The Glenfiddich 12
40% ABV
Category
Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Image Courtesy - Third Base Market & Spirits
Aged carefully for a dozen years in new oak barrels made from either Spanish or American wood, this is a fine single malt scotch whisky with quite a reputation preceding the name. Not just one of the most-selling whisky brands in India, but a best-selling name all over the world, Glenfiddich 12-year-old is immensely smooth, with a refreshingly sweet and fruity essence. This is one of those classic whisky brands you're likely to encounter the iconic green bottle of, at practically every bar you visit.
6. The Glenlivet
Price of The Glenlivet 12whiskey in India
Rs. 5,656 for 750 ml. (12 Years Old)
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of The Glenlivet
40% ABV
Category
Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Image Courtesy - Man Of Many
The best-selling single malt whisky in the United States, and undoubtedly one of the most famous whisky brands in India, The Glenlivet 12-year-old boasts of a soft, smooth balance of sweet summer fruits and fresh floral notes. This is one of the most popular single malt whiskies across the world, and the Glenlivet distillery is famous for being the first officially licensed whisky distillery in Scotland, and thus in a way, starting it all. The charming flavours of oak, apple juice, vanilla and honey will engulf your senses as you take a sip from one of the best whisky brands in India as well as the globe.
7. Ballantine's 12-Year
Price of Ballantine's 12-Year in India
Rs. 5,650 for 750 ml.
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of Ballantine's 12-Year
40% ABV
Category
Blended Scotch Whisky
Image Courtesy - Desertcart
A beautiful blend of cherry-picked single malt and grain whiskies, Ballentine's is a rich, complex yet smooth-tasting whisky that's aged for 12 years. Defined by toffee, honey and creamy notes, you get this famous whisky in a traditional square bottle. A sniff at what we'd easily classify as one of the most premier and best blended whiskies in India, greets your nose with the sweet aroma of honey, oak and pleasant vanilla.
8. Talisker 10
Price of Talisker 10 whiskey in India
Rs. 5,610 for 750 ml. (10 Years Old)
Alcohol By Volume Percentage of Talisker 10
45.8% ABV
Category
Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Image Courtesy - Reddit
Brimming with subtle red fruit flavours after being aged in American oak casks that previously contained port, Talisker 10 boasts of a sweet and peat palate with hints of rocky flavours. It's a complex whisky that frequently gets pitted under the best whisky brands in India, owing to its intricate aromas and complex notes, as well as the warming, citrusy and peppery finish. It's one of those highly revered single malt whiskies you have to absolutely try as a whisky enthusiast!
9. Jack Daniel’s Old No.7
Price of Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 in India
Rs. 4,590 for 750 ml.
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7
40% ABV
Category
Tennessee Whisky
Image Courtesy - Loyalty Liquors
Now, this is indisputably one of the best whisky brands available in the market, that doesn't really need an introduction, right? Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whisky is perhaps one of the most famous whiskies in both the world of alcohol as well as pop culture, and one sip of this sweet and smooth whisky later you will understand why. The iconic whisky brand has been awarded around 7 gold medals as an ode to its quality and distinct taste, packed with butterscotch notes and a long toasted oak finish.
10. Jim Beam Bourbon Black
Price of Jim Beam Black in India
Rs. 4,323 for 750 ml.
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of Jim Beam Black
40% ABV
Category
Bourbon Whisky
Image Courtesy - Thirty One Whiskey
The fact that Jim Beam Black has been rated the No.1 bourbon in the world, bears testimony to why it deserves a spot in this list of the best whisky brands in India. With a refined taste of caramel, vanilla and corn, this extra-aged bourbon carries a full-bodied flavour, packed with complex hints of warm oaky notes.
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11. Monkey Shoulder
Price of Monkey Shoulder whiskey in India
Rs. 3,990 (Approx.) for 700 ml.
Alcohol By Volume Percentage of Monkey Shoulder
40 to 43 % ABV
Category
Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Image Courtesy - Habersham Beverage
Monkey Shoulder is an iconic mix of different single malt whiskies from three of the finest Speyside distilleries, namely Kininvie, Balvenie, and Glenfiddich, married together to produce a rich flavour and smooth consistency. It's arguably one of the easiest scotch whiskies to drink, with a sweet caramel flavour, and distinct orange zest and vanilla notes. One of the best whisky brands in India, Monkey Shoulder bridges the gap between fun and premium whiskies effortlessly, and the amusing name actually has a history of its own! The name stands for an injury that maltmen engaged in hand turning barley with mainly their dominant hand would end up with, which is basically their shoulder drooping on one side.
12. Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky
Price of Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky in India
Rs. 3,286 for 750 ml.
