TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Indian Spirit Types
This strong Indian spirit is made with second or third distillation of the cashew fruit. Although there are two types of feni—one distilled from cashew fruit and one from fermented toddy of the coconut palm—cashew variety is praised for its quality and has also been awarded Geographical Indication, which specifies that it can only be produced in Goa.
Cashew feni is a potent, fruity spirit that has a distinctive, subtly sweet aroma with hints of citrus and tropical fruit. Although it is traditionally enjoyed as a shot, to get used to its acquired taste it is best to incorporate it into lemon-based long drinks.
Arrack is a generic term used for a variety of distilled spirits that are often unrelated and can be made from different ingredients. They are found throughout East Indies—predominantly India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
The two dominant varieties include Ceylon arrack that is distilled from fermented juice of the coconut palm and Batavian arrack that is made from molasses. The origin of arrack is vague, and though it cannot be precisely stated when and where it was exactly invented, some of the oldest references date back to the 15th century.
VARIATIONS OF Arrack
Mahua is a traditional drink that is often dubbed as country liquor. It is produced from the flowers of Madhuca longifolia, which is better known as mahua. The drink originated among the Adivasi—different ethnic groups who are considered native to the Indian subcontinent.
The drink is distilled from dried mahua flowers that are fermented together with sugar. Because of different ingredients and various preparation techniques, the resulting drink can vary in character, but it is typically clear and colorless, with an alcohol content ranging from 5 to quite potent 25% ABV.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Indian Spirit Producers
Godawan is a craft single malt whisky from Rajasthan, India, produced by Diageo India. The name "Godawan" is derived from the Great Indian Bustard, a critically endangered bird that holds a special place in Rajasthan's culture. Diageo India, also known as United Spirits Limited (USL), is one of the leading alcoholic beverage companies in India.
Founded in 1826 as McDowell and Company, it became part of the Diageo Group in 2013. Today, Diageo India is headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and is listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Recently, the company has focused on a strategy of "premiumization," emphasizing higher-quality and value-driven products.
AWARDS
Crystal Taste Award - 3 stars
2025
London Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
BEST Godawan Spirits
AWARDS
World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2022, 2021
BEST Nao Spirits and Beverages Spirits
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
BEST Greater Than Spirits
Amrut Distilleries, founded in 1948 and based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, is a pioneering Indian spirits producer. Renowned for introducing India's first single malt whisky, Amrut Indian Single Malt, in 2004, the company has gained international acclaim for its innovation and quality.
Amrut sources indigenous six-row barley and employs traditional distilling methods to craft a diverse range of products, including single malts, rum, brandy, and blended whiskies, earning global recognition as a leader in the Indian spirits industry.
AWARDS
Bartender Spirits Awards - Double Gold
2023, 2022
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024, 2020
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
BEST Amrut Distilleries Spirits
Radico Khaitan Limited, formerly known as Rampur Distillery, is one of India's oldest and largest manufacturers of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL). Established in 1943, the company has evolved from being a major bulk spirits supplier to becoming a prominent name in the Indian spirits industry.
The company's leadership includes Dr. Lalit Khaitan, serving as Chairman and Managing Director, and Abhishek Khaitan as Managing Director. Under their guidance, Radico Khaitan has emphasized innovation, research and development, and a deep understanding of consumer preferences, contributing to its sustained growth and prominence in the industry.
AWARDS
The Gin Masters – Second Tasting - Gold
2022
The World Whiskey Masters - Gold
2022
London Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
BEST Radico Khaitan Spirits
AWARDS
The Vodka Masters - Gold
2023
The Asian Spirits Masters - Gold
2022
The Gin Masters - Gold
2022
BEST Third Eye Distillery Spirits
Indri is an Indian single malt whisky produced by Piccadily Distilleries, known for its premium quality and crafted in Indri, Haryana. The distillery uses local six-row barley sourced from Rajasthan and traditional copper pot stills for distillation.
Their flagship product, Indri-Trini, is matured in three types of casks: ex-bourbon, ex-French wine, and ex-Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, creating a rich and complex flavor profile.
AWARDS
The World Whiskey Masters - Gold
2023, 2022
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Gold
2024, 2023
BEST Indri Spirits
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Indian Spirits
Godawan Single Malt Rich and Rounded is an artisanal whisky from Rajasthan, India, produced by Diageo India. This series, also known as Series 01, matures in Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry casks, with a portion of the whisky additionally aged in barrels infused with exotic Indian botanicals such as Rasna and Jatamansi.
This unique process results in rich aromas of dried fruits, cherry, licorice, and spices, with notes of brown sugar, malt, and leather. According to a review by Whisky Advocate, this whisky features pronounced aromas of figs, raisins, cola, and cherries, while on the palate, it delivers flavors of dried fruits, black cherry, and spices.
AWARDS
Crystal Taste Award - 3 stars
2025
London Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
AWARDS
World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2022, 2021
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
AWARDS
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
Godawan Century is a limited-edition artisanal single malt whisky produced by Diageo India. This edition, also known as Godawan 100, was launched in May 2023 in a series of only 100 bottles to celebrate the brand's first anniversary and to honor the Great Indian Bustard, locally known as "Godawan." Godawan Century gained international recognition by winning the title of Best Single Malt Whisky at the London Spirits Competition 2024, with an impressive score of 96 points.
According to the judges, this whisky features pronounced tropical notes, a light body, and a short finish, with a sweet palate showcasing flavors of caramel, charcoal, cinnamon, and anise, leading to a long, dry finish.
AWARDS
London Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
Godawan Single Malt Fruit and Spice is an artisanal whisky from Rajasthan, India, produced by Diageo India. This series, also known as Series 02, matures in cherry wood casks and finishes in barrels infused with exotic Indian botanicals, resulting in a rich and smooth flavor.
According to a review by Whisky Advocate, this whisky features aromas of soft stone and orchard fruits, floral notes, orange blossom water, and kumquat, with creamy undertones enriched by nutmeg and cinnamon. On the palate, it delivers flavors of raspberry, watermelon, cherry, spiced candies, along with apple, pear, yellow plum, and red gooseberry.
AWARDS
London Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
AWARDS
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2020
AWARDS
World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2022
AWARDS
World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2022
AWARDS
Crystal Taste Award - 3 stars
2023
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