Enjoy Indian-made whiskies for full-bodied flavour on the nose and palate. From Assam and the North-East to the North, these whisky-makers offer something for everyone. Here’s a quick list of what to sip this World Whisk(e)y Day.

Indian whisky lovers, rejoice. Research indicates that the Indian whisk(e)y industry is set to grow from US$ 19.16 billion in 2024 to an estimated US$ 48.65 billion by 2030. The premiumization trend is driving demand, with Indian whiskies leading the charge, offering availability and flavours tailored to local palates. 

Infamous Northeast Rebel Double Barrel Whisky

Infamous Northeast Rebel Double Barrel Whisky

Crafted for Whisky connoisseurs who crave something unconventional, Infamous Northeast Rebel Double Barrel Whisky creates a rebellious yet refined drinking experience. This daring whisky rule-breaker is born of rare malt and grain Scotch from the Scottish highlands, celebrating tradition, further matured in a rebellious manner with copper-pot-distilled Indian single malts from Jammu's hills and continuous-column-distilled corn and rice whiskies from North East India's elevated regions. This makes it the world’s first whisky to mature Scotch malts further, in famous Tennessee whisky casks that shape its bold yet silky smooth taste to create a truly World Whisky experience unlike any other.

Infamous is inspired by the rebellious spirit of Northeast India (often known as the  ‘Wild Wild East’), and the design reflects both the local soul and global style.  The visual identity is raw, edgy, and rooted in cultural authenticity, making it a standout on the shelf and in the glass. Infamous is a key milestone in the brand's mission to create “local-yet-global” spirits. With a clear vision to redefine Indian whisky on the world stage, the brand plans to introduce more inventive blends, unique mashes, and meaningful collaborations that push the boundaries of tradition.

Tasting Notes:

Colour and Body: Deep golden hue with a medium oily texture

Nose: Fruity with a burst of berries, underpinned by hints of nuts and dates

Palate: Sweet and full-bodied, a rich mouthfeel with notes of cranberries

Finish: Long and satisfying, leaving a lasting impression

Availability: Assam; Price: MRP ₹2,500.

Castle Hill Dark Knight Small Batch Whiskey

Castle Hill Dark Knight Small Batch Whiskey

The journey of Dark Knight Whiskey exploration continued with John McDougall (a titan in the world of alcohol beverages), by setting a maturation unit on site in Assam wherein they began maturing fresh malts and their own grain spirits made from broken rice and locally sourced corn. Through the compounding of knowledge Castle Hill Dark Knight Small Batch Whiskey (two years) was launched in 2019, and later in 2021, the four-year small batch Whiskey was launched. Broken in 5 stages based on the tenets of “American tradition of Whiskey and Bourbon” Craftsmanship, the Castle Hill Dark Knight Whiskey is processed through fermentation of the mash(which is 51% locally sourced maize), which is then distilled and further processed by charcoal filtration and matured in charred new American Oakwood casks for two years and four years  respectively. 

Tasting Notes:

On the Palate: The Dark Knight Whiskey has a rich deep gold colour with good oiliness. It has Fruity notes with the hint of Blackberries and Coffee on the nose. The Dark Knight Whiskey has a rounded, well balanced and complex sweet and slightly spicy taste with a satisfying finish and a long aftertaste.

 Availability: Assam; Price - Castle Hill Dark Knight Whiskey - aged two years - MRP ₹1,200. Castle Hill Dark Knight Whiskey - aged 4 years - MRP ₹1,550.

SOORAHI

SOORAHI Whisky

SOORAHI, as a brand, has been earmarked for the well-heeled patron who craves meaningful indulgences. It is a pairing of two Hindi words “soo” meaning good, and “rahi” meaning traveller, connoting the era of discovery and travel that the Indian alcohol beverage space has experienced in the last few years. This spirit is reflected in its design and packaging as well, which sports visual elements such as a compass and North Star, indicating guidance and ambition. Each sip takes you on a journey, evoking moments of adventure, discovery and pure indulgence.

Tasting Notes:

Colour: A lovely amber gold hue, reminiscent of sunset-lit horizons.

On the Nose: A warm embrace of vanilla and malt, intertwined with butterscotch, sherry, marmalade, oak and a subtle touch of smoke.

On the Palate: An explosion of flavours—rich and smooth with vibrant oaky notes, toffee caramel sweetness, dried fruits and a delicate whisper of sherry and smoke.

Finish: A long, dry conclusion with lingering notes of oak, malt, vanilla and a smoky depth.

Availability: Delhi and Punjab; Price: ₹1,700 (Delhi) and  ₹1,500 (Punjab).

55 North

55°NORTH Whisky

55°NORTH Whisky is named after the 55th Parallel North, a latitude known for its rugged beauty, of different Whisky regions. This premium whisky is a tribute to the boldness and untamed spirit of the region, and is crafted from top-notch Fine Grain Spirit and Matured Indian Malt, expertly blended with three differently-aged Scotch Malts Whiskies to deliver a rich tapestry of complex flavours.

Tasting Notes:

On the Nose: Bold smoky peat, sweet malt, caramel, honey, and dried orchard fruits with toasted oak and vanilla.

On the Palate: Full-bodied, with honey, oak spice, dark chocolate, and dried figs, balanced by bright citrus zest.

Finish: Long, warm, with lingering malt, oak, spice, and a hint of mineral, reminiscent of the Scottish coast.

Availability: Delhi; Price: MRP ₹800.