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky
50% ABV
Category
Indian Single Malt Whisky
Image Courtesy - Third Base Market & Spirits
Manufactured by Bengaluru's Amrut Distilleries with locally grown barley from North-West India, this liquor was the first-ever single malt whisky to be made in India. This single malt whisky is aged in a New American Oak and ex-Bourbon barrel before bottling, and a glass of the liquor comes with a malty, biscuity and nutty taste and some hints of fruit and malt. There are a bunch of variants in the category of whiskies produced by Amrut but the fusion single malt falls under the more popular and famous ones. In 2010 Amrut was listed as the world's third finest whisky by none other than whisky connoisseur Jim Murray in his renowned Whisky Bible!
13. Chivas Regal 12 Years
Price of Chivas Regal 12 Years in India
Rs. 3,280 (Approx.) for 1 l.
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of Chivas Regal 12 Years
40% ABV
Category
Blended Scotch Whisky
Image Courtesy - The Pot Still Whiskey Blog
Crafted from a unique blend of the finest malt and grain whiskies, each matured for a minimum period of 12 years, Chivas Regal is an iconic whisky brand that's continually touted amongst the best whiskies in India. It carries a rich and fruity taste with generous flavours, and luxurious notes of honey, vanilla and ripe apple.
14. Jameson
Price of Jameson in India
Rs. 3059 for 750 ml.
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of Jameson
40% ABV
Category
Irish Whiskey
Image Courtesy - Jameson Irish Whiskey
This one of a kind whisky deserves a spot in every list of the best whisky brands in India, owing to its world-famous Irish blend alone. This crisp whisky comes with a beautiful golden honey hue, along with a smooth and quality taste, triple distilled to perfection. The popularity of Jameson Irish Whiskey has stood the test of time, and the exceptional balance of spicy, nutty and vanilla tones, topped off with a mellow finish that will greet you at every sip, more than proves why.
15. Johnnie Walker Red Label
Price of Johnnie Walker Red Label in India
Rs. 2,830 for 750 ml.
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of Johnnie Walker Red Label
40% ABV
Category
Blended Scotch Whisky
Image Courtesy - Thirty One Whiskey
Definitely one of the most popular whisky brands in India, this is a name every whisky enthusiast in the country is well-familiar with. Of all the variants produced by Johnnie Walker, the red label is by far the most affordable quality scotch one can get their hands on. With a sweet and spicy flavour and a vibrant smoky taste, this blend brings together remarkable light whiskies from Scotland's East Coast, and more peaty liquids from the West, giving rise to a complex depth of flavour.
16. Black & White
Price of Black & White Whisky in India
Rs. 2,040 for 750 ml.
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of Black & White Whisky
40% ABV
Category
Blended Scotch Whisky
Image Courtesy - The Drammar's Notes Tumblr
A famous blend of fine malt whiskies, and a higher proportion of quality grain whiskies, this is an outstanding option amongst reasonably priced whisky brands in India. The classic blend tastes of sugary dried fruit, with notes of young oak, vanilla, caramel and refreshing lemon. Inspiration for the trademark symbol on the bottle was supposedly derived by creator James Buchanan on his way back from a dog show!
17. Seagrams 100 Pipers Deluxe
Price of 100 Pipers Deluxein India
Rs. 2,040 for 750 ml.
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of 100 Pipers Deluxe
42.8% ABV
Category
Blended Scotch Whisky
Image Courtesy - 100 Pipers
One of the most trusted whiskies in India, Seagram's 100 Pipers is a smooth blended scotch whisky with gentle smoky notes. It comes bearing an enticing fruity and woody aroma along with a mellow mix of a fruity and smoky taste. It's a fine, full-flavoured blended Scotch that falls in the reasonably-priced category of whisky brands in India.
18. Teacher's Highland Cream
Price of Teacher's Highland Creamin India
Rs. 2,030 for 750 ml.
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of Teacher's Highland Cream
40% ABV
Category
Blended Scotch Whisky
Image Courtesy - Youtube
A go-to regular drinking whisky for a legion of loyal fans, Teacher's Highland Cream makes for a great summer drink. It boasts of a careful blend of more than 30 whiskies including both malt and grain varieties. The spirit carries a rich smoky undertone, along with remarkable smoothness and depth of flavour, all of which at the price it's placed at, makes Teacher's Highland Cream a worthy candidate as one of the best whisky brands in India.
19. Vat 69
Price of Vat 69in India
Rs. 1,856 for 750 ml.
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of Vat 69
40% ABV
Category
Blended Scotch Whisky
Image Courtesy - magicpin
A simple, pleasant blended Scotch, Vat 69 has a recipe comprising of some 40 malt and grain whiskies. It's a well-balanced whisky with a distinct sweetness of Vanilla, that also has a rich heritage behind it. It's one of the most popular blended scotch whiskies consumed by Indians, perhaps due to its reasonable pricing mixed in with its special smoothness as a whisky.
20. McDowell's No.1 Platinum
Price of McDowell's No.1 Platinumin India
Rs. 1,856 for 750 ml.
