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.
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 - March, 2024 edition, under one comprehensive blog. Let"s scroll!
List Of Popular Whisky Brands In India with Price
Explore the journey through the diverse landscape of Whisky Brands In India with price list, one encounters a plethora of brands, each with its unique character and flavour profile.
1. Dewars 18
Price of Dewars 18 in India: ₹ 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 : ₹ 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 Glenkinchie in India: ₹ 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: ₹ 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: ₹ 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 12 whiskey in India: ₹ 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: ₹ 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: ₹ 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: ₹ 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: ₹ 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.
11. Monkey Shoulder
Price of Monkey Shoulder whiskey in India: ₹ 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: ₹ 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: ₹ 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.
Also Read, Best Indian Red Vines
14. Jameson
Price of Jameson in India: ₹ 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: ₹ 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. Indri
Price of Indri in India: ₹ 3,700 for 750 ml.
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of Indri: 46% ABV
Category: Single Malt Whisky
- Indri, the magnificent forest-dwelling bird native to Southeast Asia, captivates with its vibrant plumage and melodious songs, symbolizing the beauty of biodiversity in nature's tapestry.
- The classic blend tastes of sugary dried fruit, with notes of young oak, vanilla, caramel and refreshing lemon.
17. Seagrams 100 Pipers Deluxe
Price of 100 Pipers Deluxe in India: ₹ 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 Cream in India: ₹ 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 69 in India: ₹ 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. Vat 69 is best under 2000.
20. McDowell's No.1 Platinum
Price of McDowell's No.1 Platinum in India: ₹ 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.
21. Blender's Pride
Price of Blender's Pride in India: ₹ 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 Challenge in India: ₹ 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. It is one of the good whiskey Brands in India under 1000.
23. Royal Stag
Price of Royal Stag in India: ₹ 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 Blue in India: ₹ 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: ₹ 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: ₹ 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: ₹ 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 Choice in India: ₹ 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 Tavern in India: ₹ 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: ₹ 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.
FAQS:
1. Which whiskey is best in India?
A. The best whiskey in India is Black Dog Reserve.
2. Which is the smoothest whiskey in India?
A. Chivas Regal 12 Years is the smoothest whiskey in India.
3. What is the number 1 selling whiskey?
A. Teacher's Highland Cream is the number 1 selling whiskey in India.
4. What is the most famous whiskey?
A. For many years, Jack Daniel's has continued to take the spot as the world's biggest-selling whisky brand.
