Indian Single Malts Could Turn the Table on Scotch
The world’s largest whisky market is now producing some mighty fine tipples of its own.
Climbing up the value ladder.
Photographer: Photograph courtesy of Diageo IndiaWhen I was growing up in India in the 1970s and 80s, the idea that the country would one day compete with Scotland’s finest export was unthinkable. And yet, a few weeks ago an Indian malt whisky, Indri Diwali Collectors Edition 2023, was named best in show at the Whiskies of the World Awards, beating out competition from better known brands of scotch — as well as American bourbon and single malts from several other countries.
And it’s not a one-off, either. In little over a decade, several brands from India have made their way onto the shelves of liquor stores all over the world, sharing counter space with whiskies of long renown that, only half a generation ago, were beyond the reach of most Indians.