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of McDowell's No.1 Platinum
40% ABV
Category
Blended Indian Whisky
Image Courtesy - The Drinks Business
Mc Dowell's is a premium grain-based whisky brand, that's also one of the most relied upon choices for Indian whisky enthusiasts. The Platinum whisky is crafted to deliver a refined taste along with a smooth whisky experience to consumers with tighter budgets, and it's made from a blend of Indian spirit and thoughtfully selected scotches.
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21. Blender's Pride
Price of Blender's Pride in India
Rs. 1,450 for 750 ml.
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of Blender's Pride
42.8% ABV
Category
Blended Indian Whisky
Image Courtesy - DEU
Blender's Pride comes with an impressive fruity smoothness, that's a rare find at such a pocket-friendly price. Perhaps that's the reason it continues to be one of the most popular whisky brands in India. This whisky is a blend of select Indian grain spirits thrown in with imported Scotch malts.
22. Royal Challenge
Price of Royal Challengein India
Rs. 974 for 750 ml.
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of Royal Challenge
40% ABV
Category
Indian Whisky
Image Courtesy - Youtube
A grain-based whisky blended with Scotch and Indian malts, Royal Challenge is famous across the country because of its distinct taste and character. It comes with an immensely smooth texture and a bold mixture of flavours.
23. Royal Stag
Price of Royal Stag in India
Rs. 974 for 750 ml.
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of Royal Stag
42.8% ABV
Category
Blended Indian Whisky
Image Courtesy - Photoshelter
The best-selling Pernod Ricard whisky brand by volume, Royal Stag is a blend of imported Scotch malts and chosen Indian grain spirits. This medium-bodied whisky is famous for its remarkable malty-flavour within a highly reasonable price bracket. The spirit feels smooth in the mouth and leaves behind a pleasant smoky aftertaste.
24. Imperial Blue
Price of Imperial Bluein India
Rs. 672 for 750 ml.
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of Imperial Blue
42.8% ABV
Category
Blended Indian Whisky
Image Courtesy - Behance
Famously known as IB by Indians, this is one of the most premium affordable whisky brands in India. A blend of Indian grain spirits and imported Scotch malts, Seagram's Imperial Blue has quickly risen as one of the leading whiskies in India, and a name trusted by several frequent drinkers. The second-largest brand in the value segment, IB is light-bodied and easy to guzzle down, ask any college student in the country!
25. Director's Special
Price of Director's Special in India
Rs. 555 for 750 ml.
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of Director's Special
42.8% ABV
Category
Blended Indian Whisky
Image Courtesy - Pinterest
A must-mention in the economy whisky segment, Director's Special has been around for several decades. This whisky brand is cheap and widely accessible, and the blend comprises of high proportions of molasses-based spirits and a smaller quantity of malt whisky.
26. Bagpiper
Price of Bagpiper in India
Rs. 374 for 750 ml.
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of Bagpiper
42.8% ABV
Category
Blended Indian Whisky
Image Courtesy - The Courier
One of the most famous whisky brands in India owing largely to its iconic advertising slogan, Bagpiper is one of the oldest domestic whisky brands in the country. The spirit has a light malty aroma with hints of pleasant earthiness.
27. 8 PM
Price of 8 PM in India
Rs. 374 for 750 ml.
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of 8 PM
42.8% ABV
Category
Blended Indian Whisky
Image Courtesy - Oaks & Corks
A flagship whisky brand of Radico Khaitan, the name 8 PM denotes the time for retiring with a drink in your hand with a few friends by your side. It's one of the most budget-friendly whisky brands in India and has received several accolades including a place in the Limca Book of World Records after selling 1 million cases in its very first year.
28. Officer's Choice
Price of Officer's Choicein India
Rs. 363 for 750 ml.
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of Officer's Choice
42.8% ABV
Category
Blended Indian Whisky
Image Courtesy - Youtube
Considered to be one of the largest spirit brands in the world, Officer's Choice or more commonly known as OC in the country, is one of the most popular Indian blended whiskies. Due to its affordability and unexpected smoothness at this price, Officer's Choice is a frequent-mention under the most consumed whisky brands in India.
29. Old Tavern
Price of Old Tavernin India
Rs. 308 for 750 ml.
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of Old Tavern
42.8% ABV
Category
Blended Indian Whisky
Image Courtesy - Gossip Wires
A blend of Scotch malts, Indian grain whiskies and Indian neutral spirits, Old Tavern is produced by United Spirits Ltd. Especially in the Northern regions of the country like the state of Uttar Pradesh, Old Tavern is a very commonly consumed and trusted whisky brand.
30. Original Choice
Price of Original Choice in India
Rs. 233 for 750 ml.
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of Original Choice
42.8% ABV
Category
Blended Indian Whisky
Image Courtesy - The Spirits Business
This immensely successful local whisky brand is the 5th largest selling whisky in the world. It's produced by Goa-based John Distilleries, and the spirit gets you a decent balance of distinct flavours at an immensely wallet-friendly price.